Shore Excursion Accident Lawyer

The Nation’s Leading Cruise Ship Lawyers Have Decades of Experience Handling Shore Excursion Accident & Injury Claims

If you have ever been on a cruise or researched various cruise options, you probably already know that there is a seemingly endless supply of “shore excursions” made available to cruisers in each and every port of call that a cruise ship makes. For many cruise passengers, shore excursions are the highlight of their trip. Whether it’s snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, zip-lining through lush forests, or exploring historic cities, these off-ship adventures are marketed as safe, fun, and unforgettable. Shore excursions are a major money maker for the cruise industry, and on the flip side, they are also a source of many injuries to cruise ship passengers.

Unfortunately, accidents during shore excursions are far more common than most people realize, and when they happen, the injuries can be devastating. Sustaining an injury during a shore excursion is a lot different than being hurt while on the ship because it raises a host of issues regarding jurisdiction; that is, whether the shore excursion provider can be sued in the United States. These unique issues of maritime law make it all the more important to immediately contact an experienced maritime attorney to help you navigate through what can be a very difficult time.

At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., we have been representing cruise passengers and crew members for more than 50 years. With 16 full-time maritime attorneys in 7 offices nationwide and over 250 years of combined experience, our firm has handled thousands of cruise-related injury cases, including some of the most complex and high-profile shore excursion accidents in the world. We have been recognized by “Best Lawyers”® and “Best Law Firms”® by US News & World Report for the past nine years. Since opening our doors in 1971, we’ve handled over 4,000 cases and won over $500 million for our clients.

Founding attorney Charles Lipcon has extensive experience handling maritime law and cruise ship accident claims and has handled landmark cases that permanently changed the way the United States handles cases of this nature. Many of our attorneys have appeared as experts in maritime and cruise ship accident laws on nationwide news programs and talk shows as well. We are confident in our ability to help you get through these trying times, hold liable parties accountable, and help you and your family obtain a successful outcome in your case.

The attorneys at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman not only have extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims arising out of shore excursion accidents, but also have a proven track record of success in this area. Read on to learn more about how our shore excursion accident law firm can help you demand justice. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can put our unparalleled success in cruise ship accidents and maritime injury claims to work for you.

Why Shore Excursion Accidents Are So Complex

Being injured on a cruise ship already involves unique legal challenges under maritime law. When an accident occurs during a shore excursion, the situation becomes even more complicated. Questions of jurisdiction, whether the lawsuit can be filed in the United States or must be pursued abroad, often arise.

Cruise lines frequently argue that they are not responsible for injuries that occur during excursions, claiming that third-party operators are solely liable. They also insert waivers and liability disclaimers into excursion contracts in an attempt to shield themselves from responsibility. Despite these tactics, we have repeatedly proven that cruise lines can be held accountable when they fail to properly vet excursion operators, warn passengers of known risks, or ensure adequate safety measures are in place. A shore excursion injury attorney from our firm won’t let them shirk their responsibilities.

Common Types of Shore Excursion Accidents

Through decades of experience, we have seen patterns in the types of accidents that occur most often during shore excursions. Some of the most common include:

Snorkeling and Diving Accidents: Equipment malfunctions, lack of supervision, or unsafe waters can lead to drowning, decompression sickness, or other serious injuries.

Zip-Line and Adventure Park Injuries: Poorly maintained harnesses, inadequate training, or operator negligence can cause falls and catastrophic harm.

Parasailing Accidents: Faulty equipment or unsafe weather conditions can result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Rock Climbing and Hiking Incidents: Inadequate safety precautions, dangerous terrain, or insufficient guidance can cause falls and other injuries.

Transportation Accidents: Many passengers are hurt in bus or van crashes while traveling to and from excursions, as well as in tender boat accidents while transferring from ship to shore.

These incidents range from minor injuries requiring first aid to catastrophic accidents leading to permanent disability or even death.

Our firm has represented victims in cases involving everything from broken bones to mass-casualty events, such as the White Island Volcano eruption, which tragically claimed lives during a cruise excursion. We also successfully handled a Royal Caribbean shore excursion accident in which a bus crashed, leaving some of the 36 passengers with significant injuries. We have handled other similar incidents involving crashes during shore excursions which left many passengers injured. We continue to work tirelessly on our client’s behalf in order to obtain for them the maximum recovery under the law and to continue to try to expand the law regarding shore excursion liability.

Cruise Lines’ Duty to Warn and Protect

Cruise lines profit enormously from shore excursions, often receiving commissions from third-party operators. With this financial benefit comes responsibility. Cruise companies have a duty to:

• Warn passengers about dangerous areas or activities at ports of call.
• Ensure excursion operators are properly licensed, trained, and equipped.
• Provide accurate information about the risks involved.
• Avoid misleading passengers into believing excursions are “perfectly safe” when dangers exist.

When they fail to uphold these duties and a passenger is injured or assaulted, they can and should be held accountable.

Get Legal Help for Shore Excursion Accidents

Shore excursion accident claims are among the most difficult maritime cases to pursue. They require deep knowledge of admiralty law, international treaties, and the tactics cruise lines use to avoid liability.

We are trial-ready and not afraid to take on major cruise corporations. When you partner with our firm, you will have a dedicated, experienced accident lawyer for shore excursions fighting on your behalf. We have decades of proven success in holding both cruise lines and excursion operators accountable. Our attorneys provide compassionate, personalized support, guiding clients through every step of the legal process.

If you or someone you love has been injured during a shore excursion, do not wait. In most cases, you have only one year from the date of the accident to file a claim. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to compensation entirely.

At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., we are here to fight for you. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and let our experienced maritime attorneys put their knowledge and resources to work on your behalf. Reach us through our secure contact form or by phone at 877–233–1238 for your no-obligation case evaluation.