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Cruise Ship Injury Overview

Understanding Your Rights

As cruise ships are considered “common carriers,” they are required to exercise the highest level of care to ensure their passengers are safe and protected from harm. If the cruise ship fails to exercise this care and passenger injury occurs as a direct result, they may be held responsible for the damages. If you or a loved one has been injured while on board a cruise ship, you may be able to file a claim against a number of individuals and/or entities, including:

  • The owner of the cruise ship.
  • The company operating or chartering the cruise ship.
  • The company that sold the cruise ship ticket.
  • Any third party that caused the injury.

What Are Common Cruise Ship Injuries in Miami, Florida?

There is a wide range of injuries that can take place on a cruise ship, and may indicate that you are entitled to recover compensation for your damages. They include:

Slip and Falls

There are numerous areas for passengers to slip and fall on a cruise ship, including slippery decks, pools, restaurants, and dance floors.

Food Poisoning

A common problem on cruise ships, contaminated food is extremely unsafe and can lead to food poisoning and serious illnesses like Norovirus, which causes severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.

Sexual and Physical Assault

Cruise ships have a responsibility to protect their passengers from assault and physical harm. If a crew member or another passenger sexually or physically assaulted you or a loved one, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the cruise ship and the offending individual.

Injuries Due to Crew Errors And Negligence

Cruise ships are supposed to be safe places where passengers can enjoy their vacation. As such, the crew should be trained to respond to emergency situations and maintain the safety of the vessel. If the actions or mistakes of a crew member result in your injury, they and the cruise ship may be liable.

Pool and Water Slide Accidents

Serious injury due to water slide and swimming pool accidents may occur due to a lack of supervision, a faulty design or overly slick surfaces.

Injuries During Recreational Activities

If you sustained an injury during a recreational activity organized by the cruise ship, like a boating excursion, the cruise ship may be held liable for your damages.

Wrongful Death

If you’ve lost a loved one due to the negligent actions of a crew member, the company that owns the cruise ship, or another third party, our legal team will help you bring a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Client Testimonials 5 Stars from Over 1000 Reviews

“From the first meeting, I was impressed”

From the first meeting of Brett Rosen (Goldberg & Rosen) I was impressed. Brett was respectful, kind and extremely knowledgeable. The second time we met he actually came to ...

From the first meeting of Brett Rosen (Goldberg & Rosen) I was impressed. Brett was respectful, kind and extremely knowledgeable. The second time we met he actually came to my father's house and talked with us about my father's case. I never imagined that he would actually come to the house. This action and the meeting that followed assured my father and I that Goldberg & Rosen was the right firm to handle our case. Our case did not make it into court for another 3+ years and like clockwork Brett or the lead attorney he appointed to our case would check it with us every few months.

“They do it all for you, easing a stressful situation”

What an amazing team!! I had the best experience with Angel, Jenna and his team. Very compassionate , easy to work with.. they literally do it all for you which really eases a ...

What an amazing team!! I had the best experience with Angel, Jenna and his team. Very compassionate , easy to work with.. they literally do it all for you which really eases a stressful situation . Forever grateful for all their hard work and dedication! Will forever be a loyal client!!

“They made me feel valued and prioritized”

I cannot thank enough Lisa, Kathleen, and Judd, enough for their incredible support and understanding. Their dedication and expertise were evident every step of the way, making ...

I cannot thank enough Lisa, Kathleen, and Judd, enough for their incredible support and understanding. Their dedication and expertise were evident every step of the way, making a difficult and emotional situation much more manageable. I never felt like just another client; they made me feel valued and prioritized. Their communication was always transparent, ensuring I was always informed and comfortable with the progress of my case.

I want to specially thank Lisa, who was always there for me. Her unwavering support and compassion were a huge help during such an emotional process. She was always just one phone call away and never made me feel like a bother. Lisa's kindness and dedication truly made a difference, and I am incredibly grateful for her presence and assistance. With such high emotion, it was always a safe space to let a few tears out 

I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone, not only are they skilled but they are compassionate.

“The firm gets an A+ all around”

This firm gets an A+ all around. From the moment you walk in you are greeted with a smile. Everyone who was involved in my case was extremely professional and responsive. I had ...

