The Port of Miami—known worldwide as the “Cruise Capital of the World”—welcomes millions of passengers each year. Whether you were boarding a major cruise line at Terminal A, walking through Terminal D or F, disembarking near Biscayne Bay, or working as a longshore or dock worker, an unexpected injury at the port can disrupt your trip, your job, and your entire life. Cruise ships and port facilities are complex environments, filled with heavy equipment, high foot traffic, wet surfaces, international visitors, and rapidly changing conditions. When something goes wrong—whether on the vessel itself or on port property—the consequences can be physically painful and financially devastating.
At The Injury Claim Law Firm, we represent passengers, crew members, maritime workers, and port employees who are injured at the Port of Miami or while on a cruise departing from Miami. Maritime and cruise ship injury cases are different from standard personal injury claims. They involve unique laws, short deadlines, and cruise line legal teams who move quickly to protect their interests. Our firm stands by your side from day one, protecting your rights, building a strong claim, and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us
Injury cases involving the Port of Miami require a lawyer who understands not only Florida personal injury law but also the intricate world of maritime and admiralty law. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, MSC, and Disney Cruises write their ticket contracts to favor themselves—and most of these contracts require filing injury lawsuits in Miami.
Why victims throughout the Port of Miami rely on our firm:
- We understand cruise line tactics. Cruise companies aggressively deny claims, delay responses, and try to blame passengers or workers. We counter these strategies with evidence, medical documentation, and legal pressure.
- We navigate maritime laws with precision. Cruise injury cases often involve the Jones Act, general maritime law, DOHSA, and international considerations.
- We know port operations. Injuries happen frequently during boarding, disembarkation, shuttle transport, luggage handling, and dock operations.
- We act fast. Cruise ship claims often have extremely short deadlines—sometimes as short as six months for notice and one year to file a lawsuit.
- We prepare every case thoroughly. Our team collects detailed evidence from vessel logs, maintenance records, onboard surveillance, medical personnel, and witness statements.
- We prioritize communication and support. We know you may be recovering out of state or outside the U.S. We make the process as smooth as possible.
Our goal is to protect you from cruise line corporate attorneys and insurance companies who are trained to minimize what your injury is truly worth.
Types of Personal Injury Cases at the Port of Miami
The Port of Miami is unique. Injuries can occur inside cruise terminals, on walkways, during embarkation, on buses or shuttles, or once on the ship itself. We represent both passengers and workers injured in:
Cruise Ship Passenger Injuries
Accidents aboard cruise ships are common, especially on large vessels with thousands of passengers. We handle cases involving:
- Slip-and-fall accidents on wet decks, buffets, or lido areas
- Trip-and-fall accidents involving raised thresholds or poorly marked steps
- Injuries inside cabins, hallways, theaters, or dining areas
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Food poisoning or norovirus outbreaks
- Swimming pool or waterslide accidents
- Burns, cuts, and unsafe conditions in restaurants or kitchens
- Shuttle bus injuries during transportation from the port
Shore Excursion Accidents
Although excursions often involve third-party companies, cruise lines may still be liable when they promote unsafe tours. Injuries may occur during:
- Snorkeling or diving excursions
- Ziplining
- Boating or Jet Ski rentals
- Bus tours
- ATV rides
- Parasailing
- Wildlife encounters
We evaluate every detail to determine all responsible parties.
Gangway and Boarding Accidents
Boarding and disembarking a cruise ship is one of the most dangerous parts of the journey. Hazards include:
- Slippery gangways
- Misaligned ramps
- Crowding and pushing
- Sudden ship movement
- Poor supervision by crew
These incidents often result in ankle fractures, wrist injuries, back injuries, and head trauma.
Port Terminal & Property Accidents
The port is a sprawling facility with heavy foot traffic, moving vehicles, cargo equipment, and complex operations. Injuries often occur in:
- Cruise terminals
- Parking garages
- Shuttle loading zones
- Walkways and ramps
- Luggage-handling areas
We pursue claims against port operators, contractors, transportation companies, and property owners depending on the cause.
Longshore & Dockworker Injuries
Workers at the Port of Miami face significant risks from:
- Heavy machinery
- Falling cargo
- Forklift or crane accidents
- Toxic exposure
- Slips, trips, and falls on wet surfaces
- Strains from lifting baggage or cargo
These cases may fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), general negligence, or maritime law, depending on the situation.
Cruise Ship Crew Member Injuries
Crew members suffer injuries from long hours, dangerous conditions, and repetitive tasks. They may be entitled to compensation under:
- The Jones Act
- Maintenance and cure
- Unseaworthiness claims
We help crew members from around the world understand their rights and pursue justice in U.S. courts.
Wrongful Death at Sea
When an accident leads to a tragic loss, families may pursue compensation through the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) or other maritime wrongful death laws.
No matter your situation, we deliver strategic legal support designed to match the unique demands of maritime injury cases.
What Compensation Can You Recover
Compensation in maritime and cruise injury cases varies depending on where the accident occurred, how it happened, and what laws apply. You may be entitled to recover damages for:
Medical Expenses
Accidents at sea often require extensive treatment once passengers return to Miami. Compensation may include:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Specialist care
- Diagnostic testing
- Future medical expenses
Lost Income
Many injuries affect your ability to work. You may be compensated for:
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Reduced work capacity
- Missed opportunities or contracts
Crew members may also qualify for maintenance and cure benefits.
Pain & Suffering
Cruise ship injuries can be physically and emotionally devastating. Damages may include compensation for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Disability or Disfigurement
Long-term or permanent injuries may significantly affect your quality of life, relationships, and ability to work.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
This may include:
- Travel expenses
- Medical equipment
- Assistive devices
- Medications
- Home modifications
Wrongful Death Damages
Families may recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional anguish
Maritime wrongful death laws vary widely, and we determine which statute provides the strongest path to compensation.
The Legal Process
Cruise ship and maritime cases require immediate action. Cruise lines often have strict deadlines printed in the fine print of passenger tickets. Many require:
- Written notice of injury within 180 days
- Filing a lawsuit within 1 year
- Filing in Miami, FL regardless of the passenger’s home state or country
We guide you through each step.
Step 1: Free Consultation
We discuss your injury, where it occurred, and any communications you’ve had with the cruise line.
Step 2: Evidence Collection
Maritime cases rely heavily on fast evidence collection. We gather:
- Medical records
- Onboard incident reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs and video
- Surveillance footage
- Ship logs
- Maintenance reports
- Crew records
- Safety and training documentation
Step 3: Determine Applicable Maritime Law
We identify the best legal route, whether it involves:
- General maritime law
- Cruise ticket contract provisions
- The Jones Act
- LHWCA
- DOHSA
- Negligence or unseaworthiness claims
Step 4: Prepare a Demand
We prepare a detailed demand outlining your injuries, medical treatment, and expected future needs.
Step 5: Negotiation
Cruise lines often resist paying full compensation. We negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement.
Step 6: Litigation
If the cruise line refuses reasonable payment, we file a lawsuit in federal court or Miami-Dade County court, depending on the circumstances.
We handle every step while you focus on recovering.
We Handle the Cruise Lines & Insurance Companies So You Don’t Have To
Cruise companies have powerful legal departments. They often try to pressure victims into low settlements or unclear agreements. They may request recorded statements or claim your injuries are minor.
We intervene immediately to:
- Stop all direct communication from cruise lines
- Protect you from confusing or deceptive paperwork
- Handle every negotiation
- Ensure you meet tight maritime deadlines
- Fight for full and fair compensation
When we represent you, the cruise line must take your claim seriously.
