Royal Caribbean Cruise Injury Lawyers

If you were hurt on a Royal Caribbean cruise, our Royal Caribbean Cruise Injury Lawyers can help. We’ve handled hundreds of cruise injury claims. Royal Caribbean International is one of the largest and most recognized cruise lines in the world, with dozens of ships sailing from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Tampa to destinations across the Caribbean and beyond. Known for their massive ships like the Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean offers entertainment, water parks, and excursions designed to impress. But with ships carrying thousands of passengers and crew, accidents and injuries are an unfortunate reality.

If a Royal Caribbean cruise injured you or a loved one, federal maritime law may protect your rights. Royal Caribbean’s passenger contracts typically require passengers to file lawsuits in Miami federal court, regardless of where they boarded the ship or live. That makes Florida the legal hub for cruise ship injury cases against Royal Caribbean.

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin can handle injury cases against Royal Caribbean for passengers from Florida and across the United States. If you were hurt during a cruise, call 800-337-7755 for a free consultation. You won’t owe any fees or costs unless we recover money for you.

Why Injuries Happen on Royal Caribbean Ships

Royal Caribbean vessels are floating resorts. With water slides, rock climbing walls, skating rinks, theaters, and thousands of people in constant motion, accidents are almost inevitable. Some of the most common causes of passenger injuries include:

• Slip and fall hazards – Wet decks, pool areas, buffet spills, and poorly maintained flooring.
• Crowd-related accidents – Stampedes or pushing in crowded boarding areas or entertainment venues.
• Shore excursion mishaps – Bus accidents, boating crashes, zip-line injuries, and unsafe tour conditions.
• Medical negligence – Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment by shipboard medical staff.
• Mechanical issues – Malfunctioning escalators, elevators, or sliding glass doors.
• Crew or passenger assaults – Physical and sexual assaults caused by inadequate security.
• Cabin hazards – Falling bunk beds, unsecured furniture, or defective cabin equipment.

Royal Caribbean markets its ships as luxurious and safe, but these same attractions and the large crowds can increase the likelihood of serious accidents.

Legal Hurdles in Royal Caribbean Passenger Contracts

Like most major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean’s passenger ticket contract includes fine print that significantly impacts passengers’ rights:

• Forum selection clause – Nearly all passenger injury lawsuits must be filed in federal court in Miami (Southern District of Florida).
• One-year limitation period – Claims must usually be filed within one year of the incident.
• Notice requirement – Many contracts require passengers to provide written notice of the claim within a few months of the accident.

Missing these deadlines or filing in the wrong court can prevent a passenger from bringing their claim.

What are Types of Royal Caribbean Injury Cases

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slips on wet decks, buffet spills, or pool areas are among the most common passenger injury claims. Falls can cause fractures, head injuries, or back injuries that last long after the cruise ends.

Shore Excursion Accidents

Many passengers are injured during shore excursions arranged by Royal Caribbean, such as bus tours, snorkeling trips, or hiking tours. Even though the cruise line may use third-party operators, passengers may still be able to bring claims if the cruise line promoted the excursion or failed to vet its safety.

Onboard Medical Negligence

Royal Caribbean ships have onboard infirmaries, but passengers sometimes allege negligence by doctors or nurses. Claims may involve misdiagnosis, delayed evacuation, or failure to properly treat conditions.

Assault and Negligent Security

Incidents of physical or sexual assault by crew or passengers have led to lawsuits against Royal Caribbean. Passengers may claim negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to provide adequate security.

Defective Equipment and Conditions

Royal Caribbean’s ships are massive, with thousands of cabins and public spaces. Malfunctioning elevators, sliding glass doors, and unsecured fixtures have caused significant injuries.

Where Royal Caribbean Cruise Lawsuits Are Filed

Because Royal Caribbean is headquartered in Miami, most lawsuits must be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Some cases may be eligible for Florida state court, but federal court is the most common venue.

This means passengers from all over the country or even abroad must typically bring their claims in Florida. That’s why many cruise passengers hire Florida-based cruise attorneys to handle their cases.

What Compensation Can You Get in Royal Caribbean Cruise Injury Cases

Depending on the nature of the accident, passengers injured on Royal Caribbean ships may be able to pursue compensation for:

• Medical treatment onboard and after the cruise.
• Emergency evacuation and hospital expenses.
• Rehabilitation and long-term care.
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Funeral costs and wrongful death damages for families.

Challenges for Out-of-State and International Passengers

Most Royal Caribbean passengers don’t live in Florida. After an injury, returning home can make pursuing a claim feel impossible. Some of the challenges include:

• Jurisdictional hurdles – The case must almost always be filed in Miami federal court.
• Short deadlines – The one-year statute of limitations is much shorter than in most personal injury cases.
• Evidence preservation – Gathering evidence from the ship or excursion company can be difficult without a local lawyer.
• Travel burdens – A Florida attorney can handle much of the case without requiring the passenger to return to Miami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Royal Caribbean Cruise Injury Lawyers

If you were injured on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, you may want to explore your rights under maritime law. Call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 or use our live chat to schedule a free consultation.