This firm gets an A+ all around. From the moment you walk in you are greeted with a smile. Everyone who was involved in my case was extremely professional and responsive. I had the pleasure to work closely with Ruth, Melissa and my MVP Jocelyn Santana! Jocelyn fought to the end for my husband and I. She’s one tough lady, I’m forever grateful to have had her in my corner. I highly recommend Goldberg & Rosen if you want a successful outcome.

“Relentless in ensuring I received the justice I deserved”

LOOK NO FURTHER! This is the team you want on your side!! Judd G. Rosen, Jorge T. Simon, Brett M. Rosen, Mustafa H. Dandashly, Jocelyn A.Santana & Patricia A. Yeatts. They w...

LOOK NO FURTHER! This is the team you want on your side!! Judd G. Rosen, Jorge T. Simon, Brett M. Rosen, Mustafa H. Dandashly, Jocelyn A.Santana & Patricia A. Yeatts. They went above and beyond. They were relentless in ensuring that I received the justice I deserved. Their expertise, attention to detail, and constant support throughout this traumatic experience were life-changing.

If you're looking for a personal injury firm that will stand by you and fight with everything they’ve got – LOOK NO FURTHER. This team not only got me the compensation I needed but also gave me peace of mind through the entire process. Thank you, Goldberg and Rosen, for everything!

“Treated me like more than just a client”

My attorney Anthony Sariol and his team went above and beyond with my case. I hope I’m never in another accident but I feel safe knowing that I have them if I ever am. The...

My attorney Anthony Sariol and his team went above and beyond with my case. I hope I’m never in another accident but I feel safe knowing that I have them if I ever am. They were honest, caring, and frequently followed up with my case. Anthony and his case manager Alejandra treated me like more than just a client. I cannot recommend them enough.

“Mr. Rosen and his team took the case to the highest level”

I want to thank the whole team at Goldberg and Rosen and Specially Brett Rosen, Kent Burlington, Gloria Abreu and Maite. My family it’s extremely pleased with the outcome ...

I want to thank the whole team at Goldberg and Rosen and Specially Brett Rosen, Kent Burlington, Gloria Abreu and Maite. My family it’s extremely pleased with the outcome of my daughters case. After daughters car accident, immediately Mr. Rosen and his team took the case to the highest level to achieve the fair outcome my daughter deserved. Thank you So Much,

“Goldberg and Rosen was a breath of fresh air”

Goldberg and Rosen was a breath of fresh air after I had to fire my previous attorney for gross negligence in handling my car accident case.

I felt like they really took ...

Goldberg and Rosen was a breath of fresh air after I had to fire my previous attorney for gross negligence in handling my car accident case.

I felt like they really took care in handling my case despite some frustrating circumstances, and went above and beyond to ensure that the case got resolved as quickly as possible.

Melissa Sanchez is a true gem. It's clear that her professionalism helps keep everyone on track over at Goldberg and Rosen. Thanks so much guys!

“They treated my mothers case like if she was one of their parents!”

I would love to thank Goldberg and Rosen for such and amazing experience and their professionalism! From the top to the bottom. They treated my mothers case like if she was one ...

I would love to thank Goldberg and Rosen for such and amazing experience and their professionalism! From the top to the bottom. They treated my mothers case like if she was one of their parents! Also I would love to thank May she was very professional and helped us out from the beginning to the end! With people like May it’s no secret why Goldberg and Rosen are the best of the best!

“I would highly recommend to anyone looking for professional help”

My experience with Tyson was great. Tyson made it simple for the whole process. Very knowledgeable and took his time to make sure I was satisfied. Great guy very professional an...

My experience with Tyson was great. Tyson made it simple for the whole process. Very knowledgeable and took his time to make sure I was satisfied. Great guy very professional and dependable. He answered every question I had and checked up with me consistently. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for professional help.

“We highly recommend your firm!”

My husband and I cannot thank you, and your team, enough for the services that you have rendered on our behalf in both of our cases. We are so grateful for your passion, dedicat...

My husband and I cannot thank you, and your team, enough for the services that you have rendered on our behalf in both of our cases. We are so grateful for your passion, dedication, and professionalism. We highly recommend your firm!

“Always a pleasure working with them!”

The staff are a pleasure to work with but May & Gloria, who I deal with regarding our court-reporting invoices, are especially a pleasure to work with. They are highly knowl...

