Injured on a Cruise Ship in Fort Lauderdale? Know Your Right to Compensation

Fort Lauderdale is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, welcoming millions of passengers each year through Port Everglades. While most cruises offer relaxation and adventure, accidents can happen at sea or while boarding. If you or a loved one was injured as a cruise passenger, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyercan help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Understanding your rights after a cruise ship injury is vital—especially because these cases often involve complex maritime laws, international jurisdictions, and corporate insurance defense teams. Don't let your claim get lost in red tape.

Cruise ships are essentially floating cities. With restaurants, pools, gyms, nightclubs, and entertainment venues onboard, passengers can experience a wide range of hazards. Some of the most common cruise ship accidents in Fort Lauderdale include:

1. Slip and Falls on Deck
   • Wet surfaces from pools or rain, uneven flooring, poor lighting, or lack of warning signs frequently cause falls on cruise decks, stairways, or hallways.
2. Gangway and Port Injuries
   • Passengers may trip or fall while embarking or disembarking due to steep ramps, slippery boarding bridges, or shifting gangways.
3. Food Poisoning or Illness Outbreaks
   • Norovirus outbreaks are not uncommon aboard cruise ships, especially in buffet-style dining areas. Contaminated food or unsanitary kitchen practices can lead to serious illness.
4. Swimming Pool and Water Slide Accidents
   • Lack of lifeguards, slippery tiles, or improperly maintained water features may lead to drowning, head injuries, or broken bones.
5. Assaults or Inadequate Security
   • Assaults may occur between passengers or involve crew members. Cruise lines are responsible for providing safe premises and proper security measures.
6. Shore Excursion Accidents
   • Many cruise passengers are injured during excursions, such as ziplining, bus tours, or snorkeling trips, especially if vendors are not properly vetted.

Unlike regular personal injury cases on land, cruise ship accident claims fall under maritime law, which comes with unique rules and deadlines. Here's why it's essential to speak with a Fort Lauderdale cruise injury lawyer as soon as possible:

1. Short Deadlines
   • Most cruise lines impose a one-year statute of limitations in the passenger ticket contract, and many require that notice of injury be submitted within 6 months of the accident. Waiting too long can cost you your entire claim.
2. Jurisdiction Clauses
   • Your ticket likely requires that all lawsuits be filed in a specific location—often Miami federal court, even if the cruise departed from Fort Lauderdale or another state.
3. International Issues
   • Many cruise lines are registered outside the U.S., and foreign law or international treaties may impact your case. A local lawyer familiar with these complexities can guide you through the process.
4. Burden of Proof
   • To recover compensation, you must prove the cruise line or its employees were negligent. This requires a detailed investigation, which your attorney can handle on your behalf.

Whether your injury occurred on the vessel, on a gangway, or during an excursion, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can significantly strengthen your claim.

1. Report the Incident – Notify the cruise staff or security immediately and request a written incident report. Get a copy if possible.
2. Document the Scene – Take photos or videos of the area, the hazard that caused your injury, and any warning signs (or lack thereof).
3. Seek Medical Treatment – Visit the ship’s infirmary and follow up with your own doctor when you return home.
4. Gather Witness Info – If anyone saw the incident, ask for their name, cabin number, or contact information.
5. Save Your Ticket and Documentation – Your boarding pass often serves as your legal contract with the cruise line. Keep all medical bills, correspondence, and receipts.
6. Contact a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney – An attorney can help you navigate cruise ship injury claims and avoid common mistakes.

Multiple parties may be responsible, depending on the nature and location of your injury:

• The cruise line (such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or MSC) – If it failed to maintain safe conditions, hire qualified staff, or provide adequate security.
• A crew member – If their negligence or intentional misconduct caused your injury.
• A third-party excursion company – If your injury occurred during an activity arranged or promoted by the cruise line.
• Maintenance or catering contractors – If foodborne illness or unsanitary conditions led to your injury.

An attorney can determine who is liable and ensure that all responsible parties are included in your claim.

Victims of cruise ship injuries may be entitled to damages including:

• Medical expenses – Including onboard treatment, hospital bills, follow-up care, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages – If you missed work due to your injuries.
• Pain and suffering – For the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
• Disability or disfigurement – If the injury leads to long-term impairment.
• Travel costs – If you had to disembark early or arrange emergency transportation home.
• Wrongful death damages – If a loved one passed away due to negligence on board.

Cruise ship cases are legally technical, highly time-sensitive, and usually involve large corporate defendants. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney who handles cruise ship injury claims can:

• Interpret the fine print in your passenger contract
• Collect medical records, witness testimony, and security footage
• Handle correspondence with cruise line insurers and legal teams
• File your lawsuit in the appropriate court before deadlines expire
• Fight for full and fair compensation for your injuries

At Wolfson & Leon, we’ve helped cruise ship passengers across Florida get the justice they deserve after onboard accidents. Whether your case involves a fall, assault, illness, or excursion-related injury, we’re ready to fight for your rights.

Since 1963, Jerome Wolfson, Esq. and the team at Wolfson & Leon have proudly served accident victims across Florida:

• Miami
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Jacksonville
• Fort Lauderdale
• West Palm Beach
• Fort Myers
• Cape Coral
• Sarasota
• Clearwater
• Tallahassee

Let us help you get back on the road to recovery. Call (305) 285-1115 today, and our team will handle your case with the personal care and attention you deserve.