South Carolina Cruise Ship Lawyer: Protecting South Carolina Passengers and Crew

Whether you’re savoring shrimp and grits in Charleston’s historic district, enjoying a family beach trip to Myrtle Beach, or taking in the coastal charm of Hilton Head Island, South Carolinians love their time by the water. With easy access to ports in Charleston, Savannah, and Jacksonville, hopping on a cruise ship for a Caribbean adventure is a popular escape.

But when that dream cruise turns into a nightmare—whether due to a slip-and-fall on deck, a shore excursion mishap, or even a case of medical malpractice—you need an experienced South Carolina Cruise Ship Lawyer on your side. At Holzberg Legal, we help South Carolina passengers and crew members navigate complex maritime laws to get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Common Cruise Ship Injuries Affecting South Carolina Residents and Crew

Whether you’re a Clemson University student on spring break, a couple from Greenville on a romantic Caribbean getaway, or a College of Charleston graduate working as a cruise ship performer, accidents at sea can happen to anyone.

Passenger Injuries

1. Slip and Fall Accidents
   • Much like the slippery cobblestones of Charleston’s Rainbow Row after a summer rain, cruise ship decks can become hazardous. Wet walkways, poorly maintained staircases, and crowded pool areas often lead to serious falls.
2. Shore Excursion Accidents
   • South Carolinians love outdoor adventures—from paddling through Congaree National Park to strolling along Hilton Head’s beaches—but cruise-sponsored excursions often lack proper oversight. Injuries during zip-lining, snorkeling, or ATV tours are far too common.
3. Medical Malpractice
   • Trusting cruise ship medical staff is not always safe. Unlike the expert care you’d expect from facilities like Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, onboard clinics are often under-equipped and staffed by underqualified personnel, leading to misdiagnoses and treatment errors.
4. Foodborne Illness and Norovirus
   • South Carolinians know good food—from Frogmore Stew to boiled peanuts—but cruise ships can be breeding grounds for norovirus outbreaks due to improper food handling and cramped conditions.
5. Assault and Negligent Security
   • Cruises should be relaxing and fun, but inadequate security can lead to incidents of theft, physical assault, or even sexual violence. Poorly lit hallways, undertrained security staff, and unlocked cabins put passengers at risk.

Crew Member Injuries

For South Carolinians working at sea—whether recent grads from The Citadel or University of South Carolina—cruise ship life can be rewarding but dangerous. Crew members often face:

• Slip-and-Falls: Wet decks and tight quarters make falls a daily hazard.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Long shifts in roles like housekeeping, food service, or entertainment can cause chronic injuries.
• Unsafe Work Environments: Lack of safety training or malfunctioning equipment puts workers at risk.
• Medical Negligence: Injured crew members may receive subpar care and be pressured to return to work too soon.

Crew members injured on the job may be eligible for compensation under the Jones Act, which provides legal protections for maritime workers.

Why Cruise Injury Claims Are Different

Unlike a typical car accident on I-26 or a slip-and-fall at The Battery, cruise ship injury claims fall under complex maritime laws and often favor cruise lines.

Legal Challenges in Cruise Injury Cases

1. Jurisdictional Barriers:
   • Even if your cruise departed from Charleston Harbor, you may be required to file your claim in a different state, often Miami, where many cruise lines are headquartered. Navigating these rules without legal help can be overwhelming.
2. Strict Deadlines:
   • Cruise ship injury claims have shorter time frames than typical personal injury cases. Many cruise lines require a notice of claim within six months and a lawsuit filed within one year—a tighter deadline than South Carolina’s general personal injury statute of limitations.
3. Complex Maritime Laws:
   • Cruise ship injury cases fall under unique maritime laws, international treaties, and specific clauses in your cruise ticket contract that limit your ability to sue. Without an experienced maritime attorney, it’s easy to miss crucial legal requirements.

Why South Carolinians Need a Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer

At Holzberg Legal, we specialize in helping South Carolina residents and crew members fight back against powerful cruise lines. Whether you’re a Furman University student injured during a shore excursion or a family from Columbia dealing with medical negligence on board, we’re here to help.

We Handle a Wide Range of Cruise Ship Injury Cases:

• Passenger injuries (slip-and-falls, medical malpractice, food poisoning)
• Crew member injuries (Jones Act claims, repetitive stress injuries)
• Shore excursion accidents
• Sexual assault and negligent security cases
• Wrongful death lawsuits stemming from cruise line negligence

We’ll guide you through the process, from filing the initial claim to negotiating with the cruise line’s legal team and, if necessary, taking your case to court.

What to Do If You’re Injured on a Cruise

If you’re hurt while on a cruise, acting quickly is essential to protecting your legal rights. Here’s what to do:

1. Report the Injury:
   • Notify cruise ship staff immediately and insist on a formal incident report. Get a copy for your records.
2. Seek Medical Attention:
   • Use the ship’s medical facility, but once you return home, consult a reputable doctor—such as one at MUSC Health or Greenville Memorial Hospital—to get a second opinion.
3. Document Everything:
   • Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions. Collect names and contact info from witnesses.
4. Save All Documentation:
   • Hold onto cruise tickets, medical bills, receipts, emails with the cruise line, and any documentation of the incident.
5. Contact a Cruise Ship Lawyer:
   • Time is critical in these cases. Reach out to Holzberg Legal to ensure your claim is filed correctly and within the cruise line’s strict deadlines.

Serving South Carolina Passengers and Crew

At Holzberg Legal, we proudly serve clients across South Carolina, including:

• Charleston (home to The Citadel and College of Charleston)
• Columbia (near University of South Carolina)
• Greenville (home to Furman University)
• Hilton Head Island
• Myrtle Beach
• Beaufort
• Spartanburg (home to Wofford College)
• Rock Hill (near Winthrop University)

Injured on a Cruise? Holzberg Legal Can Help.

Whether you were injured during a family cruise to the Caribbean or while working as a crew member, don’t let complex maritime laws prevent you from getting the justice and compensation you deserve.

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

We’ll handle the legal battles so you can focus on what really matters—whether that’s enjoying Lowcountry Boil at Shem Creek, fishing in the Santee Cooper Lakes, or exploring Congaree National Park with family and friends.