Cruise vacations are often a dream getaway, offering relaxation, adventure, and the chance to explore new destinations. However, accidents and injuries aboard cruise ships can turn a once-in-a-lifetime trip into a nightmare. When cruise ship operators fail to maintain safety or neglect their duty of care, passengers can suffer devastating consequences. At Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC, we are committed to protecting the rights of individuals injured in cruise ship accidents. Whether you’ve experienced a slip and fall, food poisoning, or even more severe injuries, our legal team is here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Cruise Ship Accidents
Cruise ships are like floating cities, and with so many activities and amenities onboard, the potential for accidents is significant. Some of the most common cruise ship accidents include:
Slip and Fall Accidents
Wet decks, poorly maintained flooring, and unsecured rugs can easily lead to slip and fall incidents. These accidents often result in broken bones, sprains, or even traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Food Poisoning and Contaminated Water
Cruise ships serve thousands of passengers daily, and improper food handling or contaminated water can lead to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, such as norovirus.
Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Injuries
Faulty equipment, lack of proper supervision, or slippery pool areas can result in drowning accidents, lacerations, or other injuries.
Shore Excursion Injuries
While excursions are highlights of a cruise, they come with risks. Poorly maintained equipment or untrained guides can lead to accidents during activities like zip-lining, snorkeling, or off-road vehicle tours.
Medical Malpractice Onboard
Cruise ships are required to have medical staff, but improper diagnosis, delayed treatment, or medical negligence can worsen a passenger’s condition.
Assault and Security Lapses
Inadequate security measures onboard can result in physical or sexual assault by staff or other passengers.
Mechanical Failures and Collisions
Fires, engine failures, or collisions with other vessels can cause significant injuries, property damage, or even loss of life.
Proving Negligence in Cruise Ship Accidents
To successfully file a claim against a cruise line, you must demonstrate negligence. Cruise operators have a duty to provide a safe environment for passengers and crew. When they fail to meet this obligation, they can be held liable for resulting injuries. Key elements to prove negligence include:
- Duty of Care: The cruise line owed you a duty of care to ensure your safety.
- Breach of Duty: The cruise line failed to meet its duty by acting negligently or recklessly.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Legal Challenges in Cruise Ship Injury Claims
Pursuing a cruise ship injury claim can be more complex than typical personal injury cases due to:
- Jurisdiction Issues: Many cruise tickets include clauses specifying where lawsuits must be filed, often in federal courts or specific locations like Miami, Florida.
- Time Limitations: Cruise lines may impose shorter statutes of limitations for filing injury claims, sometimes as little as six months.
- International Waters: If your injury occurred in international waters, maritime law might apply, complicating the case further.
At Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC, we are well-versed in handling the complexities of cruise ship accident cases. We will carefully evaluate your claim, identify the appropriate jurisdiction, and fight to protect your rights.
Compensation Available for Cruise Ship Injuries
Victims of cruise ship accidents may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical Expenses: Including hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work due to the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm.
Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Why Choose Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC?
At Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC, we understand the emotional and financial toll a cruise ship accident can take on you and your family. With decades of experience in personal injury law, our team has the skills and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of maritime law and fight for justice on your behalf. We pride ourselves on our client-focused approach, providing personalized attention to every case we handle.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a cruise ship accident, don’t face the legal battle alone. The attorneys at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options for recovery. Call us or fill out our online contact form to get started. Let us help you turn a traumatic experience into a path toward healing and justice.
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$8 Million Wrongful Death
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$7.15 Million Trucking Accident
Settlement for a confidential tractor-trailer crash.
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$6.35 Million Trucking Accident
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$5.4 Million Car Accident
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$5 Million Trucking Accident
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$4 Million Trucking Accident
Our client was hit by an overweight and out-of-control tractor-trailer which was driving illegally on PA 115. This verdict was the #1 trucking collision verdict in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2011.
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We could have never made it without Molly Clark and Fellerman & Ciarimboli!! It's scary going after someone for wrongdoing and she took us through every step. She answered all our questions, good or bad. She was available 24-7 and weekends fighting for us. She fought for our needs and got us what was deserved!! They are the best choice!!- Star K.
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- Frank K.
I have a friend who sought help from Fellerman & Ciarimboli and said they were very nice and helpful. So when I needed assistance, they were the first ones I thought of, and gave them a call. I was connected to Attorney Molly Clark, who made a significant impact. Her comforting personality created a welcoming environment during our interactions, turning what could have been a somber experience into one filled with positivity. Our upbeat conversations, in contrast to the challenging situation, improved my well-being.
What truly won me over was Molly's commitment to keeping me informed about the progress of my situation. Whenever I called her with questions, she promptly provided answers, ensuring I had the information I needed when I needed it. Working with Fellerman & Ciarimboli was a positive experience given the circumstances I was facing. I highly recommend Attorney Molly and the firm to anyone seeking reliable and compassionate assistance during challenging times.
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Molly thank you for everything you’ve done for Terry and me. You went above and beyond. You are like family to us and will always love you!- Arlene P.
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I can't express how GREAT my first experience with an attorney has been! I'm not kidding when I say that both you and the entire firm are I think the best around. Once get things settled around here, I would like to make an appointment to come up to talk about some other issues, but I have been doing nothing, but singing the praises of you The entire organization to everyone that I speak with.- R.R.
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- Client
There are no adequate words to convey to you, Mike, and Ed how grateful our family is for all of your hard work in helping us through the most difficult time of our lives. Your commitment to justice is unlike anything we have ever witnessed. Our tragedy became your tragedy. The three of you have become part of our family.
Harry, you explained everything necessary in terms which were comprehensible and helpful to us to better understand all that was presented. We are so grateful for that.
The compassion shown to us by not only the three of you, but everyone to whom we encountered at Fellerman & Ciarimboli was off the charts and so sincere.
We will grieve our profound loss for the rest of our lives, but all of you helped to make it a bit easier, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
God's Blessings to you and your family.
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Molly, Thank you so much! I can't tell you how much you mean to me, throughout this process, you have always been there and helped me through. I am glad it all came to a good ending and that it is over. But, I will miss you and you will always be referred to anyone that ever asks me for an amazing lawyer! Keep fighting for the people who need you! You are amazing at what you do, you're professional and genuine! I wish you all the best in your career and am happy that I chose you to take my case. Your team is amazing, too!- Nicole W.
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“Happy that the night that ruined a lot in my life was finally over. If you want a great firm, get things done right and efficiently, and have a team supporting you along your journey, I suggest F&C to be your choice!”- Nicole W.
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I was in a bad accident and I had my daughter in the car with me. I highly recommend this firm. My attorney Myer Messinger was very compassionate and offered empathy with helping me and my daughter with the mental agony we experienced after the accident. Mr Messinger is very professional and knowledgeable. We sat for hours for the mediation and he fought to get me the best settlement- Enide Jerome
