Fort Lauderdale Cruise Ship Injury Attorney
Cruise ships are the perfect getaway for millions of vacationers every year, but for many passengers, their relaxing holiday ends with tragedy. If you or someone in your family was injured on a cruise, contact the Fort Lauderdale cruise ship injury attorneys at Halpern Santos & Pinkert to find out if you have grounds for a claim.
With a comprehensive understanding of maritime law, our cruise ship injury lawyers can answer your questions, explain your rights, and outline how we will fight to defend them. We have collected several multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients. Schedule a free case review today by calling 305-445-1111.
Types of Cruise Ship Injury Cases We Handle
Because cruises are so popular in Fort Lauderdale and throughout the United States, it’s easy to feel safe and complacent while at sea. But there are numerous hazards on these ships, and there are many ways that the negligent or wrongful acts of cruise ship staff and other parties could result in severe injuries.
The accident lawyers at Halpern Santos & Pinkert know how to find success in a variety of personal injury and wrongful death cases involving cruise ship accidents including:
Slip and Fall Accidents: Cruise ship slip and fall accidents are common on dance floors, pool sides, and wet decks. If your slip and fall occurred because the crew failed to remedy a dangerous condition, such as a spilled drink or slippery deck, you may have grounds for a claim.
Pool-Related Accidents: Drownings, slips and falls, and other pool-related accidents can result in serious injuries or death. These events often occur due to inadequate supervision or design defects.
Food Poisoning: One batch of contaminated food can affect dozens of cruise ship passengers. Food poisoning often occurs due to the negligent handling of food, and victims may be able to hold the cruise line accountable for their illness.
Recreational Activity Accidents: If you were hurt while taking part in a recreational activity on a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation for any medical bills, lost wages, and other damages related to your accident.
Assault: If you were a victim of sexual or physical assault on a cruise ship, you can bring a claim against the assailant and possibly against the cruise line.
Fires and Explosions: Fires and explosions can result in severe and potentially fatal burn injuries.
Crewmember Negligence: Poor crew training or supervision can be deadly on a cruise ship—especially in an emergency situation.
Inadequate Cruise Ship Lighting: Without proper lighting, a trip or slip and fall accident is likely to occur. Cruise lines may be held liable for injuries if inadequate lighting was a contributing factor.
Wrongful Death: If your loved one died due to someone’s negligent or intentional act while on a cruise ship, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
Inadequate Security: Crime doesn’t stop while you’re out at sea. If the cruise line failed to provide adequate security, it may be liable for any physical, psychological, and financial damages you incurred as a result.
Common Injuries Sustained on Cruise Ships
A wide range of injuries occur on cruise ships, many of which are debilitating and result in lifelong complications. The Fort Lauderdale cruise ship injury lawyers at Halpern Santos & Pinkert have successfully handled personal injury cases involving a variety of injuries including:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A slip and fall, an accident involving two ships, or a “grounding” accident can cause impact injuries that result in brain trauma. TBIs are one of the most debilitating and expensive injuries a person can sustain. Their long-term effects, which include changes in personality and permanent loss of neurological function, can be financially and emotionally draining for victims and their families.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs): The lifetime cost of medical treatment for a spinal cord injury can quickly reach millions of dollars. Surgeries, modalities to improve mobility, homecare, rehabilitation, and treatments for concurrent medical conditions can be prohibitively expensive. Depending on the cause of your SCI, you may be able to recover compensation for these losses as well as non-economic damages from the cruise line, the owner of the cruise ship, the company that sold you the cruise ticket, a passenger, and/or another party.
Back and Neck Injuries: There are many types of back and neck injuries that cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and permanent complications. These injuries can affect your daily wellbeing as well as your ability to earn an income.
Burn Injuries: An explosion or fire on a cruise ship can cause devastating burn injuries that result in permanent scarring.
Broken Bones: Slick surfaces, poor lighting, and a variety of other hazards can lead to accidents or cruise ships that result in broken and fractured bones.
Salmonella & Norovirus: Although strict regulations are in place to prevent food poisoning on a cruise ship, there have been many cases of foodborne illness affecting dozens of cruise ship passengers.
The type of injury you sustained, its severity, the cause of your injury, and many other factors will determine how our cruise ship injury lawyers will approach your case. It is critical that you seek legal counsel from an attorney with an extensive background in cruise ship claims. At Halpern Santos & Pinkert, we have the experience to go up against the largest cruise lines and insurance companies. We will gather all available evidence to prove liability and damages and possibly arrange expert witness testimony to ensure your case is as strong as possible before settlement negotiations.
Contact Us Today to Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Cruise Ship Injury Attorney
After being injured on a cruise ship, you probably have numerous questions about your accident and the steps you will need to take to recover fair compensation. The Fort Lauderdale cruise ship injury attorneys at Halpern Santos & Pinkert can provide valuable legal insight and help you navigate every stage of the claims process. Contact Us Online or call 305-445-1111 for a free consultation.