Boating & Cruise Ship Accident Lawyers - Protecting Maritime Injury Victims

Maritime travel offers relaxation and recreation, but accidents on boats or cruise ships can cause devastating injuries. When negligence or unsafe conditions at sea lead to harm, victims face unique legal challenges governed by complex maritime and admiralty laws. The experienced boating and cruise ship accident lawyers at Rafaeli Law PLLC are dedicated to representing injured passengers, crew members, and guests, ensuring that their rights are fully protected both on domestic waters and international seas.

Our firm handles a wide range of maritime cases, from small boat collisions to major cruise ship incidents. We understand how to pursue claims under federal maritime law and against large corporate cruise lines that often attempt to minimize liability.

Understanding Boating & Cruise Ship Accident Claims

Boating and cruise ship accident claims fall under maritime law, which governs incidents on navigable waters. These cases differ from typical personal injury claims because they may involve international regulations, admiralty statutes, and liability limitations unique to the maritime industry.

Common maritime accident claims include:

Passenger or crew injuries aboard commercial cruise liners
Boating collisions and recreational watercraft accidents
Jet ski and parasailing injuries
Onboard slip-and-fall or trip hazards
Fires, explosions, or mechanical failures at sea
Sexual assault or violence onboard ships
Overboard or drowning incidents

Our cruise ship lawyers evaluate each case thoroughly to determine the responsible parties—whether it’s a cruise line, ship operator, equipment manufacturer, or crew member—and build a strategy for full compensation. Learn more about our related experience in Personal Injury and Premises & Property Injuries cases.

Common Causes of Boating and Cruise Ship Accidents

Maritime incidents can occur for various reasons, many of which are preventable through proper safety protocols. Frequent causes include:

Operator Negligence: Inattention, fatigue, or lack of training by ship staff or captains.
Equipment Failure: Defective engines, steering mechanisms, or safety gear.
Poor Maintenance: Failure to maintain ship structures, decks, or safety systems.
Inadequate Safety Measures: Missing life vests, emergency drills, or evacuation procedures.
Hazardous Conditions: Wet decks, uneven surfaces, or unlit stairways.
Alcohol or Drug Use: Impaired operation is a leading cause of recreational boating accidents.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, over 4,000 recreational boating accidents occur annually, resulting in thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities. Many of these incidents stem from operator error or unsafe vessel operation.
For additional industry research, refer to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Marine Accident Reports for data on commercial vessel and cruise ship safety.

Types of Cruise Ship & Boating Injuries

Boating and cruise ship accidents can result in severe injuries due to confined spaces, moving decks, and delayed emergency response times at sea. Common injuries include:

Injury Type	Description	Possible Long-Term Effects
Head & Brain Injuries	From slips, falls, or falling objects onboard.	Cognitive issues, memory loss, or permanent disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries	Often caused by falls or ship instability.	Paralysis, mobility loss, chronic pain.
Burns & Chemical Injuries	From fires, hot surfaces, or cleaning agents.	Disfigurement and lifelong medical care.
Fractures & Lacerations	Due to slips, machinery accidents, or rough seas.	Extended recovery and reduced mobility.
Illness or Food Poisoning	Resulting from poor hygiene or contaminated food.	Dehydration, infection, or hospitalization.
Emotional Trauma	From onboard violence or catastrophic incidents.	Anxiety, PTSD, or depression.

Our maritime injury lawyers collaborate with medical professionals and maritime experts to assess the full impact of your injuries and calculate the true value of your claim.

Liability Under Maritime & Admiralty Law

Determining liability in maritime cases involves unique legal doctrines not found in traditional personal injury law. Under admiralty law, the duty of care owed by shipowners, operators, and crew members extends to all passengers and staff onboard.

Potentially liable parties may include:

Cruise Lines that fail to ensure passenger safety or proper training of staff.
Vessel Owners who neglect maintenance or violate safety standards.
Manufacturers of defective marine parts or safety equipment.
Third-Party Contractors operating onboard activities or excursions.

Our legal team thoroughly investigates accident reports, maintenance logs, surveillance footage, and crew records to establish negligence and pursue justice for our clients. Learn more about our legal approach in Case Results and Testimonials from satisfied clients.

Areas We Serve

Weston

Miami

Atlanta

Compensation for Boating & Cruise Ship Accident Victims

Victims of maritime injuries may recover compensation for:

Medical Expenses — surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages & Future Income — due to missed work or long-term disability.
Pain & Suffering — physical pain, trauma, and emotional distress.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life — reduced ability to travel or work.
Wrongful Death — for families of those lost in maritime accidents.

