A cruise should feel safe, but serious injuries and deaths still occur at sea. When they do, the legal path forward can be complex. We help you understand your rights under maritime law, take the pressure off your shoulders, and pursue accountability with care, clarity, and a relentless commitment to your story and the best possible outcome.
Recover What You’re Owed After a Cruise Incident
Cruise ship injuries and deaths are governed by federal maritime law, even when a voyage begins or ends in Florida. This includes doctrines like general maritime law and statutes such as the Death on the High Seas Act. With over 30 million people cruising globally each year, these laws play a critical role in determining how claims are handled and where they must be filed.
Cruise ship injuries & deaths in Miami Beach typically involve incidents occurring on navigable waters, often far from shore. These can include serious falls, negligent onboard medical care, unsafe conditions, equipment failures, or violent acts. Cruise lines owe passengers a duty of reasonable care, but claims are shaped by ticket contracts, deadlines, and jurisdiction rules. These cases often require detailed investigation, coordination across jurisdictions, and a strategic legal approach to uncover what happened and who is responsible.
The Graham Difference
Choosing the right lawyers matters, especially when it comes to complex maritime cases. We are a husband-and-wife team, Thomas D. Graham and Megan Arnold, and we built this firm to do things differently. We intentionally take on a limited number of cases so we can give each one the attention it deserves. You are never treated like a file or a number. We take the time to understand your experience and guide you through every step with clarity.
We approach every case as if it may go to trial. That means deep preparation, thoughtful strategy, and a commitment to telling your story the right way. While many firms aim to settle quickly, we prepare relentlessly so you’re in the strongest position possible. Our role is to take the pressure off your shoulders and pursue the best possible outcome.
Common Reasons for Cruise Ship Injuries & Deaths
Cruise ship incidents are often preventable and stem from breakdowns in safety, training, or oversight.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Unsafe deck conditions leading to slips and falls
- Inadequate medical care or delayed treatment onboard
- Negligent security resulting in assault or violence
- Excursion accidents organized or endorsed by cruise lines
- Equipment failures or poor maintenance of ship systems
- Crew negligence or inadequate training
- Fires, collisions, or other maritime emergencies
- Overcrowding or poor emergency response procedures
Who Can Be Held Liable for Cruise Ship Injuries & Deaths?
Determining liability in cruise ship cases requires a detailed investigation. We look beyond what’s reported to understand how and why the incident occurred. That includes reviewing ship records, safety protocols, medical care provided onboard, and the actions of crew and third parties. Maritime law and cruise contracts often shape who can be held responsible.
Liability may extend to the cruise line for unsafe conditions or negligence, onboard medical providers for substandard care, excursion operators for preventable incidents, or third-party contractors involved in security or maintenance. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, and identifying each one is critical to pursuing full compensation.
Millions Recovered for Complex, High-stakes Cases
We handle serious, complex cases with the level of preparation and care they deserve. While every case is different, our track record reflects our commitment to pursuing meaningful outcomes and holding the right parties accountable, even in challenging maritime cases.
- $3 million for a medical malpractice injury on a cruise ship
- $1.6 million for a wrongful death case involving an armed security guard
- $900,000 for a slip and fall at a marina
What to Do After a Cruise Ship Injury or Death
What you do in the moments and days after an incident at sea can have an impact on your health, your rights, and your ability to pursue a claim.
Taking the right steps early can help preserve critical evidence and protect your position:
- Report the incident to the ship personnel immediately
- Request and keep copies of all incident reports
- Seek prompt medical attention and document treatment
- Photograph injuries, conditions, and surrounding areas
- Collect names and contact information of witnesses
- Preserve clothing, receipts, and any physical evidence
- Avoid recorded statements to cruise line representatives without guidance
- Review your passenger ticket for deadlines and requirements
- Consult a maritime lawyer as soon as possible
Contact Lawyers Who Truly Care
If you or your family are dealing with a serious incident at sea, you may be facing more questions than answers. Cruise ship cases are complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. We’re here to guide you, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome with care. Contact us today for a free, confidential case review.
