Weston Boating & Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer – Maritime Injury Claims in Weston, FL

When a peaceful day on the water turns into a serious accident, victims and their families often feel overwhelmed. Whether you were injured aboard a cruise ship departing from Port Everglades, hurt in a jet ski collision, or involved in a boating accident near Weston canals or marinas, the physical, emotional, and legal aftermath can be devastating.

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we help clients navigate complex maritime injury claims in Weston and throughout South Florida. Our boating and cruise ship accident lawyers know how to pursue compensation from negligent vessel operators, cruise lines, excursion companies, and others responsible under Florida and federal maritime law.

Boating Accidents in Weston and South Florida: A Growing Concern

According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida recorded 735 boating accidents and 65 deaths in 2022, and Broward County ranked 7th statewide with 27 reportable accidents per the FWC 2022 Boating Accident Statistical Report.

Cruise Ship Injuries: Your Rights as a Passenger

Florida is home to the busiest cruise ports in the country. Each year, millions of passengers board cruise ships from Port Everglades and PortMiami, including many Weston residents. Unfortunately, not all vacations end safely. Cruise passengers are vulnerable to a range of injuries due to:

Slippery decks from constant exposure to water
Unclean food and water can lead to outbreaks of illness
Mechanical failures, such as broken elevators or doors
Untrained or negligent staff
Assaults or thefts due to inadequate security
Unregulated excursion activities

Cruise contracts often include hidden terms that limit your ability to sue. Some require you to give notice within 180 days and file your lawsuit in federal court in Miami, even if the injury happened in another country.

Common Types of Boating & Cruise Ship Accident Claims We Handle

Recreational Boating Accidents – We represent victims injured on jet skis, pontoon boats, yachts, sailboats, and rental boats. Whether you were hurt while operating the vessel, riding as a passenger, or struck by another boat, we help determine liability and pursue compensation. Many of these accidents involve private owners, rental companies, or tour operators who failed to enforce safety regulations or maintain their vessels.
Learn more about how we handle personal injury and product liability claims involving boats and marine equipment.
Cruise Ship Accidents – Injuries aboard Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, and other cruise lines may involve crew member negligence, unsafe shipboard activities, poor security, or defective equipment. These incidents can result in serious harm, including broken bones, head injuries, or emotional trauma, and often occur due to improper maintenance, lack of training, or insufficient oversight by the cruise line.
Check our case results to see how we’ve helped victims in similar cases.
Excursion-Related Injuries – Passengers are often hurt during off-ship activities such as snorkeling tours, parasailing, jeep or ATV excursions, and tender boat transfers. These activities, though promoted by cruise lines, are frequently operated by third-party providers. When safety standards are neglected or equipment is defective, serious injuries can occur. We investigate these incidents thoroughly and pursue claims against all responsible parties to ensure accountability.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Maritime Accident?

Determining liability in a maritime injury case can be complex and may involve multiple parties:

Boat Operators who are untrained, distracted, or impaired
Cruise Lines that fail to maintain safety standards or adequately train their staff
Excursion Companies that cut corners on safety to save costs
Shipbuilders or Manufacturers if equipment defects caused the injury
Onboard Medical Personnel who misdiagnose or fail to treat serious conditions

Our team’s thorough investigation ensures that we explore every angle to hold the right parties accountable.

How Weston Cruise Ship and Boating Accident Claims Work

Step 1: Investigation

We collect incident reports, medical records, witness statements, photos, and surveillance footage. In cruise ship cases, we may also request logs from the ship and crew.

Step 2: Determining Jurisdiction

This step is critical. Maritime claims may fall under:

Florida state personal injury law (for local boating accidents)
Federal maritime law (for incidents on navigable waters or cruise ships)
International law or treaties (depending on where the ship is flagged or where the injury occurred)

Step 3: Filing the Claim

Cruise injury claims often must be filed in a federal court, usually in Miami, within strict timeframes. We manage all documentation and court filings on your behalf.

What a Boating & Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

Legal Service Area	Description and Client Benefit
Case Investigation	Gathers reports, ship logs, and witness statements to establish negligence and causation.
Jurisdiction Analysis	Determines if your case falls under Florida law, federal maritime law, or international law.
Contract Review	Examines cruise ticket fine print for filing deadlines, forum selection, and waivers.
Liability Assessment	Identifies all responsible parties, including ship operators, excursion providers, or manufacturers.
Insurance Negotiation	Handles communication and negotiation with insurers to protect you from lowball offers.
Litigation and Trial	Prepares and presents your case in federal or state court if fair settlement is not reached.
Damage Calculation	Calculates short- and long-term costs: medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.
No-Win, No-Fee Representation	You owe nothing unless Rafaeli Law wins or settles your case favorably.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Cruise or Boating Accident?

