Royal Caribbean Cruise Accident Attorneys in Miami

A Royal Caribbean cruise can be the vacation of a lifetime – unless it becomes the setting of your most recent injury. Cruise ships are relatively common locations for injury accidents, from on-deck slip and falls, to serious food poisoning cases. If you are an injured cruise ship passenger or injured crewmember, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our law firm has extensive experience with Royal Caribbean cruise ship accident claims in Miami and throughout Florida. Call (305) 638-4143 to schedule your initial consultation.

At the Flanagan & Bodenheimer Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we put our clients first. Before we investigate your accident or file an injury claim, we take the time to meet with you in person and to listen to your story. Our attorneys only accept small caseloads, so they can always provide personal attention to each client. Since our firm only represents personal injury and wrongful death claims, we have focused and in-depth experience. We’ll win cases other law firms won’t take – including achieving multimillion-dollar settlements for clients who multiple law firms rejected.

Common Causes of Cruise Ship Accidents

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship is only as safe as the company makes it. When a cruise line tries to cut corners and save money, a ship can fall into disrepair. One can trace most Royal Caribbean cruise ship injuries back to the company, or to employee negligence. When negligence causes a passenger injury, the victim has the right to pursue compensation through a civil claim. These are some potential causes for cruise ship accidents:

• Damaged Gangplanks: Gangplanks used for boarding or disembarking can become unstable or damaged, leading to slip and fall accidents. If the cruise line fails to properly maintain the gangplank, passengers may suffer broken bones, head injuries, or sprains.
• Uneven Floorboards: Poorly maintained or uneven flooring throughout the ship can result in trips and falls. Passengers navigating the ship’s common areas, cabins, or dining areas can suffer serious injuries, such as fractures or concussions, due to unsafe walkways.
• Unsafe Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs: Swimming pools or hot tubs that are not adequately maintained or supervised can pose significant risks. Lack of lifeguards, broken ladders, slippery surfaces, and improper water filtration can lead to drowning accidents, bacterial infections, or serious physical injuries.
• Spoiled Food and Foodborne Illnesses: Serving spoiled or contaminated food can result in widespread outbreaks of foodborne illnesses among passengers. Food that isn’t stored, prepared, or served in hygienic conditions may cause severe gastrointestinal issues, dehydration, or long-term health problems.
• Improper Disposal of Waste: Failure to dispose of waste properly on a cruise ship can lead to hazardous situations. Chemical spills, hazardous waste, or unsanitary conditions due to improper waste disposal can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems for passengers.
• Falling Objects During Rough Seas: In rough seas, unsecured objects or supplies on the ship can fall, causing injuries to passengers. If crew members fail to secure equipment, passengers may be hit by falling items, leading to head injuries, broken bones, or other trauma.
• Inadequate Medical Care: Passengers may suffer from injuries or illnesses that require immediate medical attention. If onboard medical staff fail to diagnose or treat an injury or illness properly, the situation can worsen, potentially leading to severe or life-threatening consequences.
• Assault or Violence: Cruise lines must provide adequate security to prevent violent incidents such as assaults. When security measures are lax, passengers may become victims of violence or assault, leaving them with both physical injuries and emotional trauma.
• Vibrio Infections: Passengers exposed to contaminated water or undercooked seafood on a cruise may contract Vibrio infections, caused by bacteria such as Vibrio vulnificus or Vibrio parahaemolyticus. These infections can cause severe illness, and without timely diagnosis and treatment, they may lead to life-threatening complications.
• Slip and Fall Accidents on Wet Surfaces: Cruise ships often have wet or slippery surfaces around pools, spas, and dining areas. Without proper signage or non-slip mats, these areas can become dangerous for passengers, leading to serious slip and fall accidents that result in broken bones, head injuries, or sprains.

What to Do After a Cruise Ship Accident

The steps you take after suffering a cruise ship accident can determine your eligibility for financial compensation. Failing to notify a ship employee of your accident, for example, could make it difficult or impossible to prove that your injuries happened on board a Royal Caribbean ship.

Follow these basic steps:

1. Report your accident and injuries to a crewmember.
2. Visit the onboard medical facility for injury treatment.
3. Document your accident and injuries.
4. Take down the name of the employee who took your claim.
5. Take photographs of the scene of the accident.
6. Call an attorney.

