Ocean cruises are a popular leisure activity that allows passengers to relax and explore new destinations. However, accidents do happen on cruise ships, sometimes leading to unexpected injuries. Slip and fall accidents are among the most common incidents on ships, and they can cause serious harm. If you’ve been injured, you may be able to pursue compensation for your medical… The post Common reasons for slip and fall accidents on cruise ships first appeared on Munch and Munch, P.A ..read more

When most people go on a cruise, they expect to enjoy their time away, see some sights and generally have a relaxing time. However, many passengers on cruise ships get injured every year. These injuries could have come from slip-and-fall accidents, fires, food poisoning, swimming pool accidents or falling overboard.   There are several possible liable parties for a cruise ship… The post Types of damages for cruise ship accidents first appeared on Munch and Munch, P.A ..read more

Few things are more frightening than a child (or anyone) falling overboard from a boat without a life jacket on. Although Florida law requires only young children to wear personal floatation devices (PFDs), boat owners are required to have enough for everyone on board and in the appropriate sizes. For example, if there are children on board, they can’t be… The post What is secondary drowning? first appeared on Munch and Munch, P.A ..read more

If you’re going to be swimming, boating or engaging in other watersports in Florida, it’s important to remember that people driving the boats around you may not see you. Many boaters know that they need to watch out for other watercraft, yield the right of way, have proper running lights and things of this nature. They are focused on trying… The post Boaters may not see people in the water first appeared on Munch and Munch, P.A ..read more

Cruise ships are an exciting way to see the world. While these massive ships are meant to help passengers have fun, cruise lines must also ensure they’re doing what’s necessary to keep passengers safe. Keeping passengers safe requires a multifaceted approach. If any of the following aspects of safety are bypassed and a passenger is injured, that passenger may opt to file a compensation claim. Security protocols Security is a particular kind of priority on cruise ships because everyone is confined to ship while it’s out to sea. Access to the ship is controlled during the embarkation process. Ba ..read more

When tragedy strikes at sea, causing the death of a maritime worker, the aftermath is emotionally and financially devastating for their loved ones. The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) can offer hope for Florida families who have lost someone they love and depend on. Enacted in 1920, DOHSA was designed to offer legal recourse for families who are suffering after the loss of a loved one due to maritime accidents beyond three nautical miles from the U.S. shore. It allows the decedent’s personal representative to file a civil action against the parties responsible for the death. Compensation un ..read more

Drinking and boating often go hand-in-hand. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), for example, notes that 31% of people who drown in the United States are impaired at the time. If you measure their blood alcohol concentration (BAC), it’s going to be at least 0.10%, which is over the legal limit for driving a vehicle. Impairment also contributes to boating deaths. The U.S. Coast Guard has studied these statistics, and they claim that alcohol is a contributing factor in roughly 18% of these fatal incidents.  Finally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ..read more

Experiencing an assault on a cruise ship can be a traumatic event, leaving victims feeling vulnerable and unsure about their legal options. Thankfully, cruise ship assault victims have several avenues to seek justice and compensation for their injuries in a civil context.  The first step for any assault victim on a cruise ship is to report the incident at issue to ship security and medical personnel immediately. Cruise ships are required to document and report crimes to the appropriate authorities. Prompt reporting can help to ensure that evidence is preserved and that the incident is tak ..read more

When a family embarks on a cruise, the last thing they expect is for a child to get injured. However, accidents can happen, and it’s crucial for parents to know what steps to take if their child gets hurt on a cruise ship.  Not long ago, a story ran in Florida about a seemingly healthy tween who had to be airlifted off a cruise ship for a perforated bowel that occurred for reasons not revealed in the coverage. This kind of sudden medical condition – along with injuries that have apparent causes – may potentially be actionable if a cruise line or its staff negligently contributed to the ca ..read more

Falling overboard is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. If you are in such an unfortunate event in Florida, it’s important to understand your rights and the legal protections available. While this can be a scary situation, being informed can help. Your rights if you fall overboard while on a boat are highlighted here. Immediate rescue and assistance Under federal and Florida state law, the operator of a vessel must render immediate assistance to anyone who falls overboard. This includes stopping the vessel, throwing a fl ..read more