Miami Boating & Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer – Maritime Injury Claims

Injured while onboard a cruise ship or during a boating excursion near Miami? Rafaeli Law PLLC helps passengers, crew members, and shore excursion victims pursue justice and compensation after maritime accidents. With Miami being the cruise capital of the world and home to PortMiami, accidents at sea are more common than many realize.

Cruise ships are legally complex environments governed by maritime law and hidden contractual clauses that can limit your rights. Whether your injury occurred during a Caribbean cruise, a Biscayne Bay boat ride, or a jet ski rental in Miami Beach, our firm will fight to hold negligent cruise lines or vessel operators accountable.

Learn more about our personal injury services and how we advocate for wrongful death claims.

Why Miami Is a Hotspot for Maritime Injuries

Miami is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. In 2023, PortMiami served over 7.3 million cruise passengers (source), making it a hub of maritime tourism and maritime accidents. This volume of traffic increases the likelihood of incidents onboard vessels and at terminals, including:

Slips and falls on wet decks or unmarked hazards: These are the most common causes of onboard injuries, often involving neglected maintenance or slippery surfaces near pools and dining areas. See related slip and fall cases.
Foodborne illnesses due to unsanitary kitchen practices: Outbreaks of norovirus and Salmonella can spread quickly through poorly maintained food storage or preparation areas.
Drowning or pool accidents due to negligent lifeguarding or supervision: Children and non-swimmers are particularly vulnerable when pools lack trained lifeguards or clear safety signage. Learn more about drowning & pool accidents.
Jet ski and recreational boating collisions: High speeds, alcohol use, and inexperience create a dangerous mix, especially around Miami’s crowded waterways.
Assaults or criminal acts due to lack of onboard security: Inadequate surveillance or poor vetting of staff can lead to violent altercations or sexual assaults. Read more about negligent security claims.

For additional maritime injury trends and safety programs, visit the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division.

Our Miami-based maritime lawyers understand local cruise operations and the international laws that govern them.

Legal Challenges in Cruise Ship & Boating Injury Claims

Unlike land-based accidents, maritime claims fall under admiralty and maritime law, not state law. These cases involve:

Forum Selection Clauses: Many cruise tickets require lawsuits to be filed in specific jurisdictions like the Miami federal court, which can limit your ability to sue elsewhere.
Shortened Time Limits: Some tickets limit claims to 6-12 months, not the standard 2-4 years under Florida law. Missing these deadlines can bar recovery entirely.
Foreign Registration: Ships often fly flags of convenience from countries like Panama or the Bahamas, complicating jurisdiction and applicable law.
International Waters: Accidents outside U.S. territory may require interpretation of international maritime conventions like the Athens Convention or Jones Act.

Our maritime injury attorneys have navigated these complex issues across hundreds of cases involving major cruise lines like Carnival, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, and more.

Types of Cruise Ship & Boating Accident Cases We Handle

We represent injury victims in a wide range of scenarios involving ships, boats, and personal watercraft:

Cruise Ship Incidents

Slip and Falls: Often caused by spilled liquids, unstable gangways, or poorly lit stairwells. These incidents are especially common during rough seas or poor maintenance routines.
Medical Malpractice: Inadequate treatment from onboard doctors or delays in emergency care can turn treatable conditions into life-threatening emergencies.
Norovirus & Food Poisoning: Illness outbreaks due to poor hygiene or contaminated food can ruin vacations and lead to long-term gastrointestinal issues.
Assault or Sexual Violence: Inadequate staffing or poor background checks have contributed to high-profile cases of onboard assault, particularly on overnight cruises.
Swimming Pool Accidents: Injuries due to a lack of barriers, signage, or supervision are especially dangerous for children and older passengers.

Explore our practice areas or review our case results for more examples of client outcomes.

Boating & Jet Ski Accidents

Recreational Boat Collisions: Often caused by inexperience, intoxication, or speeding, these crashes can result in serious head trauma, spinal injuries, or drowning. Our boat accident lawyers are ready to help.
Jet Ski Crashes: Jet skis are difficult to control at high speeds. Crashes may lead to lacerations, concussions, or fatal water impact injuries.
Unlicensed Operators: Many tour companies cut corners on safety or licensing, putting passengers at unnecessary risk of collisions or mechanical failures.
Capsizing or Overcrowding: A violation of maritime safety regulations can lead to devastating injuries, especially when there are no life vests or emergency procedures in place.

What to Do After a Cruise or Boating Injury in Miami

Act quickly to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Report the Incident Immediately: Notify ship security or boat crew and request a written report. Insist on receiving a copy for your records.
Seek Medical Care: Ask for onboard medical attention or request emergency evacuation if needed. Your health comes first.
Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, preserve your clothing, and write down the names of the crew and witnesses.
Avoid Signing Waivers or Settlements: Cruise lines may offer onboard credits or forms that waive your rights. Do not sign without legal review.
Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer: The sooner you call, the better your chance of preserving crucial evidence. Early intervention can be the key to a strong case.

