When you choose to take a cruise vacation you likely do so, at least in part, because you believe you are choosing a safe vacation for you and your family. You expect the ship’s captain and crew to do everything they can to ensure you have a safe vacation. Unfortunately, there are times when the very crew members you trust to keep you safe are the ones from whom you need protection. crew member assaults on passengers happen more frequently than most people know. In response to this growing problem Congress enacted the Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act (CVSSA) in 2010 which, for the first time, required cruise lines to publicly report cruise ship crimes like sexual and physical assaults by crew members. Thanks in large part to the CVSSA, we now have a much better understanding of the types and frequency of crimes aboard cruise ships.

Cruise Ship crew member Assault Injuries

If you have been a victim of an attack or other horrific behavior committed by a crew member, the cruise line may be held liable for negligence. Our law firm fights for the rights of passengers who have been injured or assaulted by a crew member.

Although we would like to believe that cruise ships are a safe and secure place, crimes can happen. In fact, it frequently does at an alarming rate. It is important to exercise the same safety precautions that you would in any large public space like a hotel, shopping mall, or amusement park. If you have been the victim of assault or violence by a crew member, seek medical attention immediately for your injuries and report the crime to cruise ship security.

Law Regarding crew member Assaults

The law governing crew member assaults is complex because crew member assaults can lead to both criminal and civil cases and can invoke the laws of multiple states and countries. That is why it is important to consult with a cruise line attorney who has knowledge of this specialized field and knows how to hold the cruise lines accountable when their negligence results in a crew member assault.

Some examples of how a cruise line’s negligence can allow a crew member assault to happen are:

• Negligent hiring
• Negligent training practices
• Failure to monitor
• Failure to run appropriate background checks
• Negligent supervision of activities
• Failure to establish crime deterrents
• Failure to provide sufficient security

If you have been the victim of violence at the hands of a cruise ship crew member, it is important to report the crime as soon as possible to the appropriate authorities. In addition to a criminal action being commenced to hold the perpetrator of the act accountable, you have the right to commence a civil action to recover monetary compensation for your injuries.

Contact a Maritime Attorney

If you have been the victim of assault, battery, robbery, rape, or other violent behavior that occurred at the hands of a crew member while onboard a cruise ship, it is best to speak with a cruise lawyer immediately. Our legal team provides understanding counsel to advise you of your legal rights and recourse with the utmost discretion and diligence.

Our firm knows how to effectively litigate for victims of crew member attacks and has the unique advantage of knowing the cruise lines’ defense strategies, as our founding attorney Geoff Probst served as defense counsel to the cruise lines for over a decade. Contact our firm to protect your legal rights and obtain the compensation you deserve in a civil action for the criminal acts that caused you injury. Free consultations are available by appointment in Atlanta, Georgia and Weston, Florida.