Cruise Ship Accidents Affect Passengers & Crew Members
A cruise should be memorable for the right reasons—not because of an accident. Unfortunately, some cruise lines cut corners on maintenance, staffing, and safety, putting passengers and crew at serious risk. At Arnold & Itkin, our Louisiana cruise ship accident attorneys have seen firsthand how cruise lines fail the people who rely on them most.
We can help people after such serious cruise ship accidents as:
Slip & Falls
Poorly maintained walkways, wet decks, uneven thresholds, and defective carpeting can lead to dangerous falls. These may result in broken bones, back injuries, or even traumatic brain injuries—especially on stairwells and gangways. In the worst cases, slip and fall accidents may result in a fall overboard, presenting drowning or hypothermia risks.
Overboard Incidents
Missing or malfunctioning guardrails, intoxication, or a lack of surveillance can result in a Louisiana cruise ship passenger or crew member falling overboard. Delays in initiating rescue procedures can turn survivable falls into fatalities. In many cases, onboard camera footage is critical—and cruise lines aren’t always quick to release it.
Sexual Assault & Harassment
Cruise ships are legally required to report serious crimes, including sexual assault. But when companies fail to vet employees, ignore complaints, or neglect to provide adequate security, victims suffer in silence. Assaults frequently occur in crew-only areas, cabins, or while under the influence of alcohol served onboard.
Medical Negligence
Onboard infirmaries are rarely equipped to handle emergencies. When staff downplay passenger injuries or delay transport to shore-based hospitals, treatable conditions can spiral into permanent harm. In some cases, cruise medical staff may be undertrained or unlicensed in the United States, resulting in substandard care.
Crew Member Injuries
Ocean and river cruise ship workers face long hours, heavy lifting, and dangerous machinery—often while working below deck in high-heat environments. Whether injured by unsafe equipment, lack of training, or employer negligence, Louisiana crew members have rights under maritime law and the Jones Act.
Tender Boat & Gangway Accidents
Transferring to and from shore can be just as dangerous as the cruise itself. Collapsing gangways, unstable tender platforms, and poor communication between ship and port staff may lead to amputations, drownings, and fatal falls.
Fires, Collisions & Mechanical Failures
Fires in engine rooms or galley areas can cause mass evacuations. Mechanical issues can leave ships stranded at sea with no power, water, or working toilets. Collisions with other vessels or port structures can cause catastrophic injuries to guests and crew. In worst-case scenarios, cruise ships may run aground, capsize, or sink entirely.
Foodborne Illness & Outbreaks
Cruise ships are required to maintain strict sanitation standards—but lapses in hygiene, improper food handling, or contaminated water systems can lead to widespread illness. Norovirus outbreaks, food poisoning, and even Legionnaires’ disease have been reported on major cruise lines. When hundreds of people are confined to a ship, illnesses can spread rapidly and overwhelm onboard medical staff.
No matter how your accident happened—on a mega-ship out of New Orleans or a river cruise near Baton Rouge—our cruise ship injury lawyers are here to demand accountability.
These companies won’t admit fault on their own. We make them.
Sexual Assault Rates on Cruise Ships
Cruise ships have a sexual assault problem they need to address. Since a cruise’s reputation affects ticket sales, perpetrators of sexual assault act with more boldness than they would onshore because they know the company will try to hide the problem. They know that it’s in the cruise line’s best interest not to prosecute sexual assault cases—leaving hundreds of people without a voice and a chance to receive justice.
For example, in 2017, Carnival Cruises reported that their crew was accused of 62 accounts of sexual misconduct (not including crimes committed by passengers). Weeks after reporting that number, Carnival came clean with 108 total accusations. Of those 108 cases, 16 were accusations from passengers accusing crew members of rape, and another 6 were crew members accusing fellow workers of rape.
River Cruising Along the Mississippi: Risks for Louisiana Passengers
Louisiana’s fastest-growing segment of the cruise market isn’t the massive cruise liner sailing from New Orleans to Cozumel—it's the riverboat gliding up the Mississippi, Red, or Atchafalaya. American Cruise Lines, Viking River, and American Queen Voyages now home-port in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, offering itineraries that stop in historic river towns. While these vessels carry fewer people than ocean-going ships, the legal and safety issues are similar.
Cruise accidents on Louisiana rivers may be caused by:
- Narrow riverboat decks that increase fall risks, especially in poor lighting or wet conditions
- High river traffic that leads to collisions with barges, tugs, or recreational boats
- Fixed bridges that pose clearance hazards for vessels with multiple decks
- Unpredictable currents that affect navigation and docking, especially during high water or flooding
- Aging infrastructure such as old docks, gangways, or mooring that can fail during boarding or disembarkation
- Lack of proper signage or warnings about moving parts, low ceilings, or wet surfaces
- Inadequate crew training in emergency procedures, passenger assistance, or onboard medