Cruise Injury and Negligent Security Lawyer Serving Texas | Williford Law, PLLC
Cruise Lines Can Be Held Accountable for Failing to Prevent Crime at Sea
While cruise vacations are marketed as safe and carefree, passengers are often unaware of the real risks. Criminal activity aboard cruise ships—including assault, theft, sexual misconduct, and even homicide—can and does occur. When cruise lines fail to provide adequate security, properly monitor high-risk areas, or respond appropriately to reported incidents, they may be legally liable.
At Williford Law, PLLC, we represent passengers who were injured, assaulted, or victimized due to cruise ship crime and negligent security. From our office in Texas, we take on powerful cruise corporations that cut corners on safety, and we help victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.
What Constitutes Negligent Security on a Cruise Ship?
Cruise lines are legally required to exercise reasonable care to protect passengers from foreseeable harm. This includes taking proactive steps to deter crime and respond to dangerous situations quickly and appropriately.
Examples of Negligent Security on Cruise Ships
| Failure | Consequences |
| Lack of trained security personnel | Slow response to violence, under-policing of known risk areas |
| Poor lighting in stairwells/hallways | Assaults and robberies in blind spots or secluded zones |
| No surveillance in key locations | Lack of documentation for criminal acts, inability to identify suspects |
| Delayed or inadequate emergency response | Further harm to victims, destruction of evidence |
| Failure to separate intoxicated passengers | Escalation to physical or sexual violence |
| Ignoring prior complaints or patterns | Recurring criminal conduct by known individuals |
Cruise lines must anticipate that crimes can occur in various locations, including nightclubs, pools, elevators, private cabins, and during excursions, and they are obligated to prevent or mitigate those risks.
Common Crimes on Cruise Ships
Cruise ship crime can range from petty theft to violent felonies. These crimes may be committed by other passengers, crew members, or outside parties during shore excursions.
Frequently reported criminal acts include:
- Physical assault or battery
- Sexual assault and rape
- Theft or burglary
- Drug possession and trafficking
- Harassment or stalking
- Homicide or attempted murder
- Domestic violence
- False imprisonment or unlawful restraint
Many of these crimes are underreported, and some cruise lines are slow—or outright unwilling—to report them to the proper authorities.
When Cruise Lines Are Liable for Criminal Acts
Cruise operators may be held liable for third-party or employee crimes when they:
- Fail to implement basic security procedures
- Over-serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated passengers
- Retain crew members with criminal backgrounds
- Ignore prior reports or complaints about known threats
- Delay emergency response or medical attention
- Conceal the incident instead of reporting it
At Williford Law, PLLC, we investigate every detail of your case: security staffing levels, past incident logs, surveillance systems, employee records, and more. We expose corporate negligence and fight for full accountability.
What to Do If You’re a Victim of Crime on a Cruise Ship
- Report the crime immediately to the ship’s security and request a written report
- Document everything—take photos, save messages, write down events
- Identify witnesses and gather contact information
- Seek medical attention on board and again once you return
- Avoid signing settlement offers or disclaimers
- Contact an attorney experienced in maritime law as soon as possible
You may also have the right to file criminal charges through federal or international authorities, but civil compensation can only be pursued through a separate legal claim.
Damages Available in Cruise Ship Crime Cases
Victims of cruise ship crimes caused by negligent security may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical and hospital costs
- Psychological therapy and trauma recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Lost income or diminished earning capacity
- Property loss or damage
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or cover-up
Legal Time Limits and Cruise Contract Clauses
Cruise lines insert strict provisions into their passenger ticket contracts that affect your right to file a claim:
- 6-month notice deadline to report a claim
- 1-year statute of limitations to file suit
- Mandatory jurisdiction (often in federal court in Florida)
These deadlines are enforced even in serious criminal injury cases. Do not delay.
Why Victims Trust Williford Law, PLLC
- We focus on cruise ship injury, assault, and security failure cases
- We pursue claims under general maritime law and federal regulations
- We protect victims’ rights with confidential, compassionate service
- We serve clients in Houston, across Texas, and nationwide
- We don’t get paid unless you win—no recovery, no fee
