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    <title type="text">Michael F. Guilford, P.A.</title>
    <subtitle type="text">Michael F. Guilford, P.A.</subtitle>

    <updated>2026-02-09T11:25:47Z</updated>

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        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Michael F. Guilford, P.A.</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[COVID-19 Update]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/02/covid-19-update/" />
            <id>https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/?p=46107</id>
            <updated>2024-07-29T06:49:25Z</updated>
            <published>2024-02-18T10:53:04Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Productivity Maintained While courthouses may be closed during these difficult times, our firm remains operational and committed to protecting and advancing the interests of our clients. In order to protect the health and safety of our staff, their families and our clients, the physical office space remains closed to the public, but rest assured that we are fully connected to…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/02/covid-19-update/"><![CDATA[<h2>Productivity Maintained</h2>
While courthouses may be closed during these difficult times, our firm remains operational and committed to protecting and advancing the interests of our clients. In order to protect the health and safety of our staff, their families and our clients, the physical office space remains closed to the public, but rest assured that we are fully connected to the firm infrastructure and are continuing to advance your case.

Of course there will be inconveniences and delays, especially given that the courts are not functioning at 100%, but we are taking all available opportunities to minimize the impact on your matter.

In addition to being available by phone and email, we have also adopted video conferencing technology, which will allow us remain safe while still being able to meet in the next best thing to “face to face”.

Things are changing on a daily basis, so I have included links to the CDC (Link to: <a class="content-linktext" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>) and Florida Department of Health (Linkt to: <a class="content-linktext" href="https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/</a>) which will enable you to be able to obtain the latest information direct from the source.

&nbsp;]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Michael F. Guilford, P.A.</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Woman Sexually Assaulted Aboard Carnival Cruise]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/02/woman-sexually-assaulted-aboard-carnival-cruise/" />
            <id>https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/?p=46263</id>
            <updated>2024-03-01T08:43:11Z</updated>
            <published>2024-02-05T06:00:00Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Sexual assaults are the most prevalent crime reported aboard cruise ships. Women and children are sexually assaulted by staff and by other crew members. When this occurs, it can be very difficult for the passengers to get their stories taken seriously. Since the cruise line provides all of the security, the company works for them. Often, sexual assaults go unreported.…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/02/woman-sexually-assaulted-aboard-carnival-cruise/"><![CDATA[Sexual assaults are the most prevalent crime reported aboard cruise ships. Women and children are sexually assaulted by staff and by other crew members. When this occurs, it can be very difficult for the passengers to get their stories taken seriously. Since the cruise line provides all of the security, the company works for them. Often, sexual assaults go unreported. But they happen more frequently aboard cruise ships than they do in other locations. Part of this has to do with muddled jurisdictional issues.

One woman claims that she was raped by a staff member of Carnival cruise. She claims that she was pulled into a cleaning closet where the man sexually assaulted her after telling her she looked like his girlfriend. According to the FBI, sexual assaults are the most common form of crime that occurs aboard cruise ships. Experts believe that the rate of sexual assault aboard cruise ships may be much higher than reported. More than two-thirds of sexual assaults go unreported in the U.S. Since 2015, there have been 454 reports of sexual assaults aboard cruise ships. Many of these assaults were committed by employees of the cruise line. When this happens, you can file a lawsuit against the cruise ship to recover damages related to your injuries.

Cruise lines claim remedies are too expensive

The cruise lines have been informed, even by members of their security teams, that they could do more to protect passengers from sexual assault. Remedies would include adding more surveillance cameras and hiring more security. However, the cruise lines claim that these remedies would be too expensive to implement, leaving passengers in the dark about the dangers presented by cruise lines.

Over the past two decades, cruise lines have settled more than 68 lawsuits citing claims of sexual assault aboard their vessels. Many of these cases are settled confidentially before they reach the court, so the public often doesn’t know about them and passengers are not warned about the potential danger posed by cruise lines.

Key themes emerged from hearings conducted by Congress into the prevalence of sexual assaults aboard cruise ships. The cruise vessels lacked proper coverage from security cameras and security officers were inadequately trained in the investigation of sexual assaults. There are too few security guards to act as an active deterrent against sexual predators. The reason for this may simply be an equation. It’s cheaper for cruise lines to settle claims related to sexual assaults than it is to beef up security and increase their surveillance coverage.

For victims, filing a lawsuit is a daunting process. They have to recount the event in depositions and they are often forced to settle the case under seal. Key evidence, such as surveillance footage often doesn’t exist or was deleted by the cruise line.

Talk to a Cruise Line Sexual Assault Lawyer Today

If you have been sexually assaulted aboard a cruise line, call <a href="/about/" data-wpel-link="internal">Miami admiralty &amp; maritime lawyer</a> Michael F. Guilford today to schedule a free consultation. We can help you recover damages related to the sexual assault and hold the cruise line liable for your injuries.

&nbsp;]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Michael F. Guilford, P.A.</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Three Sue Carnival Cruise After Injuries Sustained During Boat Tilt]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/01/three-sue-carnival-cruise-after-injuries-sustained-during-boat-tilt/" />
            <id>https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/?p=46221</id>
            <updated>2024-03-01T08:43:18Z</updated>
            <published>2024-01-29T06:00:00Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Three Carnival Cruise Line passengers have filed a lawsuit against the cruise behemoth after the ship tilted allegedly causing injuries. The cruise ship was departing from Port Canaveral when the cruise line tilted. The plaintiffs claim they suffered injury during the boat tilt which happened shortly after the ship left the dock. They claim that the cruise line and its…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/01/three-sue-carnival-cruise-after-injuries-sustained-during-boat-tilt/"><![CDATA[Three Carnival Cruise Line passengers have filed a lawsuit against the cruise behemoth after the ship tilted allegedly causing injuries. The cruise ship was departing from Port Canaveral when the cruise line tilted. The plaintiffs claim they suffered injury during the boat tilt which happened shortly after the ship left the dock. They claim that the cruise line and its operators were negligent for allowing the boat to tilt and their injuries resulted from that negligence.

According to the lawsuit, all three passengers were aboard the ship Sunshine and inside of a restaurant when the ship tilted. One plaintiff claims that she suffered a spinal injury after being thrown from a chair. The two other passengers claim that they suffered wrist injuries. The plaintiffs are seeking more than $75,000 in compensation for their injuries. They also hope the cruise line will adjust its policies to prevent such an accident from occurring again. According to one report, an issue with the fin stabilizer caused the ship to tilt. More plaintiffs may also file lawsuits against the cruise line.

Suing a cruise line in Miami, FL

When a ship like Carnival’s Sunshine tilts, it has the potential to cause substantial injuries to those aboard the vessel. In cases like this, wrist injuries are common as injured parties attempt to break their fall with their hands when falling to the ground. One plaintiff claims she suffered spinal injuries as a result of the incident while the other two are claiming they sustained injuries to their wrists.

In these cases, guests also panic which can cause substantial injury to the parties aboard the vessel. Suffice it to say, this should have never occurred and Carnival is likely liable for the injuries that were sustained by the guests.

All three guests were in the restaurant at the time of the ship tilt meaning that dishes and more would have been flying across the room. Anything not bolted to the floor had the potential to become a projectile. Panicking guests can also cause injury to themselves and others.

In this case, a malfunctioning fin stabilizer was blamed for the accident. Fin stabilizers are located on either side of the ship and prevent the ship from excessively rolling in either direction. The ship was quickly able to regain its balance and the cruise continued on schedule. Carnival issued an apology to guests in concert with a statement about what caused the ship to tilt. The cruise line expressed confidence in the safety of the vessel and the cruise resumed as scheduled.

However, the three plaintiffs claim they sustained injuries related to the ship’s tilt. So, Carnival may have to pay out on those claims if the plaintiffs can prove their injuries were substantial.

Talk to a Miami Cruise Line Injury Attorney Today

<a href="/about/" data-wpel-link="internal">Miami admiralty &amp; maritime lawyer</a> Michael F. Guilford represent the interests of plaintiffs in injury claims against cruise lines. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and we can begin discussing your case immediately.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Michael F. Guilford, P.A.</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Common Causes of Boat Accident Injuries in Miami, FL]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/01/common-causes-of-boat-accident-injuries-in-miami-fl/" />
            <id>https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/?p=46089</id>
            <updated>2024-03-01T08:43:24Z</updated>
            <published>2024-01-22T06:00:00Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Florida has nearly one million people with registered boats in the state. It’s not surprising then that Florida also has the largest number of boat accidents and injuries of any state in the country. These accidents can result in serious injury and even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a boat accident, you may be…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/01/common-causes-of-boat-accident-injuries-in-miami-fl/"><![CDATA[Florida has nearly one million people with registered boats in the state. It’s not surprising then that Florida also has the largest number of boat accidents and injuries of any state in the country. These accidents can result in serious injury and even death.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a boat accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. The <a href="/boat-accidents/" data-wpel-link="internal">Miami, FL boat accident injury attorneys</a> at Michael F. Guilford can help you recover damages related to a boat accident. In this article, we’ll discuss common causes of boat accident injuries in the state of Florida.

Common causes of boat accidents in the state of Florida
<ul>
 	<li>Inexperienced boat drivers – Florida requires that all boaters under the age of 25 take a boat safety course in order to legally operate a boat in the state. You must be at least 14 years of age to operate a boat in Florida. No one, however, is required to have a boating license. This occasionally results in unskilled boaters causing injuries to others who are boating or their own passengers.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 	<li>Inattentive or distracted boating – Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Florida. The same also applies to boats. There are a myriad of ways to become distracted while operating a boat. The Coast Guard defines inattentive boating as a failure of the boat operator to take account of their surroundings, pay attention to the vessel, or the environment in which the vessel is operating. Failure to pay attention to other boaters on the water can sometimes lead to severe accidents that result in substantial injuries.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 	<li>Mechanical failure – Just like the owner of a car, the owner of a boat is responsible for ensuring that their vessel is maintained in good condition. Owners should inspect the boat prior to going out on the water to ensure that it is in good working order. Lack of maintenance can sometimes lead to boating accidents. In these cases, the owner of the boat would be liable for any injuries that occur due to the mechanical failure of the boat. In some cases, the manufacturer of the boat may also be liable if the boat had a design or manufacturing defect.</li>
</ul>
Proving a boat accident injury claim in Miami, FL

To establish that a boat operator is liable for your injuries, you must establish negligence. The boat operator owes all of the other boaters and their passengers a duty of care to operate their boat responsibly and safely. They must not operate their boat recklessly and must abide by speed limits. They are responsible for the seaworthiness of the boat and they are responsible for keeping an active lookout for other boaters. If they fail, they can be sued for damages resulting from injuries.

Talk to a Miami, FL Boat Accident Injury Attorney Today

Michael F. Guilford represents the interests of Miami, FL residents who have been injured in boating accidents. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.

&nbsp;]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Michael F. Guilford, P.A.</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[70% of Cruise Ship Sexual Assaults Occurred Aboard Royal Caribbean or Carnival]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/01/70-of-cruise-ship-sexual-assaults-occurred-aboard-royal-caribbean-or-carnival/" />
            <id>https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/?p=46053</id>
            <updated>2024-03-01T08:43:29Z</updated>
            <published>2024-01-15T06:00:00Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Since January of 2010, there have been nearly 500 reports of sexual assaults aboard cruise vessels. The majority of these sexual assaults occurred aboard Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises, the two largest cruise operators in the U.S. That accounts for nearly 70% of all sexual assaults reported on cruise ships. According to the cruise lines, these statistics show a distorted…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/01/70-of-cruise-ship-sexual-assaults-occurred-aboard-royal-caribbean-or-carnival/"><![CDATA[Since January of 2010, there have been nearly 500 reports of sexual assaults aboard cruise vessels. The majority of these sexual assaults occurred aboard Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises, the two largest cruise operators in the U.S. That accounts for nearly 70% of all sexual assaults reported on cruise ships.

According to the cruise lines, these statistics show a distorted picture of claims related to sexual assault. In other words, they carry more passengers, but the statistics do not necessarily show that you are more likely to be attacked aboard a cruise ship than in other locations.

In 2010, Congress passed a sweeping piece of cruise line legislation that required cruise ships to report any crimes to the FBI. Sexual assault remains the most reported crime aboard cruise ships according to numbers gleaned from the Department of Transportation. Sexual assault makes up about 75% of all reported crimes aboard cruise ships. 82% of these sexual assaults are committed by passengers. The rest are committed by employees.

What are cruise lines doing to curb instances of sexual assault?

At present, cruise lines are not doing much of anything to curb instances of sexual assault aboard their vessels. The cruise lines could, for example, add surveillance cameras or hire more security personnel. Thus far, they have balked at such considerations citing the cost of doing business. Many believe it is cheaper for cruise lines to simply settle lawsuits that have been filed against them than to add more security personnel or install more security cameras.

