Leading Maritime Accident Attorney in Miami, Florida

Shore Excursion Accidents: Holding Cruise Lines Accountable


At Scolaro Law, we represent clients worldwide in cruise accident cases and fight tirelessly to hold negligent cruise lines and excursion operators accountable.

Navigating Complex Personal Injury Lawsuits with a renowned Maritime Attorney

Understanding Cruise Line Liability in Shore Excursion Accidents

Cruise lines promote shore excursions as exciting opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. These excursions, offered both at the time of booking and onboard, range from high-adrenaline activities to more leisurely sightseeing. While these activities are advertised as safe and enjoyable, they often come with hidden dangers that can lead to serious injuries.

Beyond accidental injuries, cruise passengers can also become victims of crimes while on shore excursions. The lack of security measures can expose travelers to theft, assault, sexual assault, rape, and even murder. Cruise lines have a duty to warn passengers about known dangers and take reasonable precautions to prevent such incidents. When they fail to do so, they may be held legally accountable for their negligence.

Can Cruise Lines Be Held Liable for Shore Excursion Accidents?

Cruise lines often claim they are not responsible for injuries that occur during shore excursions, citing waivers of liability or arguing that the excursion operators are independent contractors. However, the law does not always absolve them of responsibility. If a cruise line negligently selects an unsafe excursion provider, fails to warn passengers about known risks, or misrepresents the safety of an activity, it may be held liable for injuries sustained during the excursion.

Exculpatory clauses within excursion agreements may attempt to shield cruise lines and excursion companies from liability. While some courts have upheld these clauses, many judges are reluctant to enforce them if they are ambiguous or overly broad.

Hire an Experienced Cruise Line Personal Injury Attorney

By working with an experienced maritime attorney like Scolaro law, we can assess whether such clauses are enforceable and build a strong case for compensation.

Common Causes of Shore Excursion Accidents

Here are some examples of shore excursion accidents that can result from various forms of negligence. Each of these dangers highlights the importance of holding cruise lines accountable when their negligence leads to passenger harm.

Poorly Maintained Equipment

Faulty jet skis, zip-line harnesses, or diving gear can lead to serious accidents.

Lack of Proper Vetting by Cruise Line

 Inexperienced or unqualified guides can put passengers at risk.

Dangerous Transportation

Defective boats, buses, or other excursion vehicles can cause crashes and injuries.

Unsafe Environments

Defective boats, buses, or other excursion vehicles can cause crashes and injuries.

Inadequate Security

Criminal acts against passengers, such as assaults or thefts, often occur due to a lack of proper security measures.

Failure to Warn of Known Dangers

Cruise lines must warn passengers of known dangers in areas they may visit. If they fail to do so and a passenger is attacked, raped or sexually assaulted, they may be liable.

If you have been a victim of a on shore accident due to a negligent cruise line, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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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.

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean
  • MSC Cruises
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Viking Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Seabourn Cruise Line
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Our Success in Cruise Line Personal Injury Cases

Highlight Cases

Scolaro Law has a proven track record of success in handling complex shore excursion injury cases. We have secured significant recoveries for clients injured due to negligent tour operators and cruise lines. No matter the circumstances of your injury, our knowledge and experience in maritime law and relentless advocacy ensure that every case is pursued with precision and dedication.

Jet Ski Collision

$2.8 Million

Our client was seriously injured when another jet ski operator, speeding recklessly, crashed into them during a guided tour. Scolaro Law held the tour company accountable for failing to ensure safety.

Tour Bus RollOver

$1.2 Million

After a passenger sustained a traumatic head injury during a pickleball game, we uncovered evidence of the cruise line’s negligence in the court’s design, leading to a settlement before trial.

Snorkeling Incident

$575,000

Strong currents quickly overpowered our client while snorkeling, leading to a heartbreaking drowning. The tour operator’s failure to ensure safe conditions caused a preventable tragedy to occur.

Diving Injury

$500,000

Our client suffered a devastating eye injury after diving into shallow water during a cruise-booked excursion. The cruise line refused to settle, forcing Scolaro to file suit which ended in a settlement that exceeded his client’s expectations.

Boat Tour Slip & Fall

$250,000

A passenger’s dream vacation was disrupted by a severe leg fracture after slipping on a boat tour. The excursion was booked through the cruise line, Scolaro Law secured a settlement against the cruise line.

Banana Boat Accident

6-Figure settlement

A fun water excursion turned into a nightmare when our client was thrown from a banana boat due to operator negligence, suffering painful fractures. Our attorneys fought to get her the justice she deserved.

Scolaro Law Will Fight for The Compensation You Deserve

Steps to Take After a Shore Excursion Injury

If you are injured during a shore excursion, taking immediate action can strengthen your claim. Follow these steps:

  1. Seek medical attention – Your health is the priority.
  2. Report the incident – Notify both the excursion operator and the cruise line of the accident. Fill out an incident report if you are able to and take a screenshot of your written statement.
  3. Document everything – Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any unsafe conditions. 
  4. Obtain witness statements – Write down the name and contact information of any witnesses, employees, and fellow passengers who either saw the incident or assisted you in any way. If others witnessed the accident, their testimonies could support your case.
  5. Call Scolaro Law – Due to the complexities of maritime law, having legal representation as soon as possible is crucial to maximizing your chance at a successful recovery..

Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Maritime injury claims are subject to strict deadlines. In most cases, cruise passengers have only one year from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. Additionally, cruise tickets often require passengers to provide written notice of an injury within six months. Failing to meet these deadlines can result in losing the right to seek compensation. This is why it is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Time is critical in any cruise ship injury case, and having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference. Our team of attorneys are committed to guiding you through every step, meaning your case is handled with urgency so you do not miss your chance for justice.

Your Partner in Navigating Complex Cruise Ship Litigation

Why Choose Scolaro Law for Your Shore Excursion Injury Case?

Proven Success

With over $500 million recovered for clients, our results speak for themselves. We have a history of securing significant settlements and verdicts, demonstrating our ability to deliver the compensation our clients deserve.

Unique Experience

With 25 years of handling cruise ship injury claims, we know how to navigate the complexities of maritime law and onboard incidents caused by unsafe conditions or defective equipment.

Personalized Legal Strategies

No two cases are the same. We take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a legal approach tailored to your needs and the facts of your case.

Relentless Advocacy

We don’t back down from cruise lines or their legal teams. We fight aggressively to hold them accountable for their negligence and ensure justice for our clients.

Contact Scolaro Law Today

If you or a loved one suffered an injury during a shore excursion, our experienced maritime attorneys at Scolaro Law are here to help. We understand the complexities of cruise-related injury claims and are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and learn how we can fight for you.

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