Florida Cruise Ship Drowning Lawyer
Leader In Cruise Ship Drowning & Near-Drowning Litigation
With over 25 years of experience, Thomas Scolaro advocates for victims of cruise ship drowning and near-drowning incidents, ensuring those affected receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Compensation is Available for These Preventable Tragedies
Drowning Incidents On Cruise Ships
Cruise vacations should be an escape for family time and forging memories with loved ones. However, when a drowning incident occurs, the consequences are both devastating and legally complex. Whether a child drowns in an unattended pool or a passenger suffers a near-drowning incident due to inadequate safety measures, the impact is immeasurable. At Scolaro Law, our maritime and personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping families affected by drowning incidents and securing justice.
At Scolaro Law, we understand that no amount of compensation can ever replace a life or the heartache felt by loved ones. As a firm with decades of experience litigating against cruise lines and a storied history of fighting relentlessly for our clients, we have built our reputation on the twin pillars of compassionate advocacy and unwavering tenacity.
At the core of our firm,—“Hustle and Heart Set Us Apart”—drives every case we take, especially when tragedy strikes on the high seas.
Navigating The Maritime Law Landscape
Why You Need An Experienced Florida Attorney By Your Side
Solaro Law leverages our decades of experience to analyze maritime law and jurisdictional nuances to maximize every potential avenue for recovery.
Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA):
For incidents that occur in international waters, DOHSA often governs wrongful death claims by limiting recovery to pecuniary (financial) damages. When negligence results in a drowning, additional state wrongful death statutes or personal injury laws may offer broader compensation.
State and Personal Injury Laws:
When a drowning occurs within U.S. territorial waters, state laws may allow recovery for both economic and non-economic damages—including pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and more.
Scolaro Law Will Fight for The Compensation You Deserve
Typical Negligence Factors in Cruise Line Drowning Lawsuits
Cruise lines have the power to prevent nearly every drowning accident. When they choose not to, it breaches their duty of care. These failures are especially egregious when considering that many drownings are entirely preventable through the simple measure of employing qualified lifeguards and robust safety protocols. Common negligent practices include:
- Inadequate Safety Protocols: Failure to hire or properly train lifeguards despite the inherent dangers and reliance on “swim at your own risk” signage instead of proactive safety measures.
- Defective Equipment and Poor Maintenance: Malfunctioning pool barriers, alarms, or emergency devices that fail when needed most.
- Improper Emergency Response: Delays in recognizing a drowning incident or a lack of coordinated emergency action.
A History of Drowning Deaths and Near-Drowning on Cruise Ships
Tragically, cruise ship drownings and near drownings are not isolated events. These incidents highlight the ongoing risk of drowning on cruise ships, especially when safety measures are lacking. Even experienced swimmers are vulnerable if left unsupervised or exposed to cruise ship negligence.
- In April 2013, a 4-year-old boy was airlifted from the Disney Fantasy after nearly drowning in one of the ship’s pools.
- A 4-year-old boy lost his life, and his 6-year-old brother was hospitalized following drowning and near-drowning incidents in a pool aboard the Norwegian Breakaway in February 2014.
- In May 2014, a 6-year-old boy suffered a severe brain injury after being found at the bottom of a pool on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas.
- A 29-year-old woman drowned aboard the Sapphire Princess in 2014, though the specific month was not specified.
- January 2015 witnessed a near-drowning of a 4-year-old boy in a “kid-friendly” swimming pool on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas.
- An 8-year-old boy was found drowned aboard the Sapphire Princess in 2015, marking an additional incident for that year.
- In November 2019, a 10-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool accident aboard Dream Cruise’s Genting Dream.
- A man in his 30s was discovered drowned on the Caribbean Princess in 2019, with the exact month unspecified.
- An 8-year-old boy drowned in a pool on Royal Caribbean International’s Anthem of the Seas; officials reported that he had been in the water for 8–10 minutes, though the year was not specified.