How can I file a lawsuit against a cruise line for sexual assault?

It can be difficult in many cases to hold the cruise line accountable for a sexual assault that was committed by another passenger. You must be able to establish negligence in these cases. It’s much easier to sue a cruise line for a sexual assault that was committed by one of its employees. In that case, the cruise line would be vicariously liable for any injuries caused by its employees.

In one case, a teenaged girl was raped by several customers who were plying her with alcohol in full view of the bar. The cruise line was sued in that case. Oftentimes, however, the results of these lawsuits are never made public as the cruise lines don’t want it getting out that sexual assault is a problem aboard their vessels. In these cases, the cruise lines settle the case under seal with an agreement of confidentiality from the victim. The victims are thus prevented from discussing the results of the case, their monetary compensation, or the sexual assault itself.

Talk to a Miami, FL Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Attorney Today

<a href="/about/" data-wpel-link="internal">Miami admiralty &amp; maritime lawyer</a> Michael F. Guilford represents the rights of those who have been sexually assaulted aboard a cruise ship vessel. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and we can begin discussing your path to recovery immediately.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Michael F. Guilford, P.A.</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Woman in Wheelchair Sues Carnival Cruise After Gangway Injury]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/01/woman-in-wheelchair-sues-carnival-cruise-after-gangway-injury/" />
            <id>https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/?p=46266</id>
            <updated>2024-03-01T08:43:34Z</updated>
            <published>2024-01-08T06:00:00Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[A woman in a wheelchair claims that she was injured when disembarking from a Carnival Cruise ship. She claims that despite asking for help, none of Carnival’s staff would help her and she couldn’t manage the incline. Her wheelchair went out of control and she struck a panel that was sticking out causing serious injury. She has since filed a…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/01/woman-in-wheelchair-sues-carnival-cruise-after-gangway-injury/"><![CDATA[A woman in a wheelchair claims that she was injured when disembarking from a Carnival Cruise ship. She claims that despite asking for help, none of Carnival’s staff would help her and she couldn’t manage the incline. Her wheelchair went out of control and she struck a panel that was sticking out causing serious injury. She has since filed a lawsuit against the cruise giant and is seeking damages for her injuries.

According to the lawsuit, the cruise ship had stopped in the Dominican Republic at Amber Cove when the plaintiff chose to get off the ship to explore the area. When she approached the gangway ramp, she claims that she received no assistance from Carnival staff despite having asked for help navigating the ramp. The plaintiff contends that she then began rolling down the ramp out of control at a rapid speed and was struck by a board that was sticking out of the gangway. She claims that she suffered serious and permanent injury as a result of the accident. She is seeking an undisclosed amount of damages from Carnival for her injuries.

Gangway accidents on cruise ships

A gangway is the ramp that connects the cruise vessel to the ground allowing passengers to enter and exit the vessel. Gangways are typically positioned at an incline and have handrails and textured floors to prevent slip-and-fall accidents. Sometimes, however, the gangways can be dangerous to passengers particularly those using mobility devices such as wheelchairs. The incline is steep enough, however, to represent a potential danger to even able-bodied passengers.

In the case mentioned above, the plaintiff lost control of her wheelchair as it careened down the gangway at a rapid speed. She struck a board or panel that was sticking out and sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident. She is suing Carnival Cruises in part because they offered her no assistance to traverse the gangway.

Gangway accidents are relatively common aboard cruise vessels. Gangways have steep inclines that can result in slip-and-fall accidents and injuries. Potential dangers of gangways include:
<ul>
 	<li>Gangway accidents when the gangway is not properly secured to the dock</li>
 	<li>Slick or wet handrails that result in falls</li>
 	<li>Slippery flooring that results in slip-and-fall accidents</li>
 	<li>Failure to follow safe weight limits for the gangway</li>
 	<li>Excessively steep inclines</li>
 	<li>Failure to provide assistance to passengers</li>
</ul>
Maritime law requires that cruise ships offer safe methods for passengers to embark or disembark. These gangways are used by thousands of passengers aboard cruise vessels. There could be as many as 100 individuals on the gangway at any given time. The condition of the gangway must be periodically checked to ensure that it is in safe condition. The gangway is considered part of the ship and thus, the owner can be held liable for a gangway accident injury.

