Cruise ship sexual assaults are deeply traumatic experiences that can leave lasting emotional and physical harm. These cases are complex, often involving maritime law and powerful cruise lines. At Graham Trial Lawyers PLLC, we approach these cases with care, listen to your story, and guide you forward with respect and a commitment to pursuing justice.
Take Action to Claim What You Deserve
Cruise ship sexual assaults involve any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior that occurs aboard a cruise vessel, whether committed by a crew member or another passenger. These incidents may include unwanted touching, coercion, or forced sexual acts. In the context of cruise ship sexual assaults in Miami Beach, cases often arise from voyages departing South Florida, even if the incident occurs in international waters.
Legally, these cases are governed primarily by federal maritime law rather than standard state law. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) requires cruise lines to report sexual assaults and implement safety measures onboard. Liability depends on the circumstances: cruises are strictly responsible for crew misconduct, while other cases require proof that the company failed to provide reasonable security or ignored foreseeable risks.
The Graham Difference
At Graham Trial Lawyers PLLC, we do things differently. We are a husband-wife team, Thomas D. Graham and Megan Arnold, who intentionally take on a limited number of cases so we can give each one the attention it deserves. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, building it with care, strategy, and purpose from day one.
We also bring a trauma-informed approach to these cases. We take the time to understand your experience, not just the legal facts, and help you tell your story in a way that is both honest and powerful. This is not a volume practice: we are real trial lawyers who handle complex, sensitive cases and stand beside our clients with respect and relentless advocacy.
Common Examples of Cruise Ship Sexual Assaults
Cruise ship sexual assaults can take many forms, often in environments marked by privacy, alcohol, and limited oversight.
Understanding how these incidents happen can help clarify when legal action may be appropriate:
- Unwanted sexual touching in bars, nightclubs, or crowded areas
- Assault by a crew member with access to private cabins
- Sexual acts committed against an incapacitated or intoxicated passenger
- Coercion or manipulation leading to non-consensual sexual activity
- Assault occurring in isolated areas of the ship with limited surveillance
- Unauthorized entry into a passenger’s cabin leading to sexual misconduct
- Abuse involving minors during onboard activities or childcare programs
Who Can Be Held Liable for Cruise Ship Sexual Assaults?
Determining liability in these cases requires a careful, fact-driven analysis. We look at who had control, what risks were known or foreseeable, and whether reasonable steps were taken to prevent harm. In cruise ship sexual assaults, this often involves reviewing security practices, prior incidents, crew conduct, and how the cruise line responded before and after the incident.
Cruise lines are typically responsible when a crew member commits an assault, regardless of fault. When another passenger is involved, liability depends on whether the cruise line failed to provide adequate security or ignored warning signs. Third parties, such as contractors or excursion operators, may also share responsibility depending on the circumstances.
Millions Recovered for Complex, High-stakes Cases
We approach every case with preparation, precision, and a commitment to telling our clients’ stories the right way.
While every case is different, our track record reflects our ability to handle complex matters and pursue meaningful outcomes with care and intention.
- Confidential settlement for child-on-child sexual assault at a private Christian school
- Confidential settlement for a teacher’s sexual assault at a private Catholic school
- Confidential settlement against the Catholic Church for sexual abuse
- Confidential settlement for a sexual assault at a chiropractor center
What to Do After a Cruise Ship Sexual Assault
What you do next can protect both your well-being and your ability to hold yourself accountable.
These situations are overwhelming, but taking a few steps early can make a meaningful difference as you begin to process what happened and consider your legal options:
- Seek immediate medical care and request a forensic examination
- Report the incident to ship security and request written documentation
- Preserve physical evidence, including clothing and personal belongings
- Document details of the incident while memories are still fresh
- Identify potential witnesses and gather their contact information
- Avoid signing statements or accepting offers without legal guidance
- Contact experienced lawyers as soon as possible
Contact Lawyers Who Truly Care
You deserve to be heard, respected, and supported by lawyers who take your experience seriously. At Graham Trial Lawyers PLLC, we guide you through each step of the process with clarity and care, while building a case that reflects the full impact of what you’ve been through. Contact us today for a free, confidential case review.
