Inadequate Security Lawyers
Louis A. Vucci P.A. understands the danger that cruise ship passengers can face when the company fails to provide much-needed protection. As such, we are dedicated to helping passengers like you if you have been injured or experienced another traumatic event. If you have suffered due to inadequate security on a cruise ship, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the liable cruise ship company.
Traveling to shore to explore different cities or beaches is an exciting part of every cruise. When passengers leave the ship and make landfall, they should be able to focus on enjoying their time while the cruise staff focuses on providing security. Unfortunately, cruise ship companies do not take the necessary precautions to ensure their passengers’ safety while on shore, and this inadequate security can lead to various dangerous situations and unwanted outcomes. While cruises have continually gained popularity over the last five years, with nearly 12 million passengers from North America alone, cruise ship security hasn’t scaled along with it, leaving many passengers vulnerable to serious and life-threatening injuries. Our experienced attorneys are ready to discuss your situation’s specifics and legal options. There’s a limit on how long you must file a personal injury claim, so don’t delay. Call (786) 375-0344 today and schedule a free and confidential consultation.
Why Choose Us
Suppose you have been hurt on a cruise ship. In that case, you need a lawyer with experience holding the major cruise lines responsible for their staff’s reckless and negligent actions and for dangerous policies that cause harm to travelers. Louis Vucci has over 20 years of experience as an attorney. He has dedicated his life to helping injured people like you get the financial compensation they deserve to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. And with his years of experience as a public defender, he has the courtroom skills and experience necessary to defend you in court if need be. With Louis A. Vucci P.A., not only is your consultation free, but we work on a contingency basis; you only pay us if we win your case and recover damages. Contact an inadequate security attorney today and take the first step in moving on with your life.
Dangers of Inadequate Security
For most cruise ships, the security is either understaffed or unable to handle serious, potentially life-threatening situations due to several factors. Unfortunately, this means that they may be ineffective in protecting you from or stopping a number of dangerous scenarios, from sexual assault to robberies to battery. Failing to provide adequate security while passengers are enjoying onshore excursions can result in numerous unwanted consequences, including:
- Stolen property
- Physical violence
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
Though these are among the most commonly reported unfortunate incidents during onshore excursions, an array of other issues can arise when proper security is not provided for passengers. The risk and threat of violence or other dangerous scenarios can be magnified when alcohol is present, making guests and locals on shore belligerent and causing them to act aggressively or inappropriately. Our skilled legal team is ready to hear about your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The law surrounding cruise ship injuries is very specific and complex. Because of that, many people are either unaware that they have rights when aboard a cruise ship and out at sea away from the United States or don’t know you can take legal action against an entity as large as a cruise line. We know you have many questions about your case and to get started, we’ve provided a few answers to many common questions we hear.
Is there a time limit for filing my injury claim?
You must file injury claims within a set time limit, known as the statute of limitations. For most maritime negligence cases in the state of Florida, the plaintiff has three years to file a claim. Still, the statute of limitations may be significantly shorter for cruise ship injuries. Depending on the provisions of your ticket, most cruise lines require you to file a lawsuit within one year of suffering injuries. Because of this time discrepancy, it’s important to consult with a cruise ship injury lawyer as soon as possible following your accident.
What is a forum selection clause, and what does it mean for my case?
A forum selection clause is another way cruise ship lines protect themselves and make it harder for individuals to take legal action against them. These provisions can also be found in your ticket package and define where the lawsuit must be filed against the cruise line. Regardless of where the plaintiff lives or even where the cruise ship departed, there may be a clause limiting the location where you can bring your claim to a handful of large ports like Miami or Seattle. For example, Carnival Cruise Line requires passengers to file disputes in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Miami or, in some cases, a court located in Miami-Dade County. Fortunately, with the help of a skilled attorney, you may be able to challenge these clauses.
Do I have to get an attorney or can I settle with the cruise line?
The shorter answer is no; you aren’t required to consult with or hire a cruise ship injury attorney to settle your case. That being said, we strongly encourage anyone injured during a cruise because of negligent security to hire an attorney. You need someone with experience with these types of claims and the legal process to ensure you get the compensation you are rightfully owed. The company at fault will want to resolve this matter quickly and pay you as little money as you’re willing to accept. On the other hand, a tough and professional cruise ship injury lawyer will handle your case every step of the way and ensure you get the fair compensation you are owed.
Contact Us
Call us if you have been the victim of a crime while participating in an onshore excursion. The cruise ship company may be held responsible if they do not provide adequate security or protection for you. Cruise ships are supposed to be outfitted with trained and skilled security guards at all times, including when you are off the ship and exploring cities or ports during the duration of the cruise. When cruise ships don’t hold up their end of the deal, you and your loved ones are put at risk of serious injury. Louis A. Vucci P.A. is dedicated to helping you through this difficult situation. Call (786) 375-0344 today to speak with a lawyer about your legal options.
Click here to learn more about a cruise line’s responsibilities during offshore excursions.