A cruise ship passenger attorney specializes in maritime law cases involving injuries that occur on cruise ships, which are governed by the laws governing cruise ships rather than state personal injury laws.
These attorneys understand the unique legal challenges cruise ship injury victims face, including shortened filing deadlines, mandatory court locations, and cruise line contract terms that severely limit passenger rights.
The Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor is dedicated to representing cruise ship passengers who have been injured at sea. Located in Long Beach at the center of the Port of Los Angeles, our maritime attorneys understand how cruise lines operate and the tactics they use to minimize passenger injury claims.
We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured passengers against major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Princess.
Why Hire a Cruise Ship Passenger Attorney at Naylor Law?
A cruise ship passenger attorney specializes in maritime law cases involving injuries on cruise ships. This means they understand the complex federal laws that govern accidents at sea, not the state laws that apply to injuries on land.
You need specialized legal help because cruise ship injury claims work entirely differently from regular accident cases. Your cruise ticket is actually a legal contract that severely limits your rights and provides you with less time to file a claim than you would have for an injury that occurred on land.
Maritime Law Complexity:
Federal maritime laws govern cruise ship accidents, requiring attorneys with specific experience in this specialized area of law and knowledge of when maritime law applies
Shortened Legal Deadlines:
Most cruise lines require written notice within six months and a lawsuit within one year, compared to 2-3 years for land-based injuries
Mandatory Court Locations:
Your ticket contract forces you to file your lawsuit in specific federal courts, usually Miami or Los Angeles
Corporate Defense Teams:
Major cruise lines employ experienced legal teams whose job is to minimize or deny passenger injury claims
At the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor, we have over 50 years of experience fighting cruise lines and their tactics. We understand how these cases work and what it takes to win fair compensation for injured passengers.
Do I Have a Case Against the Cruise Line or Excursion Operator?
You may have a valid case if your injury resulted from the cruise line’s failure to provide a reasonably safe environment. Cruise lines are “common carriers,” which means they have a higher duty of care to protect passengers than typical businesses have toward customers.
The cruise line can be held responsible for accidents that could have been prevented with proper care.
Common examples of cruise ship accidents, injuries and illness include slip-and-falls on wet decks without warning signs, food poisoning from contaminated food, assaults by crew members, inadequate medical care, and injuries during shore excursions sold by the cruise line.
| Type of Incident | When Cruise Line Is Liable | Evidence You Need |
| Slip and Fall | Cruise line knew or should have known about the dangerous condition | Photos of hazard, incident report, witness information |
| Crew Member Assault | Cruise lines are typically liable for employee actions | Security report, medical records, witness statements |
| Shore Excursion Injury | Depends on cruise line’s role in selling or controlling the excursion | Excursion tickets, promotional materials, signed waivers |
| Medical Malpractice | Cruise line responsible for onboard medical staff negligence | Ship medical records, post-cruise medical records, expert testimony |
Call 888-440-5829 for a free case evaluation to discuss whether your specific incident gives you grounds for a claim.
What Should I Do After a Cruise Ship Accident?
Understanding what to do if you are injured on a cruise ship can significantly impact the outcome of your case. You need to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights before the cruise line’s cleanup crews remove evidence.
Preserve Evidence Onboard and After Disembarkation
Take photos and videos of everything related to your accident while you’re still on the ship. Document the exact location where you were injured, any hazardous conditions like wet floors or broken equipment, and your visible injuries.
Keep any physical evidence from the accident. This includes torn clothing, damaged shoes, or any objects that contributed to your fall. These items can serve as necessary proof later.
Get contact information from anyone who witnessed your accident. Other passengers and crew members who witnessed the incident can provide crucial testimony to support your case.
Report the Incident and Document Medical Care
Report your injury to ship personnel immediately and insist they create an official incident report. The crew may try to downplay the accident or discourage you from filing a report, but this document is essential for your case.
Visit the ship’s medical center even if your injuries seem minor. Many injuries don’t show their full extent immediately, and having medical documentation from the ship creates an official record of your accident.
