A cruise is supposed to be relaxing, not tragic. But sometimes, accidents happen at sea, and some are deadly. If you or a loved one has suffered from drowning or near-drowning on a cruise ship, you’re likely overwhelmed with questions, including where to turn for help.
You might not know what steps to take next, but a cruise ship drowning accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates will handle your case. We’ve been helping people like you since 2003, and we use over 350 years of combined experience to help them recover compensation.
To date, we have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients. If you’re looking for support from our caring cruise ship injury lawyers, you’re in the right place. Call us today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and never charge fees until we win for you.
Our Cruise Ship Drowning Attorneys Will Lead Your Case While You Recover
When you contact our personal injury lawyers after an accidental drowning on a cruise ship, here’s what our team will do for you:
- Listen carefully: We want to understand what happened and how it has affected your life.
- Explain your rights: We’ll walk you through your legal options in clear, simple terms.
- Investigate the accident: We’ll gather evidence from the cruise line, witnesses, medical records, and more.
- Identify who’s responsible: Cruise companies, staff members, or even equipment manufacturers may be at fault.
- Fight for what you deserve: That includes money for medical bills, pain and suffering, and — in the worst cases — wrongful death damages.
- Handle the hard stuff: We deal with the insurance companies and legal paperwork so you can focus on healing.
How Accidental Drownings Happen on Cruise Ships
Drowning accidents on cruise ships are more common than many people think. These tragic events can happen fast — and often when safety rules are ignored or not followed by the cruise line.
Here are some of the most common ways drowning accidents happen on cruise ships:
- No lifeguards on duty: Many cruise ships don’t have trained lifeguards watching over the pools, especially adult-only areas or during nighttime hours.
- Slippery or wet decks: Wet floors near pools and hot tubs can lead to slips and falls, which may cause someone to hit their head and fall into the water.
- Broken or missing safety equipment: If pool ladders, life rings, or drain covers aren’t working or are missing, it can become harder for someone in danger to get help.
- Too much alcohol: Cruise lines often serve alcohol all day long. Drunk passengers may wander into pool areas unsupervised or fall overboard.
- Unsupervised children: Kids can quickly get into dangerous situations if no adults are watching closely or if there is not enough staff around to help.
- Delayed emergency response: Seconds matter in a drowning emergency. If the ship’s crew doesn’t act fast enough, the outcome can be much worse.
In many of these cases, the cruise line could and should have done more to keep passengers safe. If someone you love was hurt or killed because of a drowning accident, talk to our team. We will explain how the cruise company or another party was at fault in the accident.
Who Can Be Liable in a Cruise Ship Drowning Accident?
Liability in a drowning accident isn’t always obvious. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced lawyer. These accidents can happen for many reasons — and cruise companies are responsible for keeping passengers safe.
Cruise lines may be liable for a drowning on their ships if:
- There were not enough lifeguards or safety equipment.
- The crew didn’t respond quickly or properly to an emergency.
- Warning signs were missing or ignored.
- Areas of the ship were slippery, poorly lit, or unsafe.
Other parties that might be responsible include:
- Ship staff members who failed to supervise passengers or respond to an emergency.
- Maintenance crews who didn’t keep pools or decks safe.
- Third-party vendors such as tour companies or off-ship activity guides.
- Manufacturers of faulty pool drains, life vests, or other safety gear.
How Insurance Can Affect Your Cruise Line Injury Case
Cruise lines usually carry insurance that may help cover medical costs, lost income, or funeral and burial expenses. But getting that money isn’t easy. The insurance company may try to delay, deny, or offer a low settlement.
That’s why you could use a legal professional on your side — and at John Foy & Associates, we will challenge offers that are too low. We understand how insurers operate and will work to protect your case and potential compensation.
To learn more about how we can help you, call us today for a free consultation.
Common Injuries from Drowning and Near-Drowning
A drowning accident doesn’t always end in death, but it can still leave a person with lasting injuries. These include:
- Brain damage from lack of oxygen
- Lung damage and breathing issues
- Coma or long-term disability
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or emotional trauma
- Secondary infections or organ failure
In the most heartbreaking cases, a loved one may lose their life. When that happens, surviving family members may be able to seek wrongful death damages, which may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship or support
- Emotional suffering
- Lost future income
If your loved one suffered fatal injuries, we are deeply sorry for your loss and want to help your family seek damages and hold the right parties accountable. Our cruise ship wrongful death lawyers will advise you during a free consultation.
Damages in Non-Fatal Drowning Accident Cases
Not all accidental drownings end in death — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t serious. Survivors of these incidents often face long-term injuries, emotional trauma, and major medical costs.
If the cruise line or another party was responsible, you may be able to recover damages, such as:
- Medical bills: Emergency care, hospital stays, medications, rehab, and follow-up visits
- Ongoing treatment: Long-term care for brain damage, physical therapy, or respiratory issues
- Lost income: Time missed from work while recovering from injuries
- Loss of earning ability: If the injuries affect your ability to work in the future
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, or trauma from the event
- Mental health treatment: Therapy for anxiety, PTSD, or fear of water after the accident
- Disability-related costs: Home modifications, mobility equipment, or in-home care if the injuries caused permanent disability
Even if the person survived, drowning accidents can change a life forever. The effects may last months, years, or even a lifetime. You should not have to deal with those consequences alone or pay for them out of pocket.
How Long Do I have to Sue in a Cruise Ship Drowning Case?
You must act quickly after a cruise ship accident. These cases have strict legal deadlines — and maritime law can make the process even more complicated. Most cruise lines include terms in their tickets that shorten the time you have to take legal action.
In many cases, you only have six months to file a notice of claim and one year to file a lawsuit. On top of that, the cruise company may require the lawsuit to be filed in a specific court or city, even if it’s far from where you live.
Because of these short deadlines and legal rules under maritime law, it’s important to contact our cruise ship drowning injury lawyers as soon as possible. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to seek damages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cruise Ship Drowning Accidents
After reading about how cruise ship drownings happen and what happens afterward, you may still have questions. Our team is here to help. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from clients after a cruise ship drowning or near-drowning accident.
What if the Drowning Happened While the Ship was Docked?
Even if the ship was docked at a port, the cruise line may still be responsible. Many drowning accidents happen in pools or hot tubs on the ship, even while it’s not moving. If the ship’s crew was in charge of safety and failed to prevent the accident, they can still be held liable.
Does it Matter if the Accident Happened in International Waters?
Drowning accidents in international waters are handled under maritime law, which has its rules and deadlines. Our team knows how to handle these laws and will file your claim correctly.
Can I Still Sue if I Signed a Waiver?
Maybe. Waivers don’t always protect the cruise line from being sued — especially if they were negligent. For example, if the crew didn’t act quickly in an emergency or there weren’t enough safety measures in place, a waiver may not stop your case. We review the details and explain your rights.
What if I Already Returned Home After the Cruise?
You can still file a claim, but we advise that you don’t wait too long. Many cruise lines require lawsuits to be filed in specific cities (like Miami) and within a short time, often just one year. Contacting a lawyer right away gives you the best chance to protect your case, even if the accident happened far from home.
Talk to Us About a Cruise Ship Drowning Accident Today
You don’t have to face this painful experience alone. Whether the drowning accident happened to you or someone you love, let us support you and fight for the financial recovery you deserve while you focus on healing.
For over 20 years, we’ve stood up for injured people and grieving families, and we’ve done it with care, respect, and results. We’re not a billboard firm that rushes cases out the door. We treat you like a person, not a case number.
Call John Foy & Associates today for a free consultation. Our cruise ship drowning accident lawyers are ready to listen and help.
