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Cruise Lawyers
Cruise Lawyers – Injury or Accident on a Cruise Ship? We’re Here to Help
If you were injured during a cruise vacation, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether your accident occurred aboard a ship, during an excursion, or at a cruise terminal, our cruise lawyers have experience handling cases involving major cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian (NCL), Celebrity, and Disney Cruise Line. These claims can be complicated, with strict time limits and fine print in the passenger ticket contract that may limit where and how you can file a lawsuit.
At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we’ve handled hundreds of claims involving cruise ship injuries, onboard negligence, assaults, excursion accidents, and even wrongful deaths at sea. Call us at 800-337-7755 or chat with us online today for a free consultation. You won’t pay any fees or costs unless we win or settle your case.
Do I Have a Cruise Injury Claim?
Not all injuries on cruise ships lead to valid legal claims — but many do. Cruise lines owe a duty of reasonable care to their passengers. If they failed to maintain a safe environment, didn’t properly train staff, or hired negligent third-party excursion operators, they may be held responsible.
You may have a claim if:
- You slipped and fell due to wet or poorly maintained floors
- You were assaulted by a crew member or passenger
- You were injured during a shore excursion or onboard activity
- You became seriously ill due to unsanitary conditions or food poisoning
- You suffered medical malpractice from the ship’s doctor or medical team
- You lost a loved one due to cruise line negligence
Each case depends on the specific facts, and cruise lines often defend these claims aggressively. That’s why working with a lawyer who understands the unique legal rules of maritime law and cruise contracts is critical.
Cruise Ship Injury Cases Are Different Than Regular Injury Cases
Filing a lawsuit against a cruise line isn’t like suing a business or individual on land. Cruise injury claims are often governed by:
- Maritime law (admiralty law), which includes international and federal regulations
- Ticket contracts, which often limit where you can sue (typically Miami, FL, for Carnival and Royal Caribbean, or federal court in other districts)
- Shortened time limits, usually just 1 year to file a lawsuit (much shorter than most injury claims)
Some cruise lines even require written notice of your claim within 6 months of the incident.
Failing to follow these procedures can result in losing your right to recover, even if your case would otherwise be strong. Our cruise attorneys can guide you through these steps and make sure your claim is protected.
Cruise Lines We Handle Claims Against
We represent clients injured on nearly every major cruise line, including:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean International
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
- Disney Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
Each company has its own legal process, forum selection clauses, and defense teams. We are familiar with the procedures and litigation tactics used by these cruise lines and are prepared to fight for your rights.
Types of Cruise Ship Injury Cases We Handle
Our cruise injury lawyers are experienced with a wide variety of cases, including:
- Slip and falls on decks, in buffets, or near pools
- Broken bones from defective railings or faulty steps
- Assaults by other passengers or negligent security
- Sexual assaults involving crew members
- Medical negligence by onboard doctors or nurses
- Accidents during shore excursions or water sports
- Cruise ship disappearances or overboard cases
- Wrongful death at sea
- Elevator and escalator injuries
- Bed bug infestations in cruise cabins
- Children injured in kids’ clubs or pools
We know what evidence to collect, how to preserve it, and how to present it for maximum impact.
What Compensation Can You Get After a Cruise Injury?
Depending on the nature of your injury, you may be entitled to:
- Reimbursement for medical expenses (onboard and after returning home)
- Future medical care and therapy
- Lost income and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages (for qualifying family members)
Cruise lines and their insurers may try to settle quickly for a small amount — but once you accept, you usually can’t reopen the claim. Let our team review your case before you sign anything.
How Long Do You Have to File a Cruise Ship Injury Claim?
Most cruise tickets limit the time to file a lawsuit to 1 year from the date of the injury, and some require notice of the claim within 180 days. These deadlines are often strictly enforced by courts, even if you were still recovering or didn’t understand your rights.
If you miss these deadlines, your case may be dismissed — no matter how serious your injury is. Don’t delay speaking with a lawyer familiar with cruise ship cases.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason Turchin?
Our firm has a track record of handling cruise ship accident claims for clients across the U.S. and internationally. We’re based in Florida — the cruise capital of the world — and know the courts, judges, and procedures where these cases are often filed.
When you hire us:
- You get a free consultation with no obligation
- You pay nothing unless we win or settle your case
- You’ll work with a compassionate, experienced legal team
- We’ll handle all the legal paperwork and deal directly with the cruise line and their insurers
We’ve helped clients injured in ports across the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Mexico, and beyond.
Contact Our Cruise Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
You only have a limited time to act after a cruise injury. Don’t let the cruise line’s complex legal process stop you from getting the justice you deserve.
Call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin today at 800-337-7755 or start a live chat with our team. Our experienced cruise lawyers are here to listen, guide you, and fight for the compensation you may be entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions – Cruise Injury Claims
How long do I have to file a cruise injury claim?
Most cruise lines, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean, limit the time to file a lawsuit to one year from the date of the injury. Some also require that you notify them of your claim in writing within 6 months. These time limits are usually printed in the fine print of your cruise ticket contract and are strictly enforced. If you miss the deadline, your case may be dismissed—even if it’s strong.
Can I sue a cruise line if I was hurt during an excursion?
Possibly. If the excursion was booked through the cruise line, they may be held partially responsible for your injuries—especially if the operator was unsafe or unqualified. Even though cruise lines often claim they’re not liable for third-party excursions, courts sometimes find otherwise, particularly if the cruise line knew or should have known about dangerous conditions.
Where do I file a cruise injury lawsuit?
Many cruise contracts require that lawsuits be filed in a specific court—usually federal court in Miami, Florida, especially for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Other cruise lines may require you to file in California, Washington, or another jurisdiction. If you’re unsure where to file, our cruise lawyers can help review your ticket contract and guide you.
What happens if I was injured outside the United States?
If you were injured in a foreign port or while the ship was in international waters, maritime law and international agreements may apply. These claims can be more complex, but you may still be able to file a lawsuit in the U.S. if the cruise line is based here and your contract requires it.
Do I need a lawyer to handle a cruise injury claim?
Cruise lines have experienced legal teams and insurers who know how to defend these claims. Without a lawyer, you may face delays, low settlement offers, or even an outright denial. A cruise lawyer can handle communication with the cruise line, preserve critical evidence, and make sure your case is filed properly and on time.
Can I get compensation even if I didn’t report the injury right away?
Possibly. While it’s always best to report an injury on the ship and complete an incident report, many people don’t realize they’re seriously hurt until after returning home. If there’s medical documentation, witness statements, or evidence linking the injury to the cruise, you may still have a valid claim.
How much is my cruise injury case worth?
There’s no fixed amount. Your potential compensation depends on factors like the severity of your injury, your medical costs, how long you were out of work, and the impact on your daily life. In some cases, victims may be entitled to six-figure settlements or more, especially in cases of permanent injury, negligence, or wrongful death.