Talk to a Miami, FL Cruise Ship Injury Attorney Today

Michael F. Guilford, P.A. represents the interests of passengers in cruise ship accidents. Call our <a href="/about/" data-wpel-link="internal">Miami admiralty &amp; maritime lawyers</a> today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you recover damages related to your injuries.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Michael F. Guilford, P.A.</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Disney Cruise Line Worker Awarded $4M for Inadequate Medical Care]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/01/disney-cruise-line-worker-awarded-4m-for-inadequate-medical-care/" />
            <id>https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/?p=46144</id>
            <updated>2024-03-01T08:43:39Z</updated>
            <published>2024-01-02T06:00:00Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[A Disney Cruise Line worker was awarded $4 million in a personal injury lawsuit filed against her employer. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff was injured when she was struck by a car in the Bahamas. Despite the fact that she sustained three broken ribs in the accident, the Carnival medical staff told her she was fit to go back…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2024/01/disney-cruise-line-worker-awarded-4m-for-inadequate-medical-care/"><![CDATA[A Disney Cruise Line worker was awarded $4 million in a personal injury lawsuit filed against her employer. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff was injured when she was struck by a car in the Bahamas. Despite the fact that she sustained three broken ribs in the accident, the Carnival medical staff told her she was fit to go back to work. The medical team’s staff failed to diagnose her injuries correctly and ordered her back to work aboard the cruise vessel. She filed a lawsuit against Disney Cruise Line alleging that she sustained serious injuries as a result of the car accident and should have been relieved of her duties.

She was awarded $2 million for lost earnings, $1 million for pain and suffering, and another $1 million for punitive damages that are levied against a defendant to punish them for wrongdoing. The jury assigned 70% of the blame to Disney Cruises and 30% of the blame to the plaintiff.

It was reportedly the first time Disney Cruises lost a lawsuit filed by an employee for negligence.

Medical injuries filed against cruise lines

Large cruise lines have medical teams on hand to render aid to victims of injuries and sickness that befall them while they are cruising. In these cases, the company that employs the doctor is responsible for the quality of care that is given to the plaintiff. In this case, they failed to accurately diagnose that the plaintiff sustained three broken ribs. After being diagnosed with broken ribs by another doctor, the plaintiff flew home to her native Portugal and required five months of medical leave. When she came back, she had to take more time off of work due to nerve damage sustained from the initial accident.

The jury held Disney Cruises liable for failing to provide her with adequate medical treatment related to her injuries. They also faulted the company for forcing her to return to work with three broken ribs.

Workers’ compensation immunity

While a shorebound employee would never be able to file a lawsuit against their employer, the same does not hold true for cruise ships. Cruise ships operate on a different system entirely and employees can file lawsuits directly against their employers if their employers are negligent. In this case, a jury found that the quality of medical care that the employee received was substandard and held Disney Cruise Lines liable for failing to render adequate medical care to the plaintiff. She was awarded both compensatory and punitive damages which are levied against a defendant when they have committed some form of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing.

Talk to a Miami Cruise Ship Injury Attorney Today

If you have been injured aboard a cruise ship, the cruise ship’s medical staff will treat that injury. If they fail in their duty of care to render adequate aid, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the cruise line. Michael F. Guilford, P.A. can help you file a lawsuit against a negligent cruise line. Call our <a href="/about/" data-wpel-link="internal">Miami admiralty &amp; maritime lawyers</a> today for more details.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Michael F. Guilford, P.A.</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Common Pool Accidents and Injuries Aboard Cruise Ships]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2023/12/common-pool-accidents-and-injuries-aboard-cruise-ships/" />
            <id>https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/?p=46066</id>
            <updated>2024-03-01T08:43:45Z</updated>
            <published>2023-12-18T06:00:00Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Florida is well-known across the U.S. as a cruise ship destination for tourists. Many of the largest cruise lines in the world disembark from Florida shores. While cruising is fun and exciting, there are numerous perils involved as well. In this article, the Miami, FL cruise ship injury attorneys at Michael F. Guilford, P.A. will discuss pool injuries that occur…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2023/12/common-pool-accidents-and-injuries-aboard-cruise-ships/"><![CDATA[Florida is well-known across the U.S. as a cruise ship destination for tourists. Many of the largest cruise lines in the world disembark from Florida shores. While cruising is fun and exciting, there are numerous perils involved as well. In this article, the Miami, FL cruise ship injury attorneys at Michael F. Guilford, P.A. will discuss pool injuries that occur aboard cruise ships.

