Hurt while at sea? You deserve more than compensation—you deserve to be heard.
Every year, millions set sail from PortMiami expecting a carefree vacation. But for some, those sunny days end in injury, confusion, and unanswered questions.Â
Whether you slipped on a wet deck, got sick from unsafe food, or were injured during a cruise-sponsored excursion, the cruise line isn’t going to hand over compensation willingly.
At Stabinski Law, our experienced cruise ship injury lawyers have one goal in mind: to make it right for you. With over 115 years of combined legal experience and $500 million recovered, we bring powerhouse resources with a boutique touch. And we’ve been doing it right here in South Florida since 1970.
Why Stabinski Law Is the Smart Move After a Cruise Ship Injury
A powerhouse firm with a boutique approach, trusted by South Florida clients since 1970.
You didn’t expect your cruise to end with medical bills, paperwork, and a corporate wall of silence. Now the cruise line’s playing defense, and you’re stuck figuring out what to do next.
At Stabinski Law, we’ve been handling cruise injury claims longer than most firms have been in business. We’re not new to this. We understand how these companies operate, including how they delay and deflect, and precisely what it takes to achieve results.
Other firms might hand your case off to a case manager or staffer you’ve never met. We don’t. When you contact us, you speak directly with an attorney, one who knows maritime law and understands how to take on billion-dollar cruise lines and win.
We’ve recovered over $500 million for injured people across Florida, including many hurt at sea. But what sets us apart isn’t just the numbers. It’s how we treat you. No runaround. No canned updates. Just straight answers, aggressive representation, and a team that takes your case seriously from day one.
If you’re looking for cruise ship injury lawyers who show up, fight smart, and don’t back down, start here.
Types of Cruise Ship Accident Claims We Handle
Injuries happen on more than just the ship—shore excursions, ports, and tender boats count too.
Cruise ship injuries aren’t always dramatic, but they’re often preventable. And that’s the problem. Our firm handles a wide range of claims involving:
- Slip and Falls: Often dismissed by cruise staff, falls happen frequently due to wet decks, poorly maintained walkways, or unmarked hazards. These cases may seem minor, but they can lead to long-term injury, especially if you are far from immediate medical care.
- Excursion Injuries: Hurt during a zip-lining trip, beach transfer, or guided tour? Even if a third party was involved, the cruise line may share liability, especially if they recommended or booked the excursion.
- Foodborne Illness & Contamination: Passengers suffer when food safety standards slip. Cruise ships must maintain safe kitchens and promptly report outbreaks. If you were hospitalized due to food poisoning or norovirus, your case deserves a closer look.
- Medical Negligence at Sea: Onboard doctors are supposed to help, not harm. But when medical staff fail to diagnose or treat injuries properly, the results can be serious, even life-threatening. These are complex cases, and we’re equipped to handle them.
- Inadequate Security or Assault: Cruise lines must protect passengers from more than just rough seas. If you were assaulted or harmed due to poor lighting, untrained staff, or faulty security, we’re here to hold them accountable.
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, some cruise vacations end in a family’s worst nightmare. If you lost a loved one at sea, we offer compassionate, skilled representation to pursue the justice your family deserves.
What to Do After a Cruise Ship Injury
What you do next could impact the outcome of your case. Here's what helps most
Time and documentation matter. Here’s how to protect your health and your rights:
- Report the Incident Immediately
Tell the cruise staff what happened. Be specific. Ensure they document it and request a copy of the report. Don’t assume it’s being taken seriously—create a paper trail. - Take Photos and Gather Witnesses
Document the scene—wet floors, missing signs, broken equipment—whatever applies. If anyone saw what happened, get their name and contact info. If you’re unable to do this yourself, ask someone you’re traveling with. - Get Medical Attention Off the Ship
Onboard medical care is limited, and the cruise line controls it. Once you disembark, see your doctor or visit an ER. Outside medical records carry more weight and can be critical to your claim. - Save Everything
Your boarding pass, the excursion itinerary, even the back of your ticket—keep it all. These documents often contain buried legal terms that impact your case. - Talk to a Lawyer Before You Talk to the Cruise Line
Some cruise lines require claims to be filed within six months or fewer. Others bury arbitration clauses or venue restrictions in fine print. The sooner you call a cruise ship accident lawyer in Miami, the more options you’ll have
Do I Really Need a Lawyer for a Cruise Injury?
Cruise lines have entire legal teams on their side. You should, too.
Yes. Cruise injury claims fall under federal maritime law, not typical state-level personal injury statutes. That means a different set of rules, stricter timelines, and unfamiliar legal territory for most attorneys, let alone injured passengers.
Even worse, the fine print on your cruise ticket may force you into arbitration or limit where you can file your case, often to a federal court in Miami. Without experienced legal help, your claim can fall apart before it ever reaches a judge. We’ve handled these cases for decades. We know where the pitfalls are—and how to get around them.
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Who’s Liable for My Cruise Ship Injury?
Cruise lines can be held responsible for unsafe conditions, poorly trained staff, and negligence in medical treatment or security. In some cases, excursion operators, onboard vendors, or medical personnel may also share liability. Every situation is different. Our cruise ship injury attorneys investigate each case fully: onboard, offshore, and everything in between.
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What Is My Case Worth?
While every case is unique, compensation can include medical bills (including transport and follow-up care), lost wages, disability, pain and suffering, and, in tragic cases, wrongful death damages. Factors like documentation, injury severity, and cruise line behavior can affect your settlement or verdict.
Why Miami Is the Legal Battleground for Most Cruise Injury Cases
Most major cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and others, are headquartered in South Florida. That means many lawsuits must be filed in Miami, even if you’re from out of state or the injury occurred in international waters. We’ve handled these jurisdictional issues for decades and know how to ensure your case is filed in the correct court on time.
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FAQs About Cruise Ship Injuries
What if I signed a waiver during my excursion?
We review all waiver language. In many cases, cruise lines can still be liable.
What are the time limits to sue?
Most cruise tickets require filing within 1 year. Some even demand notice within 180 days.
Can I sue from another state if I was hurt in Miami?
Yes, but you’ll likely need to file your claim in Miami federal court.
Can I still sue if I didn’t report my injury on the ship?
It’s harder—but not impossible. Contact us to evaluate the details.
What are common mistakes that hurt a cruise ship injury case?
Not reporting the incident, waiting too long to file, and failing to obtain proper medical documentation.
Speak With a Miami Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer Who Fights for You
If you're ready to take the next step, our Miami cruise ship injury lawyers are ready to take your case seriously.
If you were hurt on a cruise—on the ship, during an excursion, or at port—don’t wait for the cruise line to play nice. They’ve got lawyers. You need one too. The right one.
At Stabinski Law, we’ve been taking on cruise lines out of Miami for decades. We know their tricks, their timelines, and how to turn a complicated cruise ship injury claim into a case that gets real results.
The consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we win.
Client Testimonials
What Sets Us Apart?
Ready for Trial if Needed
We are fierce trial attorneys who know how to confidently litigate cases in front of a judge and jury.
Can Handle Every Stage of a Legal Matter
We can walk you through each step of your case, from the initial consultation all the way to a trial, if necessary.
Resolve Most Cases Without a Trial
As skilled attorneys, we are often able to help our clients avoid a costly trial while delivering positive results.
Offer Accessibility and Services 24/7
We are never too busy to speak with you or address your concerns.
