Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Blog

Hold Cruise Lines Accountable for Sexual Assault Claims

May 1, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Federal law requires cruise operators to report incidents involving criminal activities, and those convicted of crimes face severe punishment. However, while the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) mandates reporting, it does not provide civil remedies for survivors of sexual assault.

You still have legal remedies, as maritime law allows victims to seek compensation when a cruise company’s negligence contributed to sexual assault. Read on to see how a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can help hold a cruise line accountable for your losses.

When Cruise Lines Can Be Held Liable for Passenger Assaults

Federal Incident Reporting Rules Can Help Prove Negligence in Cruise Ship Accident Cases

April 24, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

While you are out enjoying the open seas on a cruise vacation, it is a comfort to know that there are laws to protect you. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) is a federal statute that mandates strict reporting on incidents involving crime, security, injuries, and medical standards. This information becomes available to the public, so consumers can use the details to make decisions.

However, these reports may also be useful to prove a pattern of negligence if you were hurt on a cruise vacation. You can rely on your Florida cruise ship accident lawyer to leverage evidence in your case, and some background on the law is helpful.

CVSSA Reporting Requirements for US Cruise Lines

Why Cruise Lines are Automatically Responsible for Crew Member Assault

April 17, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Assault by a cruise ship employee is an unspeakable act, so it is a relief to know that US law safeguards victims. Federal criminal statutes empower the FBI to intervene if the vessel’s trip started or ended at a US port, and the penalties for a conviction are severe.

However, victims of crew member assault also have rights under maritime law, which enables them to seek compensation from the cruise operator. You may benefit from the concept of strict liability in such a case, and a cruise ship accident lawyer can explain the advantages to you.

How Strict Liability Applies to Cruise Ship Assault Cases

How Long Do I Have to File a Cruise Ship Injury Claim?

April 10, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

When the unthinkable happens and you suffer injuries on a Miami cruise vacation, it may be reassuring to know that you have legal recourse. However, Florida law, including the two-year statute of limitations, does not apply to this type of case. Your remedies are rooted in maritime law, which enables you to seek compensation for your losses.

Victims have a short deadline in cruise injury claims, and your rights depend on taking prompt action. You can trust your Miami cruise ship accident lawyer to handle essential tasks, but there are some important time limitations to know.

Cruise Ship Injury Claims Have Stricter Deadlines

Miami Cruise Ticket Clauses That Could Make or Break Your Injury Claim

April 3, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

When you are looking forward to a hard-earned dream vacation, you probably do not focus on the fine print of your cruise ticket. Therefore, there are certain clauses that might surprise you because of how they affect your rights after an accident. You should discuss details with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer to understand the impact of these cruise ticket clauses that could make or break your injury claim.

The Forum Selection Clause Requires Filing in Miami

Hidden within the fine print of your cruise ticket is a critical provision that dictates exactly where you are permitted to file a lawsuit. For most major lines, the contract mandates that all injury claims be litigated in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida, located in Miami.

Can Miami Cruise Ship Medical Facilities Actually Handle Cardiac Arrest?

March 27, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

For cruise passengers with a heart condition, some figures about onboard cardiovascular events are concerning. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, while just 3% of visits to the ship medical center are for cardiovascular reasons, a whopping 80% of deaths on cruises are due to cardiovascular events.

This figure would not be acceptable for a land-based medical facility, so it reveals some significant shortcomings by cruise operators. You should discuss your options with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer if you or a loved one was affected, and read on for some important information.

Are Miami-Based Cruise Lines Prepared for 80% of Onboard Deaths?

Why are Most Cruise Ship Injury Lawsuits Filed in Miami?

March 20, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

If you were injured on a Miami cruise, you might be surprised to learn that your lawsuit must likely be filed here. As a premier global cruise hub, the federal court in South Florida is the mandatory legal venue for most passenger injury claims due to specific clauses in cruise line ticket contracts.

However, the laws protect you equally, and the legal process for recovering compensation remains the same. You can rely on your Miami cruise ship accident attorney for filing requirements, but a legal overview is useful.

Why Cruise Lines Require Lawsuits to be Filed in Miami

Beyond the Slip and Fall: Five Hidden Dangers on Miami Cruise Ships

March 13, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

You hear high-profile stories about passengers going overboard on cruises, but the reality is far from the hype. Just 1 or 2 overboard incidents occur monthly, out of the 2.5 million people cruising during that time. You are far more likely to suffer injuries due to cruise ship negligence, and slips and falls are common.

However, there are many other dangers that put you at risk when cruise operators fail in their duty to keep passengers safe. Discuss your options with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer if you were hurt due to:

Swimming Pool and Water Slide Accidents

Why Your Local Personal Injury Lawyer Can’t Handle Your Miami Cruise Case

March 6, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

You are likely familiar with local personal injury attorneys near you at home, but these practitioners are typically not the resources you need after being injured on a cruise out of South Florida. For numerous reasons, it is advisable to consult with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer who will pursue compensation for your losses.

Cruise Ship Injury Claims Must Be Filed in Federal Court

One major reason a personal injury lawyer cannot handle your Miami cruise case is jurisdiction. Most cruise tickets contain forum selection clauses requiring claims to be filed in federal court. Attorneys may rarely practice in this system if they focus only on car accidents and slip-and-falls, which are filed in Florida state court. Federal procedure, motion practice, and evidentiary standards differ significantly from state court rules.

What to Do (and NOT Do) if You are Injured on a Miami Cruise

February 27, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

The potential for accidents exists even in paradise on a cruise vacation, and the statistics reveal the risk to passengers. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 12 to 18 percent of all visits to onboard medical facilities are due to slips, trips, falls, and related injuries.

Fortunately, you have rights as an injured passenger, and your Miami cruise ship accident attorney will guide you through the process. However, some tips about what to do are useful.

Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene