cruise ship accident attorneys in Florida Tag Archives

November 24, 2020

What the CDC’s Cruise Ship Guidelines for COVID-19 Mean for Passengers

The cruise industry is a huge draw for millions of Floridians and visitors from other US states, which is why COVID-19 no-sail orders have been devastating for people who wanted to get away on a sea adventure during 2020. As such, a recent announcement by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) comes as welcome news for anyone looking forward to a vacation. The CDC released its Conditional Sailing Order for Cruise Ships on October 30, 2020, opening the door for future sailings. In the document, the CDC outlines requirements cruise companies must follow to mitigate the risk to passengers and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

However, while the announcement may seem to be a positive development, there are still many concerns. If you contracted COVID-19 or any other illness while on board, you should discuss your legal options with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer. Some information on the recent CDC order may also be helpful.

Phased Approach to Cruises

May 15, 2020

Potential for Miami Cruise Accidents Increases as Bookings Skyrocket

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

As Florida and other US states go through various stages of reopening after the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, there are encouraging signs that the cruise industry will soon get back to operation. According to a May 13, 2020 article published by South Florida CBS News Channel 12, cruise lines are experiencing a 600% increase in bookings as compared to this time last year. The explosion in guest reservations occurred just after some cruise operators announced that they would be resuming trips starting in August 2020 from ports, including the Port of Miami.

Of course, the resumption of vacations at sea means that the risk of cruise accidents and injuries will pick up, as well. If you were hurt, a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can provide specific information on your legal options, but some answers to frequently asked questions may be useful.

What are My Legal Rights After a Cruise Injury?

March 11, 2020

Your Rights When Injured in a Miami Cruise Shore Excursion Accident

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

If you have ever been on a cruise or are currently planning one, you probably know that there is a wide array of shore excursions available at ports of call. From shopping and dining experiences to outdoor activities and extreme sports, there is generally an adventure that appeals to everyone. Onshore excursions are also a huge money-maker for the cruise industry. However, an article published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reveals that the risk of accidents on these trips is high. On average, just over 31% of all injuries to passengers occur during shore excursions.

Claims involving cruise injuries are very different from other types of personal injury accidents, so it is wise to trust a Miami cruise ship accidents lawyer who focuses on these cases. You might also find it useful to review some basic information.

Common Types of Shore Excursion Accidents

January 22, 2020

What to do if You Were Hurt in a Miami Cruise Ship Accident

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Travel, tourism, and destination online guide Oyster published an article on the 9 Worst Cruise Ship Disasters, which covers incidents from the RMS Titanic to the Costa Concordia in 2012. However, not all cruise ship accidents make headlines; in fact, many of these stories are brushed under the proverbial rug as cruise lines attempt to minimize incidents and avoid damaging their reputations. Still, accidents that cause injuries for passengers are common, ranging from a slip, trip, or fall, to shore excursion incidents, sexual assault, and other criminal acts.

If you were hurt under such circumstances, you might be bewildered about what to do next. The top priority is seeking medical attention for your injuries, but you need to be cautious about your next steps. From the moment of the accident, cruise companies are already planning their defense so they will not have to pay your claim. As such, you should contact a Miami cruise ship accident attorney at the first possible opportunity. In the meantime, follow these steps to protect your interests.

Report the Accident: After you receive proper medical care, you should notify the appropriate crew members regarding the incident. This action preserves your right to file a claim for monetary damages under applicable international maritime laws. If you fail or delay in reporting the accident to officials, you may not qualify to recover compensation.

November 5, 2019

Top Five Most Common Accidents on Miami Cruise Ships

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

When you are planning a cruise from Miami, you want to make sure you have got planning down to the very last detail – from packing your essentials to scheduling activities and excursions. What you may not be able to predict or protect against is the potential for accidents on cruise ships. According to Cruisemapper.com, a website that tracks the safety records for various cruise lines, the risk is somewhat high. There are currently 490 ships with a negative safety rating, based upon 3,121 accidents that occurred at sea and on shore.

An injury-causing incident may ruin your vacation, but there are implications that extend beyond your return to port. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can help with the legal complications and will fight to get the compensation you deserve for your losses. Meanwhile, you can protect yourself and your family by learning about the top five accidents that cause cruise ship injuries.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents: Luggage in hallways, poor lighting, loose carpeting, and unsecure staircases are just a few of the reasons slip, trip, and fall incidents occur. If a cruise ship operator does not undertake necessary repairs, serious injuries are possible.

May 19, 2015

Norwegian Gem Drowning Incident Foreseeable and Preventable, Says Cruise Ship Lawyers at Gerson and Schwartz, PA

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Once again, a tragic event has occurred in a cruise ship pool. This past Monday May 18, 2015 a ten year old girl drowned aboard the vessel Norweigian Gem. Our Florida cruise ship lawyers are monitoring the case closely. According to attorneys at Gerson & Schwartz, PA, the cruise ship industry does not require lifeguards in their pools. It just does not fit in their business model, says Nicholas I. Gerson of Gerson & Schwartz, PA. This is alarming considering the number of children and pools on passenger vessels. Under federal maritime law, cruise ship operators only have a legal duty to provide reasonable care under the circumstances.

In the last several years, the cruise ship industry in general has been subject to scrutiny based on lack of tougher laws and enforcement of its own rules and regulations. Numerous requests for stricter rules and regulations make their vessels safe are needed for the public. Until recently, cruise ships were not even required to report violent crimes such as rape or sexual assault, nor were they required to cooperate with law enforcement. Accidents like drownings aboard ships are foreseeable and preventable. These ships should have trained lifeguards on duty whenever the pool is open. If the cruise line industry required it’s vessels operate recreational pools with an active life guard and increased safety measures like in you would find in a typical resort, would help make these floating cities safer for all. The cruise ship lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz, PA represent passengers and crew members in all types of accidents. For more information on how we can help, visit www.injuryattorneyfla.com or call toll free at (877) 475-2905.