A successful injury claim may provide compensation for:

Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgery, and rehabilitation
Lost wages if you’re unable to return to work immediately
Loss of future earning capacity if the injury results in permanent disability
Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
Wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and loss of companionship in fatal cases.

Visit our testimonials page to hear from real clients we’ve helped recover meaningful compensation.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Rafaeli Law offers a unique combination of local knowledge and maritime law expertise:

Local Representation: Based in Weston, we understand the risks unique to South Florida’s coastal and inland waterways, including popular recreational lakes and canals.
Maritime Law Knowledge: Cruise ship and boating accidents often fall under admiralty jurisdiction, which differs significantly from regular personal injury law and requires highly specialized knowledge.
No Fees Unless You Win: We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.

We also prioritize communication, ensuring you’re informed at every step of the process.

Common Challenges in Maritime Injury Cases

Maritime cases present unique legal challenges:

Shortened Deadlines: You may have as little as 6 months to notify the cruise line and only 1 year to file a lawsuit.
Venue Clauses: Many contracts require you to file in specific cities regardless of where you live or where the injury occurred.
Foreign Registration: Cruise ships are often registered in countries with weaker consumer protections.
Complex Laws: Maritime and admiralty laws differ significantly from typical personal injury statutes.

This is why having a law firm that understands both personal injury and maritime law is critical.

Why Maritime Law Requires an Experienced Attorney

Unlike a mixture of U.S. federal law, international agreements, and maritime doctrines governs land-based accidents, boating and cruise ship injuries. An experienced attorney:

Knows how to interpret cruise contracts and ticket clauses
Understands the nuances of federal maritime statutes
Has experience with cruise line defense strategies
Is licensed to litigate in federal court

Explore more about our team on our attorneys page.

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 was injured in a boating accident in Weston?

If you’re hurt in a boating accident near Weston, prioritize medical attention and call 911 if necessary. Report the incident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or local law enforcement. If possible, take photos of the scene, get witness contact details, and avoid making statements to insurers until you speak with a lawyer. Rafaeli Law can help you preserve critical evidence and file your injury claim.

2. Can I sue a cruise line if I was injured during my vacation?

Yes, but cruise line injury claims are time-sensitive and governed by complex contracts. Most cruise tickets include a "forum selection clause" requiring lawsuits to be filed in federal court in Miami, regardless of where the cruise departed or the injury occurred. Our Weston-based cruise ship injury attorneys understand these limitations and can act quickly on your behalf.

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

Many cruise lines limit the time to file a claim to one year, and some require written notice within 180 days of the injury. Missing these deadlines could prevent you from recovering compensation. We recommend contacting our Weston cruise injury lawyers immediately to preserve your rights.

4. Who can be held liable for a jet ski accident in Weston?

Jet ski accidents often involve rental companies, private owners, or negligent operators. Liability may fall on the person driving the watercraft, the rental business for faulty equipment, or even a third party if another vessel was involved. We investigate all angles to identify responsible parties and maximize your compensation.

5. What if I was injured during a cruise shore excursion?

Injuries during shore excursions—like zip-lining, scuba diving, or ATV tours—can still result in compensation even if the activity was operated by a third party. Many cruise lines promote these excursions but claim limited responsibility. At Rafaeli Law, we challenge these disclaimers and pursue the excursion company, cruise line, or both when negligence is involved.

6. Do Florida laws apply to cruise ship injuries?

Not always. Cruise ship accidents are typically governed by federal maritime law, not Florida state law. However, boating accidents on lakes or waterways within Weston may fall under Florida personal injury statutes. Our attorneys determine the correct jurisdiction for your case and apply the right legal strategy.

7. Is the cruise line responsible if I slipped and fell on the ship?

Yes—if the cruise line failed to maintain a safe environment. Wet decks, broken railings, poor lighting, or unmarked hazards can lead to serious falls. If negligence can be proven, the cruise line may be held liable under maritime law. Contact our team to review your case details.

8. How much is my Weston boating or cruise injury case worth?

The value of your claim depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, the impact on your income and lifestyle, future medical needs, and emotional trauma. We’ve helped clients recover for everything from hospital bills to wrongful death damages. You can view our case results to see the outcomes we’ve achieved for others.

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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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