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Hollywood, FL Cruise & Boat Accident Attorney
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Hollywood Cruise & Boat Accident Attorneys
Cruises and boats are meant to be an escape from the everyday stresses of life, but that’s not always the way every trip on the water turns out. Accidents involving watercraft are common occurrences in Florida. In 2022, there were 32 fatal boat accidents in the state, hundreds of injuries and many more boat accidents that resulted in property damage. What can make boat accidents more difficult is how complex the legal landscape for cruise and boat personal injury lawsuits can be, as victims will have to navigate around maritime laws, large corporate interest and their insurance companies.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a cruise or boat accident, Kanner & Pintaluga will provide you with the support and representation you deserve.
Common Cruise and Boat Accidents
- Slip and Falls: Wet decks, uneven surfaces or obstacles can cause passengers to slip and fall on cruise ships or boats.
- Drowning and Near-Drowning Incidents: Swimming pool accidents, falling overboard or getting trapped underwater are potential hazards on cruise ships.
- Collisions: Boats and ships can collide with each other, with other objects or with docks, potentially leading to severe injuries for passengers and crew.
- Mechanical Failures: Malfunctioning equipment or mechanical failures on board can cause accidents and injuries.
- 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 human error, fires and explosions can occur.
- Maritime Assaults: Unfortunately, incidents of assault and violence do happen on cruise ships.
- Foodborne Illnesses: Outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses are far too common on cruise ships due to food contamination or poor food safety practices.
- Shore Excursion Accidents: Injuries during off-ship excursions can also occur and may involve third-party liability. These cases can be complex as the cruise operator may not want to accept liability for something that didn’t happen on their boat, especially if the injury occurred in another country.
How Maritime Law Can Affect Your Boat or Cruise Accident Case in Florida
Many cruise accidents fall under maritime law, which encompasses a specific set of rules and regulations that incorporate federal laws and international conventions. These laws play a significant role in governing accidents occurring on navigable waters.
Cruise Companies and Boat Operators’ Duty of Care
Cruise lines and boat operators have a legal responsibility to their passengers that include:
- Providing a safe environment
- Hiring trained and competent crew and staff
- Conducting safety drills and providing clear safety instructions
- Ensuring every passenger has access to medical facilities and personnel on board
- Adhering to maritime safety regulations set forth by authorities
How To Prove Liability for Boat or Cruise Accidents and Injuries
Determining liability in shore excursion accidents can be difficult, as it may involve multiple parties – including the excursion provider and the cruise line – or it might have occurred outside of U.S. legal jurisdiction. Kanner & Pintaluga will help guide you through the legal complications and help you effectively pursue your claim, whether it’s against:
- Cruise Company: The cruise line may be liable for negligent actions, inadequate maintenance or failure to ensure passenger safety.
- Crew Members: Individual crew members who act negligently or cause harm may be personally liable.
- Equipment Manufacturers: The manufacturer may share liability if an injury is caused by defective equipment or machinery.
- Third Parties: In cases where shore excursions are involved or if food poisoning occurs, third-party operators may share responsibility for injuries.
- Other Passengers: For assault cases on a cruise or boat, victims may be able to name both the perpetrating passenger and the cruise line in their case. If the passenger doesn’t have the funds to offer proper compensation, the cruise line might be able to give it to you instead.
We’ve Helped Our Clients Win Over $1 Billion in Recovered Settlements
At Kanner & Pintaluga, we have extensive experience handling cruise accident cases and navigating maritime law. The attorneys at our Hollywood personal injury law firm will tailor a legal strategy fit to your needs, keeping you informed and involved as we advocate for the just compensation you deserve from the cruise operator and insurance companies.
We will help you build a compelling case utilizing various evidence-gathering techniques, including:
- Taking photos and collecting any available physical evidence.
- Interviewing passengers, crew members and any other individuals who may have witnessed the accident.
- Analyzing cruise line policies, incident reports, maintenance records and other documents.
- Reviewing any available surveillance footage to prove liability or negligence.
- Consulting with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals.
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Hold Negligent Cruise Companies and Boat Operators in Hollywood Accountable for Their Actions
Navigating the legal waters of maritime personal injury law can be complex and challenging. As seasoned Florida personal injury attorneys with extensive experience in all types of watercraft and cruise ship cases, we're here to help you chart the course towards the justice and compensation you deserve. Consult with a Kanner & Pintaluga boat injury lawyer today.
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