With its close proximity to Miami, Coral Gables is a hotspot for boating and cruises. However, that also means it’s a prime environment for cruise and boat accidents, which can result in critical injuries. There’s often an at-fault party when someone is injured on cruise ships or in boat accidents. This may be the cruise ship operator, the recreational watercraft operator or other boat operators. The team at Kanner & Pintaluga can help identify appropriate defendants and pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Common Cruise and Boat Accidents

Collisions

Collisions with other vessels or fixed objects can result from operator negligence, mechanical failures or adverse weather conditions, leading to severe injuries, property damage and even capsizing. Kanner & Pintaluga will help you determine the cause of the collision to establish liability.

Slip and Falls

Cruise ships and boats often have wet and slippery surfaces, which can pose a significant risk of slip and fall accidents to passengers. Slips and falls can occur due to inadequate maintenance, spills, a lack of warning signs or poor cleanup processes. These falls often result in fractures, head injuries or back injuries, especially when the falls occur in the cramped confines of boats. Cruise lines and boat operators owe a duty of care to their passengers and are responsible for their safety, which means they must prevent such accidents from occurring.

Capsizing and Sinking

Faulty equipment, improper loading or navigational errors can cause a boat or cruise ship to capsize or sink. These accidents can be especially dangerous, as they can lead to drowning, hypothermia or traumatic injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a capsizing or sinking incident, our legal team will help you determine liability and pursue just compensation.

Fires and Explosions

Cruise ships and boats contain various flammable materials and combustible fuel sources. If there’s a case of electrical malfunction, improper maintenance or simply human error, fire and explosions can occur. These highly dangerous incidents can cause severe burns, smoke inhalation and fatalities, especially when they occur in open water without easy means of escape or quick emergency assistance. Under the threat of the law, cruise lines and boat operators must adhere to strict safety regulations to prevent such accidents. Establishing liability and fault is often possible in these types of scenarios.

Shore Excursion Accidents

Many cruise passengers participate in shore excursions when docked, such as snorkeling, parasailing or zip-lining. However, operator negligence, inadequate safety measures or equipment failure can turn these activities into accidents.

Determining liability in shore excursion accidents can be somewhat challenging, as it may involve multiple parties, including the excursion provider and the cruise line. They may also happen outside of clear U.S. jurisdiction (although Florida courts may still find the cruise line liable). Kanner & Pintaluga will help guide you through the legal landscape and help you effectively pursue your claim.

Foodborne Illnesses

Cruise ships often provide a wide range of dining options for passengers, but improper food handling, refrigeration or contamination can lead to foodborne illnesses such as norovirus or salmonella. If there’s proof of negligence, passengers who suffer from foodborne illnesses may be eligible for compensation. Kanner & Pintaluga will help you discern if that’s the case for you.

Mechanical Failures

Passengers and crew members are at risk when there’s a mechanical failure. There’s a range of accidents that can occur due to mechanical failures on cruise ships or boats, including propulsion system failures, steering malfunctions or malfunctioning safety equipment. These failures can all result in injuries or even deaths.