Holding Cruise Lines Accountable for Lack of Detailed Reporting and Accountability
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise lines have become less transparent about drowning and near-drowning incidents, raising concerns among passengers and industry experts. This lack of detailed reporting makes it harder to evaluate the effectiveness of current safety protocols and hold cruise lines accountable. Tom Scolaro has argued in the media that increased transparency is crucial for ensuring passenger safety and maintaining public trust in the cruise industry.
Hustle and Heart Sets Us Apart
Why Choose Scolaro Law to Represent Your Case
For over two decades, Tom Scolaro has pioneered cruise ship injury litigation. His firm is defined by aggressive advocacy, landmark victories, and a relentless pursuit of justice for those harmed by negligent cruise line practices.
Evidence-Backed Case Strategy
We analyze safety logs, maintenance records, witness testimonies, and expert insights to expose negligence, build the strongest case possible, and maximize our client’s recovery.
Maritime Law Mastery
Whether applying DOHSA, general maritime law, state statutes, or international maritime law, we craft strategies to recover all financial, emotional, and punitive losses.
Trial-Ready Litigation
When settlements fail, our attorneys aggressively litigate in court, leveraging decades of experience to counter cruise line legal teams.
24/7 Client Partnership
From your first call to the final resolution, we prioritize transparency and communication while aiming for the same goal as our clients.
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.
Over 25 Years of Successfully Suing All Major Cruise Lines
Why You Need a Maritime Law Attorney to Represent Your Drowning Lawsuit
When a death occurs in navigable waters, cruise lines often try to limit recovery under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) of 1920, which restricts damages to pecuniary losses such as lost income. However, DOHSA is just one part of the legal framework, and many families deserve more comprehensive relief than what it provides.
At Scolaro Law, our maritime attorneys understand how to challenge these limitations and fight for the full compensation your family deserves. We leverage our in-depth knowledge of DOHSA, state wrongful death statutes, and other applicable laws to build a strong case, holding negligent parties accountable.
Ongoing Issues with Cruise Line Negligence and Drowning Cases
Cruise lines are legally obligated to ensure passenger safety, including preventing drowning and near-drowning incidents. While many cruise lines argue that lacking lifeguards is acceptable, public pressure and successful lawsuits have led to industry changes. Companies like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney now employ lifeguards at pools, signaling a shift toward a universal safety standard where not having lifeguards may be considered negligent.
Major Cruise Lines with Lifeguards Onboard:
- Disney Cruise Line: Disney was the first major cruise line to implement lifeguards in 2013 after a tragic incident. Lifeguards are stationed at all family pools during operating hours and are trained in CPR and rescue techniques.
- Royal Caribbean International: Introduced lifeguards in 2017 as part of a water safety program. Lifeguards, certified to focus on risk reduction and emergency response, are present at all pools and waterslides during open hours.
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Began employing lifeguards in 2018, particularly at family pools. Staff are trained in safety protocols and provide swimmer supervision throughout the day.
Cruise Lines Without Lifeguards
Other major lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises, do not provide full-time lifeguards. Instead, they rely on posted safety rules and signage, complimentary life vests (Carnival offers swim vests for children), and parental supervision requirements, especially for children under 12.
When referral lawyers need trusted partners, they call us
At Scolaro Law, we value collaboration with our legal colleagues. If you have a client involved in a cruise ship drowning incident, consider referring their case to us. We are Experienced, Efficient, and Transparent.
- Plaintiff’s Law Firm: We are a 100% plaintiff-driven practice. Our sole focus is on personal injury, ensuring unparalleled dedication to the needs of our clients and their case.
- Trial-Ready Attorneys: Every case is prepared with a trial-ready mindset, so you know your client is in the best hands at every step.
- Seamless Co-Counsel Process: We maintain clear communication at every stage, ensuring you are fully informed and updated throughout the lifetime of your case.
- Local Insight: Our deep knowledge of Florida’s legal landscape, from Miami to the Florida Panhandle, from Key West to Central Florida, ensures that your Florida cases benefit from experienced local attorneys.
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Contact Scolaro Law Today
If you’ve been a victim of a drowning incident on a cruise ship, let Scolaro Law help. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
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