Cruise ship injury lawyer

Cruise Ship Accident Lawyers Who Sue Royal Caribbean International

Strong advocacy for passengers and crew members who suffer injuries on a cruise ship

Royal Caribbean offers vacations to Florida, the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Mexico, and other locations. When things go well, these trips can be the dream of a lifetime. When accidents and sexual assaults on ships occur, these vacations can be devastating. At Hickey Law Firm, our team of trial lawyers is big enough to handle any case and small enough to care. We handle cruise line accidents and assaults that occur on any of Royal Caribbean’s ships. Our firm is located in Miami, Florida, where the majority of cruise lines are based. We’ve helped many victims like you obtain strong verdicts and settlements.

Our results

Our record of strong results for victims on all cruise lines includes the following recoveries:

  • $10,576,717 for a crewmember who suffered a severe spinal cord injury due to a bread trolley that fell on their back.
  • $9,000,000 for a cruise line sexual assault victim.
  • $8,200,000 for a cruise passenger who contracted CRPS after falling, resulting in the amputation of her leg.
  • $7,100,000 for our client, who was paralyzed due to unregulated drinking on a cruise line.
  • $6,000,000 for a passenger who suffered massive internal injuries and traumatic brain injury while on a cruise ship.
  • $3,389,000 for a former cruise ship first officer.

Testimonials

A few of our many cruise line testimonials include:

I was injured on a cruise which required surgery with plates, screws, non-weight bearing for months, months of physical therapy, and a second surgery with another 16 weeks of physical therapy (all in less than two years of the injury).  Sarah Lobel, who was the attorney…

always took the time to take my calls, to make sure to keep me updated on the whole process, and really cared about my fears and feelings even after my case was completed.

This showed me that I was more than just a case, that what happened to me mattered and that I mattered. - Mal

 

I suffered a career-ending injury while working on a cruise ship.  Jack and his associates went all out in helping me obtain an equitable settlement. I can't recommend them highly enough. – John

WAS A LAWYER FOR THE CRUISE LINES. NOW A LAWYER FOR YOU ®

Free Consultation

Fee is Free - You Don't Pay Unless We Win

Frequently Asked Questions

Why hire a lawyer for an accident or assault claim against Royal Caribbean International?

Royal Caribbean International charges a health fee for their vacation packages – sometimes more than $1,000. When you’re hurt while on a Royal Caribbean vacation, you have the right to demand that Royal Caribbean International pay you if they fail to follow standard cruise line safety protocols or any applicable laws.

Hickey Law Firm is known throughout the U.S. and the world for its work on behalf of injured cruise ship passengers and crew. We work with investigators, maritime safety experts, and other professionals to show why your cruise line accident was preventable. Also, we work with professionals who can explain why cruise lines should be held accountable for any sexual assaults that occur during your vacation.

Our Miami personal injury lawyers are skilled at every phase of a cruise line case, from the initial interview, investigation, and medical review to negotiations with insurance companies and arguing your case before juries, judges, and arbitrators.

WHEN PEOPLE NEED A SPECIALIST IN LIFE-CHANGING INJURIES,
PEOPLE CHOOSE HICKEY LAW FIRM.

What ships are in the Royal Caribbean International’s fleet?

The fleet for Royal Caribbean International includes the following ships:

  • Star of the Seas. New ship.
  • Icon of the Seas. Built 2024.
  • Utopia of the Seas. Built 2024.
  • Wonder of the Seas. Built 2022.
  • Odyssey of the Seas. Built 2021.
  • Spectrum of the Seas. Built 2019.
  • Symphony of the Seas. Built 2018.
  • Ovation of the Seas. Built 2016.
  • Harmony of the Seas. Built 2016.
  • Anthem of the Seas. Built 2015.
  • Quantum of the Seas. Built 2014.
  • Allure of the Seas. Built 2010.
  • Oasis of the Seas. Built 2009.
  • Independence of the Seas. Built 2008.
  • Liberty of the Seas. Built 2017.

What types of Royal Caribbean International accident claims do you handle?

Hickey Law Firm is ready to handle claims related to accidents and injuries that occur during your vacation, including:

Our Miami Royal Caribbean lawyers represent passengers and crew members. We represent minors, adults, and the families of loved ones who died while on a cruise line vacation.

What types of injuries can passengers on Royal Caribbean International’s fleet of ships suffer?

Our personal injury lawyers work with your medical team and our network of doctors when necessary to verify the full scope of your injuries and the medical care you’ll need – whether your injuries are likely to heal or to persist throughout your lifetime.

We represent passengers and crew members with the following:

  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries, including damaged vertebrae, paralysis, and disc injuries
  • Severe burn injuries
  • Nerve injuries,including chronic pain syndromes or neuropathic pain such as CRPS and Central Pain Syndrome
  • Orthopedic injuriessuch as complex, compound, and multiple fractures
  • Ligament, tendon, muscle, and tissue damage
  • Organ damage and internal bleeding
  • Traumatic amputation/loss of a limb
  • Back, neck, and shoulder injuries
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Hearing or vision loss
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Heart injuries
  • Infections
  • Psychological trauma from accidents, sexual assault, and rape – including PTSD
  • Sexual assault and rape injuries – including broken bones, cuts, lacerations, bruises, diseases, and all other physical and emotional injuries

We also handle wrongful death cases.

