Michigan Cruise Ship Lawyer: Advocating for Injured Passengers and Crew

Michigan is a state defined by its lakeshores, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. From the stunning views atop the Mackinac Bridge—known affectionately as “The Mighty Mac”—to the dynamic streets of Detroit and the art scenes of Grand Rapids, Michigan offers countless opportunities for exploration and adventure. While the state is more famous for its Great Lakes than oceanfront ports, many Michigan residents embark on cruises from nearby cities like Chicago or fly out of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to ports in Florida or the Caribbean.

Unfortunately, what starts as a dream vacation can quickly turn into a legal nightmare if an injury occurs onboard. Whether you’re a passenger or a crew member, cruise ship injuries are complex and require specialized legal expertise. At Holzberg Legal, we help Michigan residents navigate the murky waters of maritime law to ensure they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Common Cruise Ship Injuries for Michigan Residents

Whether you’re flying out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids for a Caribbean cruise or catching a Great Lakes cruise from Detroit, accidents can and do happen at sea.

Passenger Injuries

1. Slip and Falls:
   • Just like the shifting sands of Saugatuck Dunes, cruise ships present slip hazards—wet decks, uneven flooring, and poorly maintained walkways can all lead to serious falls.
2. Shore Excursion Accidents:
   • From snorkeling adventures to city tours, cruise-organized excursions can expose passengers to unforeseen risks, especially when safety protocols are ignored.
3. Medical Malpractice Onboard:
   • Unlike the renowned care found at Michigan institutions like the University of Michigan Health System, cruise ship medical facilities may lack properly trained staff or necessary equipment, leading to misdiagnoses and delayed treatments.
4. Foodborne Illness & Norovirus Outbreaks:
   • Whether dining at a cruise ship buffet or enjoying fresh-caught fish on Mackinac Island, food safety is essential. Unfortunately, cruise ships are notorious for outbreaks that can quickly spread in confined environments.
5. Negligent Security & Assaults:
   • Inadequate security measures onboard can result in thefts, physical assaults, or even more severe crimes. Cruise lines have a responsibility to protect their passengers.

Crew Member Injuries

Michigan’s long maritime tradition means many residents work aboard cruise ships. Whether you’re a chef from Detroit, a musician from Grand Rapids, or a deckhand from Traverse City, cruise line crew members face demanding work conditions.

• Overexertion Injuries: Long hours and repetitive tasks lead to muscle strain and chronic injuries.
• Slip and Falls: Crew-only areas are often poorly maintained, increasing the risk of falls.
• Unsafe Working Conditions: From malfunctioning kitchen equipment to dangerous engine rooms, crew members frequently face hazards.
• Infectious Diseases: Close quarters mean illnesses like COVID-19 or Norovirus spread rapidly among staff.

Under the Jones Act, injured crew members have rights to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.

Legal Challenges for Michigan Cruise Injury Victims

Many Michigan residents don’t realize that cruise ship injury claims operate under a unique set of maritime laws. Even if you departed from Detroit or flew out of Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City to embark on your cruise, filing a claim is not as straightforward as a typical personal injury case in Michigan.

Challenges Include:

1. Jurisdictional Issues:
   • Cruise tickets often contain fine print mandating that lawsuits be filed in specific jurisdictions, frequently in Miami, regardless of where the injury occurred.
2. Strict Deadlines:
   • Unlike Michigan’s standard three-year personal injury statute of limitations, cruise ship cases often require claims to be filed within six months, with lawsuits initiated within one year.
3. Complex Maritime Laws:
   • Cruise injury cases fall under specific maritime laws that differ significantly from land-based legal standards, making it essential to have an experienced maritime attorney.

Why Michigan Residents Need a Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer

At Holzberg Legal, we specialize in helping Michigan residents—whether you’re a Detroit auto worker on a family cruise or a University of Michigan student on spring break—navigate the complexities of cruise injury claims.

We Handle Cases Including:

• Passenger injuries (slip and falls, medical malpractice, foodborne illness)
• Crew member injuries (Jones Act, maintenance and cure)
• Shore excursion accidents
• Negligent security and assault claims
• Wrongful death cases

Serving Clients Across Michigan

No matter where you live in Michigan, Holzberg Legal is here to help. We proudly serve clients from:

• Detroit
• Grand Rapids
• Ann Arbor
• Lansing
• Flint
• Traverse City
• Kalamazoo
• Saginaw
• Mackinac Island
• Saugatuck

What To Do If You’re Injured on a Cruise

Taking the right steps after an injury can significantly impact 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 ship’s medical center and document all treatments. Once you return to Michigan, follow up with a trusted local physician.
3. Document Everything:
   • Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions. Collect witness contact information if possible.
4. Preserve All Documentation:
   • Save all medical bills, cruise tickets, emails, and communications with the cruise line.
5. Contact a Maritime Attorney:
   • Don’t delay—cruise injury claims have strict deadlines. Contact Holzberg Legal as soon as possible.

Why Choose Holzberg Legal?

• Maritime Law Expertise: We specialize in cruise ship injury cases and understand the complex laws involved.
• Personalized Service: Every case is unique, and we treat our clients like family.
• Proven Track Record: We’ve recovered millions for injured passengers and crew members.
• No Win, No Fee: You don’t pay unless we win your case.

Injured on a Cruise? Holzberg Legal Can Help.

If your dream cruise turned into a nightmare, don’t navigate the legal waters alone. Holzberg Legal is here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

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

Whether your journey started in Detroit, Grand Rapids, or on the shores of Mackinac Island, we’re here to help Michigan residents get the justice they deserve.