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we understand the complexities of maritime claims and negotiate aggressively with cruise lines and insurers to ensure fair settlements. For related guidance, explore our Wrongful Death and Medical Malpractice pages.

Steps to Take After a Cruise Ship or Boating Accident

If you’ve been injured aboard a boat, ferry, or cruise ship, these steps can protect your health and your legal rights:

Seek Immediate Medical Care. Document your injuries and treatment.
Report the Incident. File a report with the ship’s crew or captain.
Collect Evidence. Take photos, save tickets, and gather witness contact details.
Avoid Signing Documents. Do not sign any waivers or releases without legal review.
Contact a Maritime Injury Attorney. Early legal representation ensures your rights are preserved.

Our cruise ship accident attorneys can assist with filing injury reports, securing witness statements, and preparing claims that meet strict maritime filing deadlines. You can also review our Blog for helpful resources on handling post-accident steps.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC

Experienced Maritime Attorneys: Skilled in complex admiralty and cruise ship litigation.
Proven Track Record: Successful outcomes in high-stakes personal injury and maritime claims.
No Fees Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis.
Compassionate Advocacy: We prioritize your recovery and long-term well-being.
Trusted Reputation: See what our clients say on our Testimonials page.

Our mission is to provide the highest level of representation to victims of maritime accidents and their families.

How Our Cruise Ship Lawyers Help

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we manage every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery:

Comprehensive Case Review: We assess accident details, vessel records, and safety procedures.
Maritime Law Expertise: Our attorneys are skilled in the complexities of admiralty and international maritime law.
Aggressive Negotiation: We challenge cruise lines and insurers to secure the compensation you deserve.
Litigation-Ready Representation: If settlement fails, we’re prepared to go to trial.
Client-Centered Communication: You’ll receive consistent updates and strategic guidance throughout your case.

For more on our firm’s approach, read our Our Story & Core Values page or meet our Attorneys who lead every case with dedication and expertise.

Contact Rafaeli Law PLLC — Get Help from Experienced Maritime Lawyers

Boating and cruise ship accidents can leave victims facing physical, emotional, and financial hardship. You deserve strong legal representation from attorneys who understand maritime law inside and out.

Contact Rafaeli Law PLLC for a free consultation today. Our team will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

Hear from the clients who trusted us to fight for their justice—and found peace, resolution, and results.

Rafaeli Law is top-notch! From the very first call, their team was professional, responsive, and clearly knew what they were doing. They didn’t waste any time — they moved fast, kept me informed, and went after results with real determination. You can tell they’re go-getters who truly care about their clients. If you need a law firm that’s sharp, efficient, and fights for you, I highly recommend Rafaeli Law.

Maurice M.

Kerollos A.

Can't say enough good things about Rafaeli Law. Their team is incredibly professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping you through every step of the process. Their attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome truly sets them apart. If you're looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and results-driven legal team, Rafaeli Law is the place to go.

Heather H.

I had a great experience with Rafaeli Law after my car accident. They were professional, responsive and always made sure I understood each step of the process. A special thank you to Jindy - she was absolutely amazing. She was kind, patient and incredibly helpful every time I had questions or concerns. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal help after an accident.

Lorena Z.

Rafaeli Law, not only took the time to really listen to my situation but made me feel like they truly listened so they could understand and do the best they possibly could in asserting my case. In every step of the process they communicated with me. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I will be reaching out to them and will be recommending them to my friends and family.

Vanessa C.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What laws apply to cruise ship and boating accidents?

These cases are typically governed by admiralty and maritime law, which establish the responsibilities of vessel owners and operators on navigable waters.

2. Can I sue a cruise line for negligence?

Yes. Cruise lines can be held liable for failing to maintain safe conditions, properly train staff, or warn passengers of hazards.

3. What if the accident occurred in international waters?

Even if the incident occurred overseas, you may still file a claim under U.S. maritime law if the cruise line is based or operates from the United States.

4. How much time do I have to file a claim?

Cruise passenger contracts often limit the filing period to one year. It’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

5. Are crew members covered under maritime law?

Yes. Injured seamen may be eligible for compensation under the Jones Act, which protects maritime workers injured due to employer negligence.

6. What should I do if I’m injured on a private boat?

You may still pursue a personal injury claim against the operator or owner if negligence or unsafe operation caused your injuries.

Schedule a Consultation

Get a Free Consultation

If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

1500 Weston Rd Suite 200, Weston, FL 33326

info@rafaelilaw.com

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