Atlanta Boating & Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer – Legal Help After Waterway Injuries

Injured in a Boating or Cruise Ship Accident in Georgia

Atlanta may be far from the ocean, but boating and cruise-related accidents still happen across Georgia’s lakes, rivers, and ports of departure. Whether your injury occurred on Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, the Chattahoochee River, or while traveling to a cruise ship departure port like Savannah or Jacksonville, you deserve experienced legal help.

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our Atlanta boating and cruise ship accident lawyers help injured passengers, crew members, and bystanders pursue maximum compensation under maritime law and Georgia civil statutes. We know the laws. We know the insurance companies. And we know how to fight.

Boating Accidents Are On the Rise in Georgia

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), there were 163 boating accidents and 14 fatalities on Georgia waterways in 2022. The majority involved private boats, jet skis, and watercraft operated under the influence or with inadequate training.

Here’s what’s driving risk:

Alcohol or drug use on boats – Impaired boat operators account for a significant number of fatal crashes in Georgia.
Operator inexperience – Many boating accidents involve drivers without proper safety certifications or boating licenses.
Mechanical failure – Poorly maintained vessels can result in engine fires, sinkings, and steering failures.
Congested lakes and rivers – Busy summer weekends lead to high boat traffic and limited maneuverability.
Lack of safety equipment – Boats without life jackets, fire extinguishers, or radios often violate federal and state regulations.

Maritime law differs from personal injury law on land, so consulting a lawyer with admiralty experience is essential. We help navigate both legal systems when your accident involves U.S. inland waters or international cruise travel.

For safety regulations and boating law guidelines, visit the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Boat or Cruise Injury?

Accountability depends on where and how the accident occurred. Possible defendants may include:

The boat or cruise line operator for negligent hiring, supervision, or training
The vessel owner, if different from the operator, under Georgia or maritime law
A third-party tour operator or excursion company
The manufacturer of a defective part or boat component
Government entities (such as a marina or port authority), if their negligence played a role

Our legal team can determine whether your case falls under state personal injury laws, federal maritime law, or the Jones Act if you’re a maritime worker. We also investigate if cruise ship contracts unfairly limit your rights, something we’ve seen many cruise lines attempt.

Cruise Ship Accidents: What Makes Them Unique?

Cruise ships like those operated by Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC transport millions of passengers each year, and while most trips are safe, serious injuries and even deaths can occur.

These injuries can happen due to:

Slips and falls on slick decks
Food poisoning from onboard buffets
Infections due to unsanitary conditions
Shore excursion mishaps
Crew member assaults

Because many cruises depart from Florida or nearby ports, Florida maritime law or international conventions may apply, even for Atlanta residents. You often have a short time (as little as 180 days) to file notice with the cruise company, so don’t delay speaking with a lawyer.

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Boating or Cruise Injury Claims?

Whether your claim involves a jet ski accident on Lake Lanier or an injury aboard a Caribbean cruise, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical bills and hospitalization
Lost wages or reduced earning ability
Pain and suffering
Rehabilitation or long-term care costs
Wrongful death (for family members of deceased victims)

If the vessel was operated recklessly or under the influence, we may also pursue punitive damages to hold wrongdoers fully accountable.

Common Types of Boating and Maritime Accident Cases We Handle

Our law firm represents victims across a wide spectrum of water-based injury claims:

Accident Type	Description
Recreational boat collisions	Crashes between speedboats, pontoons, or fishing vessels
Jet ski and personal watercraft	High-speed injuries, often involving teens or tourists
Cruise ship slip & falls	Unsafe surfaces, poor maintenance, or lack of warnings onboard
Cruise excursion injuries	Injuries during off-ship tours or third-party vendor activities
Drowning and near-drowning	Often tied to a lack of supervision or defective safety gear
Propeller or motor injuries	Severe lacerations or amputations due to unguarded or running engines
Onboard assaults or negligence	Crew or passenger misconduct, especially in cases involving alcohol or minors
Ferry or charter boat incidents	Commercial vessels lacking required inspections or operated by unlicensed staff

Each case may involve complex jurisdictional issues: Was it on a navigable waterway? Who owns the vessel? Were ticket contract terms violated? Let our firm evaluate every angle.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

We know the laws. We understand local and federal jurisdiction. And we fight aggressively for those injured on the water.

Deep Understanding of Maritime Injury Law – From Lake Lanier to Caribbean cruise routes, we know how to build cases involving complex jurisdiction and federal maritime statutes.
Responsive Legal Support – We treat clients like family. Calls returned. Questions answered.
Free Consultation & No Fees Unless We Win – Our contingency model ensures everyone can access justice.
Track Record of Success – See our proven case results and client testimonials.
Serving Atlanta and Beyond – From Fulton and Cobb to Gwinnett County, our team is ready.

What to Do After a Boating or Cruise Ship Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a water-based accident:

Seek medical care immediately – Even if symptoms seem mild.
Report the incident – File a report with boat staff, cruise security, or law enforcement.
Document everything – Photos, names of witnesses, and receipts matter.
Avoid signing waivers or settlements until you speak to an attorney.
Contact Rafaeli Law PLLC – Get clarity and a path forward.

Speak With an Atlanta Boating & Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer

Injured on the water? We’re here to help. Rafaeli Law PLLC provides trusted legal counsel for boating injury victims across Georgia and cruise passengers throughout the Southeast.

Call 954-365-5639 or contact us online for your free consultation.

We’re ready to fight for you, on land or sea.

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. Can I sue a cruise line if I was injured during an excursion?

Yes, you may be able to hold the cruise line or a third-party tour operator accountable, depending on who organized the excursion and the nature of the negligence involved.

2. What laws apply if I’m injured on a cruise ship as a Georgia resident?

Maritime law often applies, even if you live in Georgia. Cruise lines may also include clauses in ticket contracts specifying which state’s laws and courts govern your case.

3. How long do I have to file a claim after a boating or cruise accident?

It depends. Under maritime law, you may have only 180 days to notify the cruise company. Georgia personal injury cases generally have a 2-year statute of limitations.

4. Can I recover damages if the boat operator was drinking?

Yes. Operating a watercraft under the influence is illegal and strongly increases liability. You may be eligible for additional punitive damages in such cases.

5. What if I signed a waiver before my cruise or boat trip?

Waivers are not always enforceable, especially in cases of gross negligence or hidden dangers. We can review the contract and advise on your rights.

6. Who investigates boating accidents in Georgia?

The Georgia DNR and local law enforcement agencies typically handle recreational boating incident investigations. We also conduct independent inquiries.

7. What if the accident happened in another state or country during the cruise?

Jurisdictional rules vary based on your cruise contract and the location of the incident. We can determine if your case falls under U.S. or international law.

8. Can children or elderly passengers receive compensation after a cruise injury?

Yes. All age groups have legal protections, and we regularly represent families of injured children and senior citizens in cruise and boat-related cases.

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

Open 24 hours