For immediate help, visit our contact page or call 954-365-5639.

Cruise & Boating Injury Cases (Table)

Type of Incident	Common Injuries	Liability Party	Legal Considerations
Slip and Fall on Cruise Ship	Broken bones, sprains, and concussions	Cruise Line	Maritime law, maintenance responsibility
Jet Ski Collision	Lacerations, traumatic brain injury	Rental Operator, Other Rider	Safety regulations, waiver clauses
Drowning in Ship Pool	Death, brain damage	Cruise Line	Lifeguard negligence, signage failures
Assault by Crew Member	Physical injuries, PTSD	Cruise Line	Negligent hiring, security failures
Food Poisoning on Cruise	Gastroenteritis, dehydration	Cruise Line	Food safety laws, product liability
Medical Malpractice Onboard	Infection, worsened injury	Ship Doctor / Cruise Line	Inadequate care, delay in evacuation
Boating Collision in Miami Bay	Spinal injuries, whiplash	Boat Operator, Tour Company	Navigation law, intoxication, training

Damages Available in Maritime Accident Cases

Victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide variety of losses, including:

Medical Bills: Hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and long-term treatment plans.
Lost Wages: Includes missed work and diminished earning potential due to disability or injury recovery.
Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, and physical pain are considered in most settlement calculations.
Disfigurement or Disability: If an injury results in lasting impairment or visible scarring, additional damages may apply.
Wrongful Death: Family members may claim compensation for funeral costs, lost support, and emotional loss if a loved one dies from the accident.

See how we support clients in Miami wrongful death cases and other related claims.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

At Rafaeli Law, we bring unique advantages to every maritime injury case:

Maritime Law Experience: We know the nuances of cruise contracts, federal maritime law, and international conventions.
Miami-Based Representation: Located close to PortMiami, we regularly litigate against cruise operators in local courts.
No Fees Unless We Win: We take cases on contingency, meaning you only pay if we secure compensation for you.
Multilingual Staff: Serving English and Spanish-speaking clients across Miami-Dade and international cruise travelers.
Personalized Attention: Speak directly with a maritime attorney, not just a case manager, throughout your legal journey.

Explore our attorneys, testimonials, and firm values to learn more.

Contact a Miami Boating & Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Today

Don’t let a vacation injury sink your future. Rafaeli Law PLLC provides strong legal support for cruise passengers, injured boaters, and grieving families. With deep knowledge of maritime litigation and local experience in Miami courts, we’re equipped to navigate the complex waters of cruise ship and boating accident claims.

Call 954-365-5639 or schedule a free consultation today. We’re available 24/7 and serve clients throughout Miami, the Caribbean, and beyond.

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 should I do if I were injured on a cruise ship departing from Miami?

If you’re injured on a cruise ship that left from PortMiami, report the incident immediately, seek medical care onboard, and avoid signing any waivers. Then contact a Miami-based cruise injury attorney like Rafaeli Law PLLC to help navigate the legal complexities of maritime law.

2. Can I sue a cruise line for negligence if I was hurt during my cruise vacation?

Yes, cruise lines have a duty to maintain safe conditions for passengers. If they fail in this duty, through poor maintenance, lack of security, or untrained staff, you may be entitled to compensation. Our firm handles cases involving Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and more.

3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a cruise ship injury?

Most cruise lines impose a short statute of limitations, typically 6 to 12 months from the date of injury. This is much shorter than Florida’s personal injury timeline. It’s crucial to consult a maritime lawyer in Miami as soon as possible.

4. Are jet ski accidents covered under maritime law in Miami?

Yes. Accidents involving jet skis, parasailing, or boat tours on Biscayne Bay are governed by maritime law if they occur on navigable waters. Rafaeli Law PLLC can help determine liability and file claims against negligent operators or rental companies.

5. Who is responsible if I slip and fall on a cruise ship?

The cruise line is typically responsible if the fall resulted from negligent maintenance, wet surfaces without warnings, or defective infrastructure. These cases are covered under maritime premises liability, which we routinely litigate in Miami courts.

6. What compensation can I receive after a boating or cruise accident?

You may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and, in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses.

7. Can foreign passengers injured on a Miami-based cruise sue in the U.S.?

Often, yes. Cruise tickets usually include forum selection clauses that require lawsuits to be filed in Miami. Our attorneys are equipped to represent both local and international clients in federal maritime court.

8. How much does it cost to hire a Miami cruise injury lawyer?

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we work on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we win your case. We offer free consultations to evaluate your claim and guide you through the next steps.

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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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