Boating and Cruise Ship Accident Attorney

When it is not what you’d call ship-shape

Boating and cruises, as the Sunshine State, we are rightly proud of our recreational activities. But there’s a lot that the industry owes to its passengers in terms of precaution, protection, and safety. In 2022, drowning by falling overboard was the leading cause of fatal accidents. Home to some of the largest cruise ports in the world, Florida is not unfamiliar with boating and cruise ship accidents. Boat and cruise ship owners and operators owe a duty of reasonable care to passengers opting for their services, including:

• Keeping the decks and other areas of the boat/cruise dry
• Removing potential obstacles
• Providing warnings for wet and dangerous areas
• Protecting them from potential dangers that may occur in the duration of the passenger’s time aboard— accidents, intentional harm, and unforeseen events to a certain extent.
• Providing well-functioning and enough life jackets for everyone onboard
• Safeguarding equipment that could possibly injure passengers

Cruise ships are a popular recreational activity in Florida, but they have risks. Slips/trips and falls, dock accidents, tender boat accidents, physical/sexual assault, and falling overboard are potential hazards of cruise ships. There is also the risk of falling sick from contaminated food, unhygienic conditions, foodborne pathogens, or medical negligence/malpractice.

While not as dangerous as cruise ships, boating accidents are unfortunately prevalent and can result in grievous consequences. Falling overboard is the most common cause of fatal boating accidents, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, with capsizing and collision following closely behind. Boat collisions, grounding, swamping/flooding, machine failure, insufficient safety training, negligence, and violation of navigational rules are some common causes of boating accidents.

Who is responsible for a boating and cruise ship accident?

When an accident has occurred on board a commercial boat or cruise, a thorough investigation of the circumstance is needed to determine who is responsible. A boating accident lawyer must delve into all aspects of the accident to identify all those whose negligence contributed to the accident and the extent of their legal liability. At People for Law, our Boating and Cruise Ship Accident Attorneys explore all possibilities for the successful filing of a claim.  To robustly present your Boating and Cruise Ship Accident Lawsuit case for compensation for an injury caused in a commercial boat or ship cruise, look no further than People for Law.

The main contributing factors for boating accidents are operator inattention, inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and machinery failure. The Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety has suggested that most accidents actually occur in benign conditions – light wind, good visibility, and calm waters – making it critical to wear a life jacket and engine cut-off switch at all times as they can be lifesaving.

Boat and cruise ship operators should exercise ample care concerning your safety. On being caused an injury or damage or loss of life to your family while on board any operator’s vessel or during activities organized or endorsed by them, it’s your right to be awarded compensation.