Request copies of all medical records and incident reports before you leave the ship. Once you disembark, obtaining these documents becomes significantly more challenging.
Avoid Signing Cruise Line Forms Before Speaking With an Attorney
Do not sign any documents presented by the cruise line without consulting an attorney first. These forms often contain language that limits your right to sue or reduces the compensation you can recover.
Be wary of offers for free future cruises, onboard credit, or small cash settlements. These offers usually come with strings attached that prevent you from seeking full compensation for your injuries.
Don’t give recorded statements to cruise line representatives. They will use anything you say to minimize their liability, even if you’re in pain or on medication.
Where Do I File and How Fast Must I Act Under My Ticket Contract?
Your cruise ticket contains legal terms that drastically limit your rights compared to typical injury cases. These contract terms are designed to protect the cruise line, not you, and failing to follow them exactly can destroy your case.
Forum Selection Clause and Venue for Cruise Ship Lawsuits
Your ticket contract includes a “forum selection clause” that dictates exactly where you must file your lawsuit. This clause is legally binding and enforceable in most cases.
Most major cruise lines require lawsuits to be filed in specific federal courts:
- Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian: Miami, Florida federal court
- Princess Cruises: Los Angeles, California federal court
- Other lines may specify different cities
This means you may have to pursue your case hundreds or thousands of miles from your home, which will add to your expenses and inconvenience.
Notice of Claim and One-Year Filing Deadline
Maritime law allows cruise lines to impose much shorter deadlines than typical injury cases. Missing these deadlines will permanently bar your claim, regardless of how strong your case might be.
Six-Month Notice Requirement: Cruise lines often require passengers to give written notice of their injury within a limited period following an accident, so it is important to review your ticket contract and act promptly.
One-Year Lawsuit Deadline: You must file your lawsuit within one year of the date of your injury
These deadlines are much shorter than the 2-3 year statute of limitations for most land-based injury cases. The cruise lines count on passengers missing these deadlines to avoid paying compensation.
Don’t risk missing these critical deadlines. Contact our cruise ship injury lawyers at 888-440-5829 immediately to protect your rights.
Who We Sue in Cruise Ship Passenger Injury Cases
While the cruise line is usually the main defendant, other parties may share responsibility for your injuries. We investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your compensation.
Depending on your case, we may file claims against multiple defendants:
- The cruise line itself for unsafe ship conditions or negligent crew training
- Shore excursion operators for dangerous tour activities
- Port authorities for unsafe terminal conditions
- Third-party vendors operating onboard services like spas or restaurants
Medical Malpractice by Ship’s Medical Staff
Cruise lines used to avoid responsibility for their doctors’ mistakes by claiming the medical staff were independent contractors. A landmark court decision now holds cruise lines accountable for medical malpractice by their onboard healthcare providers.
Common medical malpractice cases include misdiagnosing heart attacks or strokes, failing to provide adequate emergency treatment, and unreasonably delaying medical evacuations to shore-based hospitals.
Medical facilities on ships are often understaffed and lack the proper equipment for handling serious emergencies. When this inadequate care worsens your condition, the cruise line can be held responsible.
Shore Excursion and Tender Claims
Many passengers are injured during shore excursions or while riding “tender boats” that ferry passengers between the ship and ports that can’t accommodate large vessels.
If the cruise line sold, promoted, or had control over the excursion, they can often be held liable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions or negligent operators. This is true even if an independent company actually ran the tour.
Don’t assume that signing a waiver prevents you from recovering compensation. These waivers are not always enforceable, especially when gross negligence or intentional misconduct is involved.
What Compensation Can a Cruise Ship Passenger Recover?
If the cruise line’s negligence caused your injury, you have the right to seek full compensation for all your losses. Maritime law allows recovery for both economic damages and pain and suffering.