The maritime accident lawyers at our Miami law office have years of combined experience helping clients with cruise ship accident lawsuits. We can direct your claim to the correct Florida courts, make sure you fulfill the filing requirements, and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.

Understanding the Royal Caribbean Ticket Contract and Its Legal Impact

Every Royal Caribbean passenger must agree to a ticket contract, which includes numerous legal clauses designed to limit the cruise line’s liability and control how and where lawsuits must be filed. Unfortunately, most passengers never read this contract—until it’s too late.

Important clauses include:

• Forum selection: Lawsuits must be filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami, even if the injury occurred elsewhere.
• Short deadlines: Passengers typically must provide written notice of a claim within 6 months and file suit within 1 year of the incident.
• Waiver attempts: The contract may contain language aimed at limiting certain claims, especially those involving shore excursions or independent contractors.

Our attorneys are well-versed in these contracts and how to challenge clauses that unfairly limit passenger rights. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait to act—contact our Miami firm immediately to avoid missing key deadlines.

Who Is Liable?

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will be liable for most accidents, injuries, and illnesses that occur onboard one of its cruise ships. The cruise line is legally responsible for the safety of its passengers and crewmembers. If an unsafe feature or hazard on the ship or one of Royal Caribbean’s employees caused your injury, the cruise company will be liable for your related damages. Other third parties, such as a parts manufacturer, may share liability as well.

How We Investigate Cruise Ship Accident Claims

Royal Caribbean has access to internal records, surveillance footage, and ship logs that can be crucial to your case—but they won’t hand them over willingly. Our team acts fast to preserve evidence and build a strong foundation for your claim.

Our investigations often include:

• Requesting video surveillance from key locations (hallways, pools, dining areas)
• Obtaining crew member incident reports and maintenance logs
• Interviewing passenger witnesses and staff members
• Consulting medical experts to determine the full extent of your injuries
• Reviewing prior complaints and lawsuits involving the same ship or hazard

Our experience with cruise ship litigation gives us insight into how Royal Caribbean defends these cases—and how to beat them. If you’ve been hurt on one of their ships, let us investigate and fight on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue Royal Caribbean if I was injured on one of their ships?

Yes. If your injury was caused by negligence—such as unsafe conditions, lack of maintenance, poor supervision, or untrained staff—you may have a valid personal injury claim against Royal Caribbean. Maritime law allows passengers to pursue compensation for preventable injuries at sea.

Where do I have to file my lawsuit against Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean’s ticket contract requires lawsuits to be filed in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, located in Miami. Filing in any other court could result in your case being dismissed. Our Miami-based firm regularly handles these cases in this jurisdiction.

What if I was injured during a shore excursion organized by Royal Caribbean?

If Royal Caribbean arranged or endorsed the excursion, they may still be liable—even if a third-party vendor was involved. These cases are complex, but we can evaluate the circumstances and determine if you have a claim.

Do I need a lawyer who specializes in cruise ship accident cases?

Yes. These cases involve maritime law, which is very different from standard personal injury law. Royal Caribbean has a legal team trained to defend claims, and only an experienced cruise ship attorney can level the playing field and fight for your rights effectively.

Can I file a wrongful death lawsuit if a loved one died on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Yes. If your loved one’s death was caused by negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim under maritime law or the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and fight for justice on your family’s behalf.

How much does it cost to hire a Royal Caribbean cruise accident lawyer?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• No upfront costs
• We only get paid if we win or settle your case
• If there’s no recovery, you owe us nothing

This ensures that anyone can access quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer?

Royal Caribbean is a major corporation with plenty of experience combatting civil claims. Like most cruise lines, this company will do anything it can to save money and avoid paying an injured passenger or worker a settlement. The only way to balance the scales is by hiring a Miami attorney to represent your case. A lawyer can break down your rights and legal options after a cruise-related injury, as well as go up against major insurance companies in pursuit of compensation.

If you need help with a Royal Caribbean cruise ship accident claim, contact us. We offer free, zero-obligation case evaluations in Miami, Florida. Call (305) 638-4143 to schedule your meeting today.