Cruise Ship Burn Injury Lawyer Serving Houston, Texas | Williford Law, PLLC
Legal Help for Cruise Passengers Injured by Burns or Scalding Onboard
Cruise ships operate large-scale kitchens, spas, engine rooms, and cabin water systems—all of which present significant risks of burn injuries. When these systems fail or when crew members act carelessly with hot liquids or heated surfaces, passengers can suffer serious and often permanent injuries.
At Williford Law, PLLC, we represent passengers injured by burns caused by fire, steam, boiling water, overheated food, or hazardous equipment aboard cruise ships. Based in Houston, Texas, our firm holds cruise lines accountable for unsafe conditions, negligent maintenance, and poor staff training that result in passenger harm.
How Burn Injuries Happen on Cruise Ships
Burns at sea often result from preventable conditions, such as lack of warning signs, defective machinery, or improper food handling. Cruise ships are responsible for taking appropriate safety precautions to prevent these risks.
Common Sources of Cruise Ship Burn Injuries
| Source | Examples |
| Hot food or beverages | Scalding coffee, tea, or soup spilled on passengers |
| Faulty spa or sauna equipment | Overheated hot tubs, malfunctioning steam rooms |
| Cabin showers or faucets | Water delivered at unsafe or unregulated temperatures |
| Galley and kitchen areas | Burns from steam, open flames, or grease spills |
| Engine room fires or mechanical failure | Fires, explosions, or chemical exposure from vessel operations |
| Room service accidents | Hot trays or liquids spilled during delivery |
| Electrical shorts or cabin fires | Burn injuries due to defective wiring or malfunctioning devices |
Types of Burn Injuries Sustained Aboard Cruise Ships
Burns are categorized by severity and can lead to long-term pain, disability, and permanent scarring. Victims may also suffer emotional trauma due to disfigurement.
Common cruise ship-related burn injuries include:
- First-, second-, and third-degree burns
- Scald injuries from hot liquids
- Steam inhalation and airway burns
- Chemical burns from cleaning agents or engine leaks
- Facial, hand, or torso burns with permanent disfigurement
- Nerve damage or loss of skin elasticity
- Psychological effects, including PTSD or anxiety
Legal Liability for Burn Injuries at Sea
Cruise lines are subject to general maritime law, which holds them to a standard of reasonable care under the circumstances. This includes:
- Inspecting and maintaining the spa, food service, and hot water systems
- Posting warnings about temperature hazards
- Training staff to handle hot items safely and properly
- Monitoring engine rooms and kitchen areas for overheating risks
- Ensuring safe design and operation of in-cabin systems
Cruise lines may be found liable when they:
- Serve dangerously hot food or drink without warning
- Deliver scalding water to cabins due to failed thermostats
- Fail to maintain spa or hot tub equipment
- Delay treatment after a burn occurs
- Attempt to conceal burn-related incidents or deny medical care
What to Do After a Burn Injury on a Cruise Ship
- Report the incident immediately to ship personnel and request a written report
- Take photographs of your injury and the scene where it occurred
- Request onboard medical care and retain all records
- Identify and speak with any witnesses to the incident
- Do not sign any cruise line paperwork or accept cruise credits without legal review
- Contact a maritime attorney as soon as possible to preserve your claim
Compensation for Cruise Ship Burn Injuries
Burn victims may be entitled to full financial recovery for both physical and emotional harm. Available compensation may include:
- Emergency and long-term medical care
- Plastic or reconstructive surgery
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income and reduced future earning potential
- Emotional distress and mental health treatment
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Deadlines for Filing a Burn Injury Claim
Cruise tickets contain legally binding deadlines, even in serious injury cases:
- 6-month deadline to notify the cruise line in writing
- 1-year deadline to file a formal lawsuit
- Mandatory forum selection—you may be required to file in a specific federal court (often in Florida)
Failure to meet these deadlines may bar your claim. Williford Law, PLLC, ensures full compliance with all procedural requirements.
Why Choose Williford Law, PLLC?
- You pay no legal fees unless we win your case
- We focus on cruise ship injuries and maritime liability law
- We serve clients in Houston, throughout Texas, and nationwide
- We partner with burn specialists and safety experts to build strong cases
- We offer compassionate, confidential representation