You can recover compensation for:
Medical Expenses:
All treatment costs, including future medical care related to your injury
Lost Income:
Wages you missed due to your injury and any reduction in future earning capacity
Pain and Suffering:
Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
Out-of-Pocket Costs:
Travel expenses, prescription medications, and other accident-related expenses
Wrongful Death at Sea and DOHSA Considerations
When a passenger dies more than three nautical miles from a U.S. shore, the case falls under the Death on the High Seas Act. This federal law, unfortunately, limits the compensation available to surviving family members.
DOHSA typically only allows recovery of financial losses like lost wages and support. It does not permit damages for the family’s grief or the deceased person’s pain and suffering before death.
This law often protects cruise lines at the expense of grieving families. Experienced maritime attorneys understand how to work within these limitations to maximize available compensation.
Why Choose Naylor Law for Your Cruise Ship Injury Case
Selecting a maritime law attorney is the most crucial decision you’ll make for your case. The Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor provides experienced maritime law representation with a track record of results against major cruise lines.
Los Angeles Port Advantage and National Reach With Co-Counsel
Our Long Beach office sits at the center of the Port of Los Angeles, giving us unique insight into cruise ship operations and local federal court procedures. This location provides a significant advantage when working with a Princess Cruise accident lawyer for cases that must be filed in Los Angeles.
For cases requiring filing in other jurisdictions like Miami, we work with a network of experienced maritime attorneys across the country. This ensures you have qualified local representation regardless of where your ticket contract requires filing.
We understand the specific procedures and judges in the federal courts where cruise ship cases are heard. This knowledge helps us present your case more effectively.
Results, Recognitions, and Client Reviews
We have secured favorable settlements and jury awards on behalf of our clients in cruise ship injury cases.
Best Lawyers has recognized Charles D. Naylor as Lawyer of the Year in the field of Admiralty and Maritime Law. This peer recognition reflects our reputation for excellence in this specialized field.
We are committed to providing personalized attention to every client while aggressively pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Free Case Review With a Cruise Ship Passenger Attorney
If you were injured on a cruise ship, you have legal rights that need immediate protection. We offer free consultations to help you understand your options and determine the best path forward.
We handle all cruise ship injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Time is critical in cruise ship injury cases due to the shortened deadlines in your ticket contract. Don’t wait to seek legal help.
Schedule your free consultation by calling 888-440-5829 or completing our confidential online case review form. We are available 24/7 to discuss your cruise ship injury case and protect your rights.
Cruise Ship Passenger Attorney FAQs
Do I Need to Travel to Miami or Los Angeles for My Cruise Ship Lawsuit?
Your physical presence is typically not required for most stages of the legal process. Our attorneys handle filings, depositions, and negotiations on your behalf, minimizing your need to travel to the required court location.
Can Foreign Passengers File Claims in U.S. Courts for Cruise Ship Injuries?
Yes, foreign passengers on cruises departing from or visiting U.S. ports have the same rights as U.S. citizens to file injury claims in the designated U.S. federal court specified in their ticket contract.
What Happens if I Missed the Six-Month Notice Deadline but Am Still Within One Year?
Missing the notice deadline can complicate your case but may not completely prevent you from filing a lawsuit. Some courts recognize exceptions for passengers who were unaware of their injuries or the notice requirement.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Signed a Shore Excursion Waiver?
Waivers are not always enforceable, particularly when gross negligence or intentional misconduct caused your injury. The specific language of the waiver and the circumstances of your accident determine whether it can be challenged.
Should I Accept the Cruise Line’s Settlement Offer or Voucher for Future Travel?
Never accept any offer or sign any documents from the cruise line without first consulting an experienced maritime attorney. These offers are typically far below what your case is actually worth.
Can I Sue for Emotional Distress Without Physical Injuries from a Cruise Ship Incident?
Recovery for purely emotional distress is possible but challenging in maritime cases. You typically need to have been in the “zone of danger” where you reasonably feared for your physical safety.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Cruise Ship Injury Case?
The time it takes to resolve a cruise ship injury case can vary based on the complexity of your injuries and the cruise line’s willingness to negotiate.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Cruise Ship Passenger Attorney?
We represent injured cruise ship passengers on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your case. This allows you to pursue justice without upfront legal costs.