The staff are a pleasure to work with but May & Gloria, who I deal with regarding our court-reporting invoices, are especially a pleasure to work with. They are highly knowledgeable, very good at their work, are very precise and detail-oriented so we are always on the same page regarding everything. There are not many firms like this regarding being on top of invoicing and Accounting matters but these two are a perfect example of how an Accounting Dept. should function. Always a pleasure working with them!

“They are of the utmost quality as people and attorneys”

Judd Rosen and Kathy Ortega have been superb. They are of the utmost quality as people and attorneys. They have been extremely understanding, responsive, answered all our questi...

Judd Rosen and Kathy Ortega have been superb. They are of the utmost quality as people and attorneys. They have been extremely understanding, responsive, answered all our questions and walked us through every step of our case. Both Kathy and Judd are personable, empathic, and professional and I will definitely be recommending them to anyone who needs honest exceptional services. They are truly looking out for their clients above all else.

“There was no need to chase after my case’s details”

Excellent law firm. Kathleen Ortega assisted with my case and kept me informed each step of the way. She was very professional and informative and I could not have asked for a b...

Excellent law firm. Kathleen Ortega assisted with my case and kept me informed each step of the way. She was very professional and informative and I could not have asked for a better attorney! There was no need to chase after my case’s details, no run around, and the entire staff was very nice and attentive.

“I can’t thank him and the firm enough”

I had the pleasure of working with Kent Burlington and I must say he is a consummate professional. He made himself available at all times to answer any and all inquiries at any...

I had the pleasure of working with Kent Burlington and I must say he is a consummate professional. He made himself available at all times to answer any and all inquiries at any time. Goldberg and Rosen are a 5 star organization that truly value their clients as not only clients but as family. I can’t thank him and the firm enough for their assistance and wouldn’t imagine using anyone else for any legal matters in the future.

“Goldberg and Rosen is an exceptional law firm”

Goldberg and Rosen is an exceptional law firm with impressive legal talent. Kent Burlington is an up and coming recent addition to the firm, who has already achieved excellent r...

Goldberg and Rosen is an exceptional law firm with impressive legal talent. Kent Burlington is an up and coming recent addition to the firm, who has already achieved excellent results for clients. His hands on approach has resulted in several favorable outcomes in cases we have referred to him. Kent is representative of the dedication and advocacy of all the attorneys at this top notch law firm.

“I will recommend this firm to all my family and friends”

In one instant another person's irresponsibility can affect your personal life and adversely affect your health and personal property. The law firm of Goldberg and Rosen handle...

In one instant another person's irresponsibility can affect your personal life and adversely affect your health and personal property. The law firm of Goldberg and Rosen handled my case beyond my expectations. Their staff is knowledgeable, responsible and ensured a positive outcome. I will recommend this firm to all my family and friends. If you want to ensure that your case it handled by the best professionals in this field contact them and they will ensure that your case is handled effectively!!

Before we part ways, I want to thank you, Kathy Ortega for everything. From the moment my case was transferred to you, you always provided realistic time frames, responded to each and every email in a timely manner and ensured that my case was handled fairly and appropriately. You are one in a million, and your team/firm is exceptional because your part of it. My heartfelt thank you to you and everyone for everything.

“I was fortunate enough to have the very BEST representation!”

I had the pleasure of dealing with Patricia Yeatts to help me through my accident. She was highly professional, personable and effective. From the beginning, she patiently guide...

I had the pleasure of dealing with Patricia Yeatts to help me through my accident. She was highly professional, personable and effective. From the beginning, she patiently guided me through the process, helping me heal first and foremost. My health came before the case, which showed me that Patricia truly cares about her clients. I’m extremely pleased with the process and especially the outcome. I was fortunate enough to have the very BEST representation! I would recommend this firm and especially this attorney to anyone.

Looking out the window of a cruise ship

How Do I Safeguard My Right to Sue for Damages in Miami, Florida?

Filing a cruise ship injury claim is not as straightforward as a similar claim filed for land-based injuries. That is because maritime law governs the movement of goods and passengers on the water as well as injuries sustained while on a vessel. This body of law is complex, as it encompasses federal statutes and international treaties that govern various aspects of commercial travel on the ocean and inland waterways.

A cruise ship injury attorney must be fully familiar with these laws in order to be successful in filing and prosecuting a claim for damages. As a prominent Florida law firm, Goldberg & Rosen has the resources and experience in maritime law to navigate the complexities of cruise ship injury cases, focusing on securing substantial compensation for their clients.

