Miami stands as the “Cruise Capital of the World,” with nearly 7 million passengers embarking from Port Miami annually. When maritime accidents happen whether aboard cruise ships, commercial vessels, or recreational boats, victims face complex federal maritime laws that differ dramatically from land-based personal injury cases. At Sue Miami Law Group, we specialize in maritime litigation and understand the unique challenges these cases present.
From slip and falls on cruise ship decks to serious Jones Act claims for injured crew members, we fight for maximum compensation under the specialized laws that govern injuries at sea.
Miami’s position as a cruise capital means unique maritime injury cases. With specialized knowledge of admiralty law, we represent passengers and workers injured on cruise ships.
As the maritime hub of the Americas, Miami requires attorneys who understand both the complexity of federal maritime law and the unique characteristics of our local maritime industry. Our team brings decades of experience handling cases involving cruise ships, commercial vessels, and recreational boating accidents throughout South Florida waters.
Maritime injury cases operate under federal admiralty law, not state personal injury statutes. This means different procedural rules, venue requirements, and damage calculations apply. Most major cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC designate Miami federal court as the exclusive venue for passenger injury lawsuits, regardless of where the accident occurred.
We understand the strict notice requirements that cruise passengers must follow.
Injured passengers typically have only 6 months to provide written notice to the cruise line and must file lawsuits within one year of the accident. These deadlines are much shorter than typical personal injury cases and are strictly enforced by federal courts.
For maritime workers, the Jones Act provides enhanced protections compared to traditional workers’ compensation. Qualified seamen who spend at least 30% of their time working on vessels can pursue negligence claims against employers and unseaworthiness claims against vessel owners. These claims often result in significantly higher settlements than land based injury cases, with awards ranging from $100,000 for moderate injuries to $10 million for catastrophic cases.
Workers at Port of Miami fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), which provides different benefits than Florida workers’ compensation. These workers can pursue both LHWCA benefits and third-party negligence claims, potentially doubling their recovery when multiple parties share responsibility for accidents.
Recent statistics reveal the scope of maritime accidents in our area. Studies show that 1 in 10 cruise passengers report being injured during their voyage. The Department of Transportation reported 89 sexual assaults on cruise ships in 2022, rising to 131 incidents in 2023. These troubling statistics underscore the need for experienced maritime attorneys who understand how to hold cruise lines accountable for passenger safety.
Miami’s year-round boating season and heavy maritime traffic create unique risks. Florida recorded 457 boating injuries in 2022, including 109 lacerations, 90 contusions, 75 broken bones, and 47 head injuries. We understand the common causes of accidents in South Florida waters, from collision prone areas near Government Cut to dangerous conditions during afternoon thunderstorms.
Nearly all major cruise lines designate Miami federal court as the exclusive venue for passenger injury lawsuits, regardless of where your accident occurred. This requirement appears in the passenger ticket contract’s fine print and applies even to accidents in international waters or foreign ports. Working with Miami-based maritime attorneys like Sue Miami Law Group ensures you have local expertise familiar with federal court procedures and the aggressive tactics cruise lines employ to dismiss cases early.
Cruise ship injury claims have much shorter deadlines than typical personal injury cases. Most cruise lines require written notice within 6 months of the accident and mandate that lawsuits be filed within one year. Missing these deadlines typically results in losing your right to compensation forever. Unlike land based accidents with 2-4 year statutes of limitations, maritime law strictly enforces these shortened timeframes, making immediate legal consultation crucial.
Maritime injury settlements vary widely based on injury severity and circumstances. Minor cruise ship injuries typically settle for $5,000-$15,000, while broken bones range from $20,000-$100,000. Severe head injuries can result in $100,000-$500,000 settlements, with long-term disabilities reaching $500,000-$1,000,000 or more. Jones Act cases for injured seamen often exceed these amounts, with settlements ranging from $100,000 for moderate injuries to $10 million for catastrophic cases. The $2 million settlement for a seaman injured by a snapping mooring line demonstrates the higher recovery potential under maritime law.
The Jones Act provides enhanced protections for maritime workers injured on the job. To qualify as a “seaman,” you must spend at least 30% of your work time on a vessel in navigation and contribute to the vessel’s function or mission. Qualifying workers can pursue both negligence claims against employers and unseaworthiness claims against vessel owners. Unlike workers’ compensation, Jones Act claims include pain and suffering damages and often result in significantly higher settlements due to the dangerous nature of maritime work and specialized skill requirements.
Yes, you can pursue compensation for injuries in international waters, but the case will typically be governed by U.S. maritime law and must be filed in the venue specified in your cruise contract. Most major cruise lines designate Miami federal court for all passenger injury lawsuits. The Athens Convention, which caps damages for international voyages, does not apply to cruises involving U.S. ports, meaning full damage recovery remains available. Our experience with federal maritime law ensures proper handling of these complex jurisdictional issues.
Maritime injury cases involve complex federal laws, strict deadlines, and powerful corporate defendants with experienced legal teams. Cruise lines and maritime companies have teams of attorneys working to minimize claims from the moment accidents occur. Evidence at sea can disappear quickly, security footage is often deleted, witnesses disembark, and dangerous conditions may be repaired before proper documentation.
Whether you’re a cruise passenger injured by negligent conditions, a maritime worker hurt on the job, or a family member who lost a loved one in a boating accident, specialized maritime legal expertise is essential for maximum recovery.
Our attorneys are available 24/7 to evaluate your case for free.
JD
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