Some of the most common cruise ship injuries occur in swimming pools or waterslides that are located on the vessel.

Cuts and bruises around pools

Bruises, cuts, and scrapes are all common injuries that occur around swimming pools on cruise ships. Even shorebound pools can present certain dangers to swimmers. The risk of a slip-and-fall injury is common. When you’re aboard a moving vessel, the stakes are raised even higher. Slip-and-fall accidents do occur and most often lead to cuts, bruises, and scrapes. When this occurs, it is important to seek medical treatment from the cruise line doctors immediately to avoid the risk of infection and ensure nothing is broken.

Broken bones

Pools present a slipping and tripping hazard to swimmers. Areas around the pools have a tendency to be wet and slippery. This can result in a falling accident. In some cases, a swimmer will sustain broken bones as a result of a slip-and-fall. If you have sustained a broken bone injury as a result of a wet pool, you may not be able to return to work right away. In these cases, cruise ships are responsible for placing warning signs to alert passengers as to the slipping hazard. In some cases, the deck itself is negligently designed and prone to creating a slip hazard. In these cases, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the cruise line for negligence.

Spinal cord injuries

An individual who slips on a wet pool deck or another area near the pool can sustain spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries are not necessarily common in slip and fall accidents, but they do occur. When they occur, the cruise line may be held liable for failing to put a sign out alerting the passenger to danger. It could also be that the pool deck is unreasonably dangerous for a different reason.

Head injuries

Head injuries do occur during slip and fall accidents. When they occur, they can be devastating. Concussions or traumatic brain injury can result from such accidents. The cruise line may be held liable for failing to put adequate signage out or maintaining the pool deck area in a negligent fashion.

Drowning

Drowning can occur in pools with inexperienced swimmers. In these cases, the cruise line is responsible for ensuring that adequately trained lifeguards are present to avoid such an occurrence. If the lifeguard is distracted or fails to help the swimmer in distress, the cruise line can be held liable for the drowning.

Talk to a Miami, FL Cruise Line Injury Attorney Today

Michael F. Guilford, P.A. represents the interests of those injured aboard cruise vessels. Call our <a href="/about/" data-wpel-link="internal">Miami admiralty &amp; maritime lawyers</a> today to schedule a free consultation and we can begin discussing your allegations right away.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Michael F. Guilford, P.A.</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Understanding Maritime Law in Boating Accidents]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2023/12/understanding-maritime-law-in-boating-accidents/" />
            <id>https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/?p=46247</id>
            <updated>2024-03-01T08:43:50Z</updated>
            <published>2023-12-11T06:00:00Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Florida is the boating capital of the United States. With over 1 million boats registered to Florida residents, our state has more boating accidents than any other. When a boating accident does occur, it often does not fall under state law. Instead, it is governed by maritime or admiralty law. Understanding the complexities of litigation that fall under maritime law…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2023/12/understanding-maritime-law-in-boating-accidents/"><![CDATA[Florida is the boating capital of the United States. With over 1 million boats registered to Florida residents, our state has more boating accidents than any other. When a boating accident does occur, it often does not fall under state law. Instead, it is governed by maritime or admiralty law. Understanding the complexities of litigation that fall under maritime law takes decades of experience. That’s why you would never want a car accident attorney to file a boating accident lawsuit on your behalf. In this article, the <a href="/boat-accidents/" data-wpel-link="internal">Miami boat accident attorneys</a> at Michael F. Guilford will discuss the basics of maritime law and how it applies to Florida boat accident lawsuits.

What is maritime law?

Maritime law is a body of laws that govern private maritime business and nautical issues. It covers a wide range of legal issues including shipping, cargo, injuries, and boating accidents. Maritime law falls under the jurisdiction of the federal (and not state) government.

Understanding maritime jurisdiction

Jurisdiction is a critical and complex aspect of maritime law. State law governs what happens on landlocked bodies of water. Maritime law governs what happens on coastal waters and rivers that connect with the coast. It includes any waters navigable within the U.S. for interstate or foreign commerce. This includes recreational boating.

Determining jurisdiction is a complex matter. You need to file your lawsuit with the proper court. Much time can be wasted by failing to bring a cause of action under the proper jurisdiction. You would never want an auto accident attorney to file your boat accident lawsuit. Maritime lawyers are well-versed in issues related to admiralty jurisdiction. We alone are qualified to file such lawsuits. If your accident occurred in coastal waters or a body of water that extends to the coast, then your lawsuit would fall under maritime jurisdiction and not state jurisdiction.