What can I do if I have been sexually assaulted on a Royal Caribbean International ship?

Royal Caribbean should take steps to ensure that their passengers and crew members are protected from sexual assaults and rape. These steps include having written policies and procedures for training staff members to prevent and respond to these unconscionable acts. The cruise line may be civilly liable. The assailant can be held civilly liable and may face criminal charges.

Hickey Law Firm can explain what steps victims should take. Our Miami Royal Caribbean cruise line lawyers assert your rights based on the Cruise Ship Vessel Security Act of 2010 and other relevant state and federal laws. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network), this law provides that you have the right to:

  • “Receive a security guide, a written summary which describes where to go and who to talk with if a crime occurs”
  • Confidentiality when you request and receive support services

Some of the steps we recommend include:

  • Report the sexual assault/rape to the ship’s security officer
  • Get immediate medical help for your physical and emotional injuries from the cruise line ship’s infirmary
  • Waiting to shower or clean your clothes or bedding until professionals perform a forensic exam
  • Take photos or videos of your physical injuries
  • Identifying the assailants if you can safely do so
  • Identifying any witnesses
  • Reporting the crime yourself (not through the cruise line) to the FBI
  • Going to the nearest rape treatment center as soon as you arrive at a US port – every US hospital should provide rape treatment care
  • Getting medical help for your physical and emotional injuries

MAKING OUR WORLD SAFER ONE CASE AT A TIME ®

Can I file a lawsuit if I was injured on a ship owned by Royal Caribbean International?

Absolutely. Royal Caribbean has a duty to protect its passengers while they’re on vacation. Our cruise line attorneys file personal injury and wrongful death claims to hold cruise lines accountable for any injuries or deaths they cause. We’ve helped many cruise line victims obtain strong recoveries.

At Hickey Law Firm, we’ll investigate your claim, review all your injuries, work with your doctors, and file your claim in the appropriate court.

How can Hickey Law Firm help me?

Hickey Law Firm is recognized across the country for its representation of cruise ship passengers and crew. We are America’s #1 maritime law firm. Hickey Law Firm has fought exclusively for injury victims for over 20 years, but before that, he represented cruise lines, which gives him unique insider knowledge about how to handle these cases. Founder Jack Hickey is a specialist in admiralty and maritime law and lectures and writes articles for other attorneys who are learning to practice in this area.

The Best Lawyers in America® recognizes John H. (Jack) Hickey in three areas:

  • Admiralty and Maritime Law
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Medical Malpractice – Plaintiffs

Jack Hickey is double Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Civil Trial and Admiralty and Maritime Law and Board Certified in Civil Trial by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA). He is also the past Chair of the Admiralty Law Section of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and Past Chair of the Admiralty Law Committee of The Florida Bar.

How much is my claim worth if I’m injured on a Royal Caribbean International ship?

Cruise line victims have the right to live their lives in a manner that is comparable to before the accident or assault happened. At Hickey Law Firm, we demand compensation for all your financial and personal damages. These damages include your current and future:

  • Medical bills: These include ER care, hospitalizations, surgeries, visits with doctors, physical therapy and other rehabilitative care, medications, assistive devices, and assistive technology.
  • Lost income and benefits: We demand compensation for the money and benefits you’ve lost already and can expect to lose because your injuries prevent you from working.
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering: This includes every ache, twinge, itch, moment of anxiety, depression, and other discomforts and pain.
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of bodily function
  • Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
  • Loss of consortium (enjoyment of marital relations)

You may also be entitled to punitive damages.

Our Miami cruise ship attorneys also file wrongful death actions for families. These damages include the funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support from your loved one, the loss of an inheritance, and the personal loss because your loved one isn’t alive to provide comfort and guidance.

Where do I file my lawsuit against Royal Caribbean International?

Generally, you will file your claim in the place/jurisdiction identified in your vacation contract with Royal Caribbean. We can review your contract and file your claim.  Jack Hickey’s experience working for cruise lines and filing claims against cruise lines enables him to understand the terms and conditions of cruise line contracts. We file claims in state, federal, and maritime courts.

Often, you must file the claim in the city where the cruise line is based – not where the accident occurred. Many of these claims are filed in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, where our law firm can assist you.

How long do I have to file my lawsuit against Royal Caribbean International?

The best course of action is to contact us immediately so we can file your complaint promptly, investigate the cause of the accident or assault, determine who is responsible, and ensure you’re getting the medical care you need.

Generally, you must give Royal Caribbean notice of your claim within six months of the accident or assault and file your claim within one year. We can help you give notice and formally file your claim for you. Our lawyers also understand when the time limits may be extended, such as when the victim is a child or there was a sexual assault.

LAWYERS FOR PEOPLE WITH LIFE-CHANGING INJURIES®
YOUR FLORIDA MARITIME INJURY LAW FIRM

Speak with our experienced Royal Caribbean cruise line lawyers today

At Hickey Law Firm, we have the power, resources, and know-how to handle any injury or death case. No case is too large for us. We’re skilled at showing why Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines breached their duty of care to you. Our lawyers fight to restore your life. We file claims against Royal Caribbean International for any injuries or deaths that happen on any ship in their fleet.  To schedule a free consultation, call us or complete our contact form. We handle cruise line accidents and assaults on a contingency fee basis.

Some of the cruise lines we have sued

Hickey Law Firm has successfully sued some of the largest cruise lines in the world, including: