Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer Serving Texas | Williford Law, PLLC
Legal Representation for Passengers Injured in Cruise Ship Falls
A slip and fall on a cruise ship isn’t just bad luck—it’s often the result of negligence. When cruise lines fail to maintain safe walking areas, post adequate warnings, or clean up hazards, they can and should be held legally responsible.
At Williford Law, PLLC, we represent passengers who suffer serious injuries from falls aboard cruise vessels. Our firm assists clients in Texas and nationwide in recovering compensation under general maritime law. We understand the unique challenges of suing cruise lines—and we know how to win.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents on Cruise Ships
Cruise ships are filled with high-traffic zones and slick surfaces. With large crowds, wet conditions, and inconsistent maintenance, it’s easy for hazards to develop—and easier still for cruise operators to overlook them.
Common Causes of Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Accidents
| Hazard | Location |
| Wet floors without signage | Pool decks, restrooms, and lobbies |
| Food or drink spills | Buffets, bars, dining areas |
| Unsecured rugs or carpeting | Cabins, lounges, entryways |
| Uneven flooring or broken tiles | Bathrooms, walkways, lounges |
| Poor lighting or visibility | Hallways, stairwells |
| Inadequate handrails | Staircases, boarding ramps |
| Slippery gangways during boarding | Embarkation and disembarkation points |
Common Injuries from Onboard Slip and Fall Accidents
The motion of the ship can make even a minor slip far more dangerous. Passengers may suffer significant injuries, especially if the fall involves stairs, hard surfaces, or sharp corners.
Typical injuries include:
- Fractures (hip, wrist, ankle, or vertebrae)
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal disc injuries and nerve damage
- Torn ligaments and soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations, bruises, and facial trauma
- Long-term mobility issues or disability
How Cruise Lines May Be Held Liable
Cruise lines are not automatically liable just because an injury occurred. However, under general maritime law, they must exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. This means maintaining a safe environment and addressing hazards promptly.
To hold the cruise line responsible, the injured passenger must generally prove:
- A dangerous condition existed
- The cruise line knew or should have known about it
- The condition directly caused the fall
- The cruise line failed to correct or warn about the hazard
Williford Law thoroughly investigates your case, reviewing ship logs, cleaning records, video surveillance footage, and witness accounts to build a compelling claim.
Steps to Take After a Fall on a Cruise Ship
If you’ve fallen while onboard a cruise, your actions immediately after the accident can be critical to your case:
- Report the incident to the ship personnel and obtain a written report
- Document the scene—take photos and video of the hazard
- Request medical care and keep all records
- Identify witnesses and get their contact information
- Do not sign any release or waiver forms from the cruise line
- Speak with an attorney before disembarking, if possible
Time Limits for Filing a Cruise Ship Injury Lawsuit
Unlike standard personal injury cases, cruise injury claims are controlled by your passenger ticket contract, which limits your time to file.
- Written notice of your claim may be required within 6 months
- Lawsuits may need to be filed within 1 year of the accident
- The cruise line may require you to file in a specific court (e.g., Miami, FL)
Failure to meet these deadlines may permanently bar your claim. Williford Law ensures your case is filed correctly, on time, and in the appropriate venue.
Compensation Available in Cruise Ship Fall Cases
You may be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Travel and accommodation costs for return care
Our firm fights to maximize the value of your case and secure full recovery from negligent cruise operators.
Why Choose Williford Law, PLLC?
- Maritime experience: We understand the unique legal issues of cruise ship injury claims
- Aggressive representation: We pursue cruise lines without hesitation
- Personal attention: You work directly with an attorney, not a case manager
- Results-focused: We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
