Cruise Ship Boarding Injury Lawyer Serving Houston, Texas | Williford Law, PLLC
Legal Representation for Boarding and Disembarkation Injuries at Sea
Boarding and disembarking a cruise ship should be routine, but for many passengers, it’s where serious injuries occur. Whether you’re crossing the gangway, stepping onto a tender boat, or navigating unstable platforms, cruise lines must ensure the entire process is safe, stable, and properly supervised.
At Williford Law, PLLC, we represent passengers injured in gangway and tender boat accidents caused by cruise line negligence. From our office in Houston, Texas, we help clients hold cruise operators accountable for preventable falls, equipment failures, and unsafe boarding procedures.
Where and How Boarding Injuries Happen
Gangways and tender platforms are inherently risky because they serve as transitional points between the ship and the port or tender vessel. These areas are often narrow, unstable, and affected by the tide, weather, and vessel movement.
Common Causes of Gangway and Tender Boat Accidents
| Hazard | Typical Scenario |
| Slippery or uneven gangways | Wet surfaces from rain, sea spray, or poor drainage |
| Misaligned gangway and dock | Gaps or shifting platforms cause trips or falls |
| Unstable tender boarding platforms | Sudden movement during transfer causes loss of balance |
| Lack of handrails or side barriers | No fall protection or grip support |
| Overcrowding during boarding/disembarkation | Stampedes, collisions, or trampling |
| Inadequate crew assistance | No one stationed to help elderly, disabled, or unsteady passengers |
| Poor visibility or signage | Night boarding or low-light conditions without guidance |
Types of Injuries Sustained During Boarding Accidents
Even a short fall during boarding can result in serious trauma, especially for older adults or those with mobility challenges. Our clients have experienced:
- Broken hips, ankles, and wrists
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Shoulder dislocations and spinal disc injuries
- Lacerations from metal edges or hard landings
- Drowning or near-drowning after falling into the water
- Fatal injuries from impact or secondary complications
Cruise Line Liability in Gangway and Tender Accidents
Cruise lines are held to a “reasonable care under the circumstances” standard under general maritime law. That includes providing safe and secure embarkation and disembarkation for all passengers, regardless of age or physical ability.
Cruise lines may be held liable when they:
- Fail to inspect or secure the gangway before use
- Use defective or unstable gangway/tender equipment
- Do not provide a trained crew to assist during boarding
- Ignore adverse weather, tides, or vessel drift risks
- Rush or overcrowd passengers during time-sensitive ports
- Fail to follow their own embarkation/disembarkation protocols
Williford Law conducts a detailed investigation into staffing records, surveillance footage, inspection logs, and incident reports to prove liability.
What to Do If You Were Injured During Boarding or Disembarkation
- Report the incident immediately to the cruise staff and request a written report
- Photograph the area where the incident occurred (gangway, tender, dock)
- Obtain contact info for witnesses or crew involved
- Request an onboard medical evaluation and keep all records
- Do not sign any cruise documents or waivers
- Contact a cruise injury attorney before disembarking or speaking to insurers
Compensation for Gangway and Tender Boat Accidents
If the cruise line or its agents were negligent, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (including surgeries or physical therapy)
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish or emotional distress
- Long-term disability or assistive care needs
- Wrongful death (in fatal cases)
Be Aware of Strict Filing Deadlines
Cruise ship injury claims are governed by your ticket contract, which may require:
- Written notice within 6 months of the incident
- Lawsuit filed within 1 year of the injury
- Filing in a designated court (often in Florida or another specified jurisdiction)
These deadlines are strictly enforced, even if your injury is severe. Williford Law ensures compliance with all procedural rules.
Why Choose Williford Law, PLLC?
- We provide one-on-one legal guidance from investigation through resolution
- We focus on cruise injury and maritime liability law
- We serve clients in Houston, Texas, and nationwide
- We understand the nuances of gangway/tender claims under maritime rules
- We offer contingency-based representation—you pay nothing unless we win
