Maritime and Cruise Line Attorney in Florida
Dedicated Defective Equipment Lawyer Representing Clients Nationwide
At Scolaro Law, our attorneys are dedicated to helping clients who’ve been injured due to defective equipment on cruise ships. We navigate complex legal challenges, gather crucial evidence, and fight tirelessly to ensure those responsible face justice.
Were You Injured from Defective Equipment on a Cruise Ship?
Cruise vacations are meant to be relaxing and enjoyable, but when defective equipment is involved, passengers and crew members can suffer serious injuries. Cruise lines have a duty to maintain their vessels in a safe condition, ensuring that all equipment is thoroughly inspected, maintained, and repaired. Unfortunately, mechanical failures and defective equipment on cruise ships can lead to severe accidents, putting lives at risk.
When accidents happen due to a faulty or defective piece of equipment, Scolaro Law’s team is here to investigate, gather key evidence, and build a case that holds the responsible parties accountable.
Common Defective Equipment on Cruise Ships That Can Lead to Injury
Defective or poorly maintained equipment can pose risks across many onboard leisure and activity areas. Scolaro Law identifies these dangers, collects evidence, and fights for justice when defective equipment causes injuries on cruise ships.
If you have been a victim of cruise ship defective equipment, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
how we can help you take the first step toward justice
Common Causes of Equipment Failure on Cruise Ships
At Scolaro Law, we have represented many clients whose injuries were caused by defective equipment and poor maintenance. We gather crucial evidence, such as maintenance records and expert testimony, to build a strong case and hold cruise lines accountable for their negligence.
- Lack of Maintenance: Cruise lines often operate under deferred maintenance or deferred inspections to minimize downtime and routine maintenance tasks while a ship is at sea are often overlooked.
- Manufacturer Defects: Equipment may have hidden flaws due to design errors or substandard materials. Cruise lines may face liability even if defects are later discovered, especially if they failed to vet suppliers adequately.
- Wear and Tear: The marine environment accelerates degradation due to saltwater corrosion, humidity, and constant vibration. Proactive upkeep, such as predictive maintenance using sensors, is paramount to detect and mitigate risks but is not universally adopted by cruise lines due to high upfront costs.
Legal Rights of Injured Passengers and Crew
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
- Medical Expenses: Coverage includes emergency care, surgeries, medications, and future treatments related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: Passengers can claim income lost during recovery; crew members may seek lost earnings plus diminished future earning capacity if disabled.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress due to the injury, including physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible impacts on the quality of life.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Long-term needs like occupational therapy or adaptive equipment.
Important Legal Frameworks of Your Case
- Passenger Claims: Under maritime law, cruise lines must provide a “duty of reasonable care.” Failure to maintain equipment or address known hazards constitutes negligence.
- Crew Protections: The Jones Act allows crew to sue employers for negligence and “unseaworthiness” if defective equipment renders the vessel unfit.
Procedural Considerations When Suing Cruise Lines
- Jurisdiction: Cruise tickets often provide filing lawsuits in the Southern District of Florida, in Miami, Florida.
- Time Limits: Injury claims against Cruise Lines typically have a 1 year statute of limitations for passengers and a 6-month notice requirement making it important for injured passengers to act quickly.
- Evidence Preservation: Prompt documentation (surveillance, videos, photos, witness statements, medical reports) is critical. Cruise lines may repair equipment post-accident, potentially spoiling the evidence of a case.
Fatal electrocution
$10 Million
Young teenager was fatally electrocuted while playing miniature golf when she retrieved her golf ball from a small water pond that was part of the game. Poor maintenance caused the water to be electrified.
Basketball Court Safety Issue
$2.5 Million
A missing protective foam padding on a basketball court resulted in a young passenger sustaining a traumatic brain injury after hitting his head on a pole while chasing after a basketball.
Malfunctioning Automatic Sliding-Door
$600,000
An automatic sliding-door closed on a passenger as she entered a store on a cruise ship. When the doors closed on her, she was struck on one side of her body, causing her to lose her balance and to fall to the ground and sustain a catastrophic hip fracture. Video evidence in this case played a crucial role in establishing the sliding-door was defective.
Legal Representation for All Types of Cruise Ship Injuries
Cruise Lines we Sue
We’ve taken on some of the biggest cruise lines to fight for justice. No matter their size or influence, we stand firm to secure the fair outcomes our clients deserve.
Taking Action After an Injury on Cruise Line
If you or a loved one has been injured due to defective equipment on a cruise ship, taking immediate action can help protect your legal rights. Our team at Scolaro Law is ready to guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.
- Seek Medical Attention – Your health and safety are the top priority.
- Document the Incident – Take photos of the defective equipment, record witness statements, and note the circumstances of the accident.
- Report the Injury – Notify the ship’s crew and request a written incident report.
- Consult Scolaro Law – Cruise lines have complex legal protections, and Scolaro Law’s experienced maritime attorneys help clients with their claim with the sole objective to maximize their recovery.
Your Partner in Navigating Defective Equipment Lawsuits
Why Trust Scolaro Law with Your Cruise Ship Injury Case?
At Scolaro Law, we do not just handle cruise ship litigation—we pave the way, we redefine it. Tom Scolaro has built a reputation for achieving justice and taking on cases that many firms turn down. His leadership in challenging the cruise industry’s legal protections has led to landmark victories, including breaking through the Athens Convention’s damage caps—limitations cruise lines rely on to minimize payouts to injured passengers. With a track record of pushing legal boundaries and a relentless commitment to advocacy, Scolaro Law continues to lead the way in cruise ship injury law.
Proven Success
With over $500 million recovered for injured clients, our firm has a strong track record of securing compensation for those hurt on cruise ships, ensuring justice is served.
Decades of Experience
For 25 years, we have litigated over 150 cruise ship injury claims, particularly those involving complex incidents caused by faulty equipment, defective products, and unsafe onboard conditions.
Tailored Representation
Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand the specifics of your case, crafting a strategy that is tailored to address your needs and secure the best possible outcome.
Fierce Advocacy
We don’t back down. Our team fights relentlessly to hold cruise lines accountable for their negligence, especially when it comes to equipment that put passengers at risk.
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Contact Scolaro Law Today
Contact Scolaro Law today for a free consultation. Our experienced team will fight tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
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