Passenger Claims

Passenger Claims – Protecting Your Rights at Sea

Passengers on cruise ships, boats, and other recreational water vessels have different legal rights than individuals injured on land. Maritime law, a specialized body of federal law, governs incidents, disputes, and injuries that occur on navigable waters, the high seas, and within maritime commerce.

At Holzberg Legal, a premier Miami cruise ship injury law firm, we specialize in passenger injury claims under maritime law. With over 40 years of experience, our firm has successfully represented passengers from around the world who have suffered serious injuries or lost loved ones due to negligence at sea.


Understanding Your Rights as a Cruise Ship Passenger

Cruise ship passengers are subject to specific legal restrictions that are often hidden in fine print within their ticket contract. These terms limit when and where you can file a claim:

  • One-Year Filing Deadline: Passengers must file a lawsuit within ONE YEAR of the incident.
  • Strict Notice Requirement: Many cruise lines require passengers to provide written notice of an injury within 185 days or six months of the incident. Failure to do so may result in losing your right to seek compensation.
  • Federal Court Requirement: Most cruise lines require lawsuits to be filed in federal court—typically in the Southern District of Florida (Miami, Florida).
  • Complex Legal Requirements: Athens Convention, Death on the High Seas Act, Himalaya Clause, Forum Selection Clause.

These restrictions make it crucial to work with an experienced Miami maritime and cruise ship lawyer who understands federal maritime law and the complexities of litigating against major cruise lines.


Filing a Lawsuit for Other Passenger Injuries on Boats & Watercraft

Passengers injured on boats, yachts, sailboats, or jet skis have different legal rights:

  • Three-Year Filing Deadline: General Maritime law allows victims three years to file a lawsuit.
  • Livery Statutes & Boat Rental Liability: In Florida, companies that rent boats, jet skis, and other personal watercraft are subject to livery statutes, which impose specific safety and training requirements on rental operators. If these regulations are violated, the rental company may be held liable for injuries caused by negligence or failure to provide proper instruction.
  • Limitation of Liability Actions (“LOLA”) – Under the Limitation of Liability Act (LOLA), vessel owners, including cruise lines and boat operators, may try to limit their financial liability for injuries or deaths to the value of the vessel after an incident. This means they could argue that they owe victims little or nothing at all, even when their negligence caused the accident.
    These LOLA claims are often filed immediately after a major accident, and if you don’t respond properly, you could lose your right to full compensation. At Holzberg Legal, we have successfully defeated Limitation of Liability claims, ensuring our clients recover the damages they deserve.

Many lawyers unfamiliar with maritime law mistakenly file lawsuits in state court when the case should be handled in federal court. This error can delay your case and weaken your claim. Our firm has extensive experience in federal maritime litigation, ensuring your case is properly handled from the start.


When you are injured on a cruise ship, your lawsuit must be filed in Miami, Florida—the Cruise Ship Capital of the World. At Holzberg Legal, we have represented thousands of injured passengers worldwide.

  • Over 40 years of experience in maritime law
  • Recognized as a Best Law Firm for maritime and personal injury claims
  • Experienced in federal maritime court procedures
  • Trusted by attorneys worldwide—we assist lawyers from other jurisdictions unfamiliar with maritime law

If you’ve suffered an injury due to cruise line negligence, let Holzberg Legal put our experience to work for you.

📞 Call (305) 668-6410 for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION


Don’t Wait—Protect Your Rights Today!

The cruise industry is a multi-billion-dollar business with aggressive legal teams working to minimize passenger claims. If you or a loved one were injured at sea, don’t delay—strict deadlines apply to your case.

Contact Holzberg Legal today and let our Miami maritime and cruise ship injury attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call (305) 668-6410 now for your free consultation.


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