Cruise Accident
Cruise Ship Injury? Call Us First.
Cruise Accident Lawyers — Fighting for Injured Passengers Since 1995
You boarded that ship looking forward to a vacation. What happened instead — a fall, a serious illness, an injury that changed your life — was not supposed to be part of the story. Every year, passengers sail from Port Everglades, PortMiami, and Port Canaveral and come home hurt, unsure where to turn. If that's you, a cruise accident lawyer who truly understands maritime law, federal statutes, and cruise line liability can make all the difference.
At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, cruise accident law is not a side practice — it is central to who we are. When you call, you speak with Jason or Debi Chalik directly. They personally handle every cruise accident case — no junior associates, no case managers — just two experienced attorneys who genuinely care and fight relentlessly to make it right.
Hurt in a cruise accident? Call (855) 529-0269 — Free consultations available 24/7.
why cruise accidents are different
Cruise Accidents Are Governed by a Unique Body of Law
Cruise accident law is nothing like ordinary personal injury law. It is governed by a specialized intersection of federal maritime statutes, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), the Limitation of Liability Act, and the fine print in your ticket contract.
Miss one deadline — or misread one clause — and your right to compensation could vanish entirely. Florida is the cruise capital of the world: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, Disney, and Celebrity all call Florida home, making Florida cruise accident lawyers the frontline of this practice.
The Filing Deadline Is Shorter Than You Think
While general maritime law provides a 3-year statute of limitations under 46 U.S.C. § 30106, cruise lines are legally permitted under 46 U.S.C. § 30508 to shorten this in their ticket contracts — and virtually every major line does, cutting it to one year.
Most Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, and Celebrity contracts also require written notice within six months. Wrongful death claims under DOHSA carry a separate 3-year limitations period, though ticket contracts may shorten that too. Never assume you have time. Call a cruise accident lawyer immediately.
Critical Deadline: Most cruise lines contractually shorten your window to ONE YEAR to file suit and SIX MONTHS to provide written notice. Do not delay — call Chalik & Chalik at (855) 529-0269.
Common Types of Cruise Accidents We Handle
On-Ship Accidents
Slip and fall on wet pool decks, buffet areas, or poorly lit stairwells
Falling overboard due to inadequate railings or unsafe deck conditions
Defective equipment injuries — elevators, escalators, tender boats, gym machinery
Pool accidents, including drowning and shallow-water head injuries
Assault or sexual assault caused by inadequate crew security
Food poisoning and illness outbreaks from onboard sanitation failures
Shore & Excursion Accidents
Injuries during excursions sold, promoted, or endorsed by the cruise line
Third-party operator negligence where the cruise line shares liability
Crew Member Injuries
Workplace injuries covered under the Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 30104)
Unseaworthiness claims under general maritime law
Maintenance and cure entitlements regardless of fault
Wrongful Death
Deaths beyond 3 nautical miles from U.S. shores → governed by DOHSA → recovery limited to pecuniary losses only (loss of companionship not available)
Deaths within 3 nautical miles or during land excursions → may fall under Florida's wrongful death statute → broader recovery including loss of companionship and parental guidance
Our cruise accident lawyers identify which framework applies and build the strongest possible case within it
What a Cruise Accident Lawyer Can Recover for You
No Fee Unless We Win: Chalik & Chalik handles all cruise accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront — and owe nothing unless we win.
Cruise accidents cause fractures, TBI, spinal cord injuries, chemical poisoning, drowning, PTSD, and wrongful death. Injuries that feel manageable on the ship often become far more serious at home. Our cruise accident attorneys pursue the full picture — present condition and long-term costs. Recoverable compensation includes:
Economic: emergency and ongoing medical care, future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, medication, in-home care, property damage
Non-economic: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium
Wrongful death (where applicable): loss of financial support, household services, pre-death medical expenses, and — under Florida's wrongful death statute where DOHSA does not apply — loss of companionship and parental guidance
The Insurance Research Council finds attorney-represented claimants receive settlements 3.5 times higher than those who negotiate alone. Cruise lines have entire legal departments working to pay you as little as possible. You deserve someone fighting just as hard on your side.
What To Do After A Cruise Accident
Steps to Take After a Cruise Accident:
Get medical attention immediately — visit the ship's medical facility, describe everything, and get a written report. Do not minimize symptoms. Internal injuries often don't appear right away.
File an official report — before disembarking, file a formal accident report with ship officers and keep your own copy. Note names and badge numbers of all staff you speak with.
Document everything — photograph the hazard, your injuries, and any missing warnings. Get witness contact information. Evidence disappears fast aboard a cruise ship.
Do not sign anything — do not accept refunds, cruise credits, or any settlement offer without first consulting a cruise accident lawyer. These early offers are almost always a fraction of what you're owed.
Call Chalik & Chalik immediately — ticket contract deadlines may be as short as six months for notice and one year to file. Keep a daily journal of pain, limitations, and medical expenses to support your cruise accident claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Accident Law
How long do I have to file a cruise accident lawsuit?
General maritime law provides a 3-year statute of limitations under 46 U.S.C. § 30106, but under 46 U.S.C. § 30508, cruise lines can contractually shorten this — and virtually all (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, MSC) reduce it to one year. Most also require written notice within six months. DOHSA wrongful death claims carry a separate 3-year period. Review your ticket and call a cruise accident lawyer immediately.
Can I sue for a shore excursion injury? Where do I file?
Yes — if the cruise line sold, promoted, or endorsed the excursion, it may share liability even if a third party ran it. Most major cruise lines require lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami via forum selection clauses. Chalik & Chalik litigates regularly in that court.
Can a crew member sue the cruise line?
Yes. The Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 30104) gives seamen the right to sue for negligence with a 3-year statute of limitations. Crew members may also bring unseaworthiness claims under general maritime law and are entitled to maintenance and cure regardless of fault.
Contact Cruise Accident Lawyers at Chalik & Chalik Today
What happened on that ship was not supposed to happen — and you shouldn't have to fight a billion-dollar cruise line alone. Whether your cruise accident occurred on the open ocean, in a Florida port, or during a shore excursion, Chalik & Chalik is ready.
We've been fighting for injured cruise passengers since 1995. We know the cruise accident law. We know these cruise lines. We don't stop until our clients get what they deserve.
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