Maryland Cruise Ship Lawyer: Protecting the Rights of Injured Passengers and Crew

Maryland is a state that offers an incredible blend of maritime history, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. From the vibrant energy of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to the peaceful beaches of Assateague Island, residents and visitors alike enjoy the state’s diverse attractions. For many Marylanders, cruising from nearby ports like Baltimore offers a perfect escape, whether it’s a weekend getaway to the Bahamas or a longer voyage to the Caribbean. But what happens when that dream cruise turns into a nightmare due to an injury?

If you’ve been injured on a cruise, either as a passenger or a crew member, you need an experienced cruise ship lawyer who understands the complexities of maritime law. Holzberg Legal is here to help you navigate the legal process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Cruise Ship Injuries for Maryland Residents: Know Your Rights

Living in Maryland, you’re no stranger to life on the water. Whether you’re kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay or strolling the Ocean City Boardwalk, the state’s strong maritime culture runs deep. But even seasoned sailors and travelers can find themselves vulnerable when an injury occurs onboard a cruise ship.

Common Cruise Ship Injuries

1. Slip and Falls:
   • Much like the sometimes slippery walkways along the Annapolis Historic District or the Ocean City Boardwalk, cruise ship decks can become hazardous due to wet surfaces, poorly maintained areas, or unsecured equipment.
2. Shore Excursion Accidents:
   • Excursions are a big part of any cruise experience. But activities like snorkeling, zip-lining, or hiking can lead to injuries if operators fail to follow safety protocols.
3. Medical Malpractice Onboard:
   • Cruise ships often have medical staff onboard, but their qualifications vary. When you’re at sea, far from renowned Maryland facilities like Johns Hopkins Hospital, you expect competent care. Unfortunately, medical errors do occur, leading to severe complications.
4. Foodborne Illnesses and Norovirus Outbreaks:
   • From fresh seafood in Annapolis to crabcakes in Baltimore, Marylanders know good food. But on cruise ships, improper food handling can lead to food poisoning or norovirus outbreaks that spread rapidly among passengers.
5. Negligent Security and Assaults:
   • Like any major event or festival—such as the Maryland Renaissance Festival—large gatherings come with safety concerns. Cruise lines are responsible for ensuring passenger security, but inadequate lighting, lack of security personnel, and poor surveillance can lead to theft, physical assault, or even sexual assault.

Legal Challenges for Maryland Cruise Injury Victims

Cruise ship injuries fall under complex maritime laws that differ significantly from standard personal injury cases in Maryland. If you’re injured, the cruise line’s legal team will likely try to minimize your compensation, making it essential to have a skilled maritime attorney by your side.

Common Legal Obstacles

• Jurisdictional Issues:
  • Even if you boarded your cruise from the Port of Baltimore, many cruise lines require injury claims to be filed in specific jurisdictions, often in Miami, Florida, where many cruise companies are headquartered.
• Strict Filing Deadlines:
  • Time is of the essence. Many cruise lines require injury claims to be filed within six months, with lawsuits initiated within one year of the incident.
• Complex Legal Framework:
  • Maritime law is highly specialized, and most personal injury attorneys don’t have the expertise to handle cruise ship injury cases. You need a lawyer familiar with the intricacies of maritime law to build a strong case.

Why Maryland Residents Need a Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer

Whether you took off from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) or planned a Caribbean escape from the Port of Baltimore, an injury on a cruise can lead to mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Holzberg Legal Handles All Types of Cruise Ship Injury Cases:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Shore excursion injuries
• Onboard medical malpractice
• Norovirus and food poisoning outbreaks
• Assaults and negligent security
• Crew member injuries (under the Jones Act)
• Wrongful death claims

We understand the unique challenges Maryland residents face when dealing with cruise ship injuries and work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

What To Do If You’re Injured on a Cruise

If you or a loved one has been injured on a cruise, taking the right steps can make a huge difference in the success of your legal claim.

1. Report the Incident:
   • Notify cruise staff immediately and ensure a formal report is filed. Obtain a copy for your records.
2. Seek Medical Attention:
   • Visit the onboard medical center, but once you return home, follow up with a trusted physician in Maryland.
3. Document Everything:
   • Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses.
4. Keep All Correspondence:
   • Save all emails, medical bills, receipts, and any communications with the cruise line.
5. Contact a Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer:
   • The sooner you reach out to an experienced maritime attorney, the better your chances of securing fair compensation.

Serving Maryland’s Cruise Passengers and Crew Members

At Holzberg Legal, we proudly represent clients from all over Maryland—from Annapolis to Ocean City, Baltimore to Frederick. Whether you’re a Naval Academy graduate working on a cruise ship or a family who embarked on a vacation from BWI, we’re here to help.

We Serve Maryland Clients From:

• Baltimore
• Annapolis
• Ocean City
• Frederick
• Columbia
• Towson
• Rockville
• Silver Spring
• Gaithersburg
• Salisbury

Why Choose Holzberg Legal?

• Maritime Law Expertise: We specialize in cruise ship injury cases and understand the complex legalities involved.
• Personalized Representation: Every case is unique, and we treat our clients with the care and attention they deserve.
• Proven Results: We’ve successfully secured millions in compensation for injured passengers and crew members.
• No Win, No Fee: We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Injured on a Cruise? Holzberg Legal Can Help.

If your dream vacation turned into a nightmare, don’t face the legal battle alone. Holzberg Legal is here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call Holzberg Legal today at (305) 668-6410 for a free consultation.

Whether you set sail from Baltimore or joined your cruise after flying out of BWI, we’re ready to help you navigate the complex world of maritime law and get the justice you deserve.