Florida Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer

At ROSELLI McNELIS, our attorneys are highly experienced in handling cruise ship accident cases, understanding the intricate details of maritime law, and navigating the specific legal challenges that apply to cruise ship accidents. With Boca Raton and South Florida being prime departure points for cruise vacations, it’s essential for residents and tourists alike to understand their legal rights when it comes to injuries or accidents that occur on board cruise ships.

Understanding Maritime Law and Cruise Ship Accidents

Cruise ship accidents fall under maritime law, which is different from regular personal injury law. Maritime law has general applications, but there are additional specific laws and requirements that pertain solely to cruise ships. These differences can significantly impact how and when a claim must be filed.

One of the key distinctions is the Statute of Limitations. While the general statute for maritime law is three years, this can be shortened by contracts such as those printed on passenger tickets. Most cruise lines include special clauses on their tickets that shorten the statute of limitations to just one year. This means that if a passenger is injured on a cruise ship, they typically have just one year to file a claim against the cruise line, or they may lose the opportunity to seek compensation.

Forum Selection Clause

Another provision commonly found on cruise tickets is the forum selection clause. This clause designates the specific jurisdiction where any lawsuit must be filed. For example, many of the major cruise lines that operate from South Florida, including Boca Raton and surrounding areas, designate Miami-Dade County as the jurisdiction for legal disputes. This means that regardless of where the passenger is from or where the incident occurred, they will be required to bring their legal claim in Miami.

At ROSELLI ♦ McNELIS, we are well-versed in these specific provisions and can guide clients through the complexities of dealing with forum selection clauses. Whether you are a South Florida resident or someone injured while visiting from another state or country, our legal team can ensure your claim is filed in the correct jurisdiction and within the shortened statute of limitations.

Common Types of Cruise Ship Accidents

Cruise ship accidents are not uncommon and can occur in various ways. Some of the most common types of incidents include:

1. Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet decks, poor lighting, or poorly maintained walkways can lead to serious injuries from slips and falls.
2. Food Poisoning: Foodborne illnesses, including outbreaks of norovirus, are common aboard cruise ships.
3. Shore Excursion Accidents: Injuries sustained during off-ship activities such as snorkeling, diving, or bus tours may still fall under the responsibility of the cruise line, depending on the circumstances.
4. Medical Negligence: Cruise ship medical facilities are often limited, and the standard of care may not be up to par. Inadequate medical care provided on board can lead to further complications.
5. Overboard Incidents: While rare, falling overboard can occur due to poor railing design or insufficient safety measures.
6. Sexual Assault or Physical Assault: Unfortunately, assaults can happen aboard cruise ships. These cases may involve other passengers or crew members, and cruise lines have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of their passengers.

Our attorneys at ROSELLI ♦ McNELIS have successfully represented clients in all types of cruise ship accidents, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

The Foreign Flag Complication

One of the complexities of cruise ship accident cases is that most cruise ships are registered under foreign flags. This means that, technically, the laws of the country in which the cruise ship is registered could apply to the case. Countries like Panama, the Bahamas, and Liberia are popular choices for cruise ship registrations. These foreign registrations can make litigation more challenging, but our team is experienced in navigating these complexities to ensure our clients’ rights are protected under both U.S. maritime law and any applicable international laws.

Seeking Compensation for Cruise Ship Injuries

Injuries sustained aboard a cruise ship can have long-lasting physical and financial consequences. Compensation for cruise ship injuries typically includes coverage for:

• Medical expenses: Costs related to treatment for injuries sustained on the cruise.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injury or recovery.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Future medical care: In cases of serious or permanent injury, compensation for ongoing medical treatment may be necessary.

With offices conveniently located in Boca Raton and South Florida, we are uniquely positioned to serve clients who may have been injured on cruises departing from ports such as Port Everglades, PortMiami, or while cruising around the Caribbean.

Why Choose ROSELLI ♦ McNELIS?

At ROSELLI ♦ McNELIS, we are not just personal injury attorneys; we are advocates for those who have suffered due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. With decades of experience handling complex maritime and cruise ship cases, we understand the intricacies of maritime law and how to navigate the challenges posed by cruise lines, international regulations, and forum selection clauses.

• Extensive Experience: We have successfully handled numerous cruise ship accident cases, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they are entitled to.
• Dedicated Team: Our attorneys, led by Richard J. Roselli, bring over 25 years of legal expertise to every case.
• Client-Centered Approach: We understand how overwhelming a cruise ship injury can be, especially when it involves an unfamiliar legal landscape. Our compassionate and dedicated team is committed to helping clients every step of the way.

Cruise ship vacations should be a time for relaxation and adventure, but when accidents happen, the consequences can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in a cruise ship accident, it’s essential to act quickly due to the shortened statute of limitations and other complexities involved in maritime law. Our experienced attorneys at ROSELLI ♦ McNELIS, serving Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and South Florida, are here to help you navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights and ensure your recovery.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Cruise Ship Accident,contact us so that we can evaluate your case and recover all of the financial support and compensation required for a lifetime.