Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawyers in Florida

Demanding Justice for Clients, Even In Court

When sexual assault occurs on a cruise ship, it can leave lasting physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. At Water Accident Lawyers, we proudly help survivors of sexual assault on cruise ships throughout Florida understand their legal rights and explore their options for justice.

With more than $400 million in verdicts and settlements for clients in water-related injury and maritime cases, our law firm is recognized nationwide for handling high-stakes claims that arise on the water. Led by Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer Robert Baker, who has practiced law for more than 35 years, we are prepared to help you pursue accountability and compensation after being harmed by cruise ship sexual assault.

Learn how to seek justice and compensation by talking to our legal team during a free and confidential case review. Dial (561) 489-2909 now. We’re available 24/7.

Florida at the Center of the Cruise Industry

Florida is home to some of the busiest cruise ports in the world, making it the global epicenter of the cruise industry by many standards.

Millions of passengers embark from Florida’s coast each year, departing from:

• PortMiami in Miami
• Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale
• Port Canaveral near Orlando
• Port Tampa Bay on Florida’s Gulf Coast
• JaxPort in Jacksonville

From these ports, passengers set sail on vessels operated by major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Virgin Voyages, among others.

While the vast majority of cruises are safe and well-managed, the sheer number of passengers and crew aboard these massive ships can sometimes lead to situations in which a serious crime occurs. When a sexual assault happens on a cruise ship, the question of legal responsibility can be complex, and that’s where our experience becomes even more valuable.

Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Claims

A sexual assault on a cruise ship can be committed by another passenger or by a member of the crew. In either case, the incident may fall under maritime law, federal law, or both. Because cruise ships are often registered in foreign countries, and incidents can occur in international waters, determining where and how to file a claim can be difficult.

Our firm can investigate where the assault occurred, which jurisdiction applies, and what contractual provisions may impact your rights. Many cruise tickets include fine print that specifies where lawsuits must be filed, such as in Florida federal courts. Understanding and acting within these deadlines and jurisdictional requirements is important to protecting your right to pursue a recovery.

In some cases, a cruise line may bear legal responsibility if it failed to take reasonable measures to prevent the assault.

Cruise line negligence that could lead to shared or full liability may include:

• Negligent hiring
• Inadequate security
• Poor crew supervision
• Failure to respond appropriately once the assault was reported

What to Do After a Cruise Ship Sexual Assault

After a sexual assault at sea, the steps you take next can have an enormous impact on your safety, your emotional recovery, and your potential legal claim.

If you are still onboard the vessel, it’s important to:

1. Seek immediate medical attention: The ship’s medical staff can provide emergency care and document injuries. A sexual assault kit might not be available, though.
2. Report the incident: Inform ship security and request that the report be documented in writing.
3. Preserve evidence: Keep copies of your statements, receipts, emails, or any communication with crew members.
4. Avoid contact with the perpetrator: Request to be relocated to a different cabin or area of the ship if the perpetrator has not been confined to the brig or detention center.
5. Contact an attorney as soon as possible: Cruise ships are governed by unique laws, and there are often short deadlines for reporting or filing claims.

Once you return to port, reach out to law enforcement to make an official report there as well. Lastly, if you have not yet, talk to our legal team at Water Accident Lawyers in Florida.