The Passenger Ticket Dictates When and Where

The passenger ticket modifies several important aspects of where the suit must be filed and the timeframe within which it must be filed. It doesn’t matter where the passenger resides; the courts usually enforce the provisions listed on the back of the ticket, which is actually a contract between the passenger and the carrier. These terms are usually in small print and, for most people, largely unseen when anticipating a fun vacation on a cruise ship.

If you have suffered a cruise ship injury and intend to sue, you will need an attorney experienced in marine law as well as personal injury. The ticket will state that the suit must usually be filed in Florida, California, or Washington, depending on where the vessel is registered. At Goldberg & Rosen, we have the resources to file within the stated jurisdiction in a timely manner and to see the lawsuit through to conclusion. Your residence may not be in Florida or any other jurisdiction; we will represent you wherever required.


Time frames for filing cruise ship injury lawsuits are short. If you have been injured during a cruise and intend to seek compensation, it is in your best interests to have your case reviewed as soon as possible.

What Can a Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer in Florida Do for Me?

Cruise ship injury cases demand experience, tenacity, and in-depth knowledge of maritime law—and that’s exactly what the cruise ship injury attorneys in Miami at Goldberg & Rosen provide. Our team knows how to take on major cruise lines and their insurers to protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation.

  • We take on powerful cruise companies – Our attorneys handle all communication and negotiations, ensuring your claim isn’t ignored or undervalued.
  • We build strong, evidence-based cases – We investigate maintenance logs, security footage, crew statements, and safety violations to prove negligence.
  • We fight for full recovery – From medical expenses and lost wages to pain, suffering, and emotional trauma, we make sure every loss is accounted for.
  • We’re ready for trial – If a fair settlement isn’t offered, our experienced trial lawyers will take your case to court and fight aggressively for your rights.
  • We offer personalized support – You’ll receive consistent communication and dedicated guidance from our team throughout the entire process.
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Why Choose the Miami Cruise Ship Injury Lawyers at Goldberg & Rosen? 

At Goldberg & Rosen, cruise ship injury victims receive the individualized attention and advocacy their cases demand. We assign a dedicated lead attorney and paralegal to every cruise ship accident claim, ensuring you have direct access to your legal team for questions, updates, and guidance throughout the process. While we focus on clear communication and personalized service, we are equally committed to aggressively pursuing compensation from cruise lines and their insurers.

Our team's commitment to excellence has been recognized through:

  • Super Lawyers designations
  • Best Lawyers selections
  • Memberships in the Million and Multimillion Dollar Verdict Clubs
  • Top 100 Plaintiff’s Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers (2019)
  • Top 40 Under 40 by National Trial Lawyers

If you were injured in a cruise ship accident in Miami, Florida, contact Goldberg & Rosen today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can fight for your rights.

Cruise Ship Accident FAQs

What should I do after a cruise ship accident?

  • Seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to ship staff so it is documented.
  • Take photos or videos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions.
  • Collect contact information from witnesses if possible.
  • Keep copies of medical records and incident reports.
  • Avoid giving recorded statements to the cruise line until you have spoken with our team.

How long do I have to file a cruise ship accident claim in Miami, FL?

Most cruise lines require injury claims to be filed within one year of the incident, a deadline set by the cruise ticket contract rather than Florida law. Some contracts also require written notice within a much shorter period. Because these deadlines are strict, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

What if my injury happened over international waters?

You may still have a valid claim. Cruise ship injury cases are often governed by maritime law and the terms of the ticket contract, not the laws of the country where the ship was located. Many cases must be filed in the Miami federal court, regardless of where the accident occurred.

Who can be held liable for my accident?

Liability may extend beyond the cruise line. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties can include the cruise operator, onboard medical providers, excursion companies, maintenance contractors, or other third parties. A thorough investigation is necessary to identify all potential defendants.

How much do cruise ship accident lawyers cost?

Goldberg & Rosen handles cruise ship accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees or hourly costs. Attorney fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for you, so there is no financial risk in seeking legal help.

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Free & Confidential Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been the victim of negligence or misconduct, please do not hesitate to contact some of the most effective attorneys Miami has available at Goldberg & Rosen today to receive guidance about your legal options with a free and confidential case evaluation.

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