Differing rules regarding negligence

Maritime rules and state rules differ on the matter of negligence. Under maritime law, you have a pure comparative fault system meaning you can file a lawsuit even if you are partly to blame for your accident. Under Florida’s state law, you can only file a lawsuit if you are less than 50% responsible for your own injuries.

As with all personal injury lawsuits, the role of negligence is important in a boat accident lawsuit. All boaters owe other boaters a duty of care to operate their boats in a responsible manner and avoid injuries to other boaters. When they fail in that duty of care, they can be sued for damages.

Additionally, maritime law allows for unique limitations and remedies. A boat owner may limit their liability to the value of their boat. This can significantly diminish the value of a personal injury claim if not handled correctly by your attorney.

Talk to a Miami Boat Accident Injury Attorney Today

Michael F. Guilford, P.A. represents the interests of boaters who have been injured in boating accidents caused by negligence. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and we can begin discussing your injuries right away.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of Michael F. Guilford, P.A.</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Passengers Waylaid in San Francisco After Ruby Princess Docking Mishap]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2023/11/passengers-waylaid-in-san-francisco-after-ruby-princess-docking-mishap/" />
            <id>https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/?p=46232</id>
            <updated>2024-03-01T08:43:55Z</updated>
            <published>2023-11-20T06:00:00Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Passengers of the Ruby Princess were waylaid for three days in San Francisco after a docking accident punctured the hull of the behemoth cruise vessel. The passengers were offered refunds for their cruise if they chose to leave or given a 75% discount on another cruise if they chose to stay. The damage was repaired and the Coast Guard gave…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://espanol.crewcounsel.com/blog/2023/11/passengers-waylaid-in-san-francisco-after-ruby-princess-docking-mishap/"><![CDATA[Passengers of the Ruby Princess were waylaid for three days in San Francisco after a docking accident punctured the hull of the behemoth cruise vessel. The passengers were offered refunds for their cruise if they chose to leave or given a 75% discount on another cruise if they chose to stay. The damage was repaired and the Coast Guard gave the vessel clearance to leave three days after the docking accident occurred.

While no injuries were reported, and most guests were pleased with how the matter was resolved, not all docking accidents are the same. In some cases, docking accidents can cause serious injury to tourists aboard cruise ships. In June of 2019, the 13-deck MSC Opera struck a port in Venice, Italy after it crashed into a tourist boat.

Filing a claim in a cruise ship injury lawsuit

If anyone was injured in the docking accident, they would have been able to file a lawsuit against Princess Cruises under the terms of the contract they sign when they agree to go aboard a cruise ship. In most cases, docking accidents don’t cause severe injury to guests, and in this case, no injuries were reported. However, if the ship is jarred even for a moment, passengers can trip and fall causing injury. In most cases, it’s the pier and the boat that require attention. The Coast Guard oversaw the repairs to the Ruby Princess after it struck the dock. A large hole was patched in the hull and the area was repainted.

Another docking accident occurred with a Royal Caribbean vessel in May of 2022. No injuries were reported in that case, but an estimated $2 million in damage was done to the pier. In that case the National Transportation Safety Board conducted an investigation and found that miscommunication and an out-of-date navigational chart were responsible for the accident. The bridge team relied heavily on electronic navigational charts that held incorrect information about the length of the dock. Had anyone been injured in that case, their suit against Royal Caribbean would have been actionable. Luckily, there were no reported injuries.

Injuries in docking accidents do occur, however. Sometimes to those aboard the vessel, sometimes to other boats, and sometimes to those on the pier. When that happens, the liability falls on the vessel’s owner and captain. Docking accidents generally do not occur without some form of negligence. However, they rarely result in serious injuries or major lawsuits.

If you have been injured aboard a cruise ship, the process of filing a lawsuit is a bit different than filing other types of personal injury claims. You will need a maritime attorney who is familiar with filing federal lawsuits to pursue your claim.

Talk to a Miami Maritime Attorney Today

<a href="/about/" data-wpel-link="internal">Miami admiralty &amp; maritime lawyer</a> Michael F. Guilford represents the interests of passengers and crew injured aboard cruise ships. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and we can begin discussing your injuries immediately.

&nbsp;]]></content>
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