Cruise Injury Lawyer for Excursion Accidents in Houston, Texas | Williford Law, PLLC
Holding Cruise Lines and Tour Operators Accountable for Injuries on Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are promoted as highlights of any cruise—snorkeling in clear waters, ziplining through tropical forests, ATV tours, guided hikes, or historical tours. But these off-ship activities often expose passengers to serious risk, especially when third-party vendors are poorly vetted, transportation is unsafe, or local conditions are dangerous.
At Williford Law, PLLC, we represent passengers injured during excursion and shore excursion accidents. From our base in Houston, Texas, we hold both cruise lines and negligent tour operators accountable when preventable harm occurs during off-ship activities.
How Shore Excursion Accidents Occur
Although excursions are often marketed and sold by the cruise line, many are operated by third-party vendors with varying levels of safety oversight. In many cases, passengers are unaware that the cruise line may disclaim responsibility, even though they profit from the booking.
Common Causes of Excursion Injuries
| Type of Excursion | Common Risks |
| Zipline, ATV, or adventure tours | Faulty equipment, lack of safety instruction, falls |
| Boat or snorkeling excursions | Drowning, propeller injuries, lack of supervision |
| Bus or van tours | Motor vehicle collisions, unqualified or reckless drivers |
| Guided hikes or treks | Unmarked trails, animal attacks, poor medical response |
| Jet ski or watercraft rentals | High-speed collisions, untrained operators, missing life vests |
| Wildlife or cultural excursions | Uncontrolled crowds, hazardous environments, lack of exit plan |
When Cruise Lines Can Be Held Liable
Even if a shore excursion is run by a third party, cruise lines may still be liable under maritime law if:
- They failed to properly vet or monitor the excursion operator
- They advertised or endorsed the excursion as part of the cruise
- They misrepresented the safety or nature of the activity
- They failed to warn of known risks or prior incidents
- They received complaints or reports of danger and ignored them
Williford Law investigates vendor contracts, marketing materials, passenger complaints, and prior claims to build a strong case of negligence and liability.
Injuries Commonly Sustained During Cruise Excursions
Shore excursion accidents can lead to devastating injuries, particularly when medical care is delayed due to remote locations or transportation issues.
Examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
- Near-drowning and hypoxic brain injury
- Facial and dental trauma
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Wrongful death
What to Do After an Excursion Injury
- Report the incident immediately to both the excursion operator and the cruise staff
- Document the accident scene with photos or videos
- Get the names and contact info of witnesses or other injured passengers
- Request a copy of any incident report from the excursion provider
- Seek immediate medical care onboard and again upon returning home
- Do not sign any waivers or accept cruise credits without legal review
- Contact a cruise injury lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights
Recoverable Damages in Excursion Injury Cases
Depending on the facts of the case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency and long-term medical expenses
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Disfigurement or disability
- Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)
- Punitive damages for extreme recklessness or fraud
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
Most cruise lines include strict limitations in their ticket contracts, even for incidents that occur off the ship:
- 6-month notice deadline for reporting a claim
- 1-year deadline to file suit
- Venue clause requiring you to file in a specific jurisdiction (often a federal court in Florida)
Williford Law handles every step to ensure your case is filed on time, in the right court, and fully supported by evidence.
Why Choose Williford Law, PLLC?
- We focus on cruise ship injury and maritime liability cases
- We investigate third-party excursion operators and cruise line relationships
- We serve clients in Houston, Texas and nationwide
- We offer contingency-based representation—no legal fees unless we win
- We provide personalized, trial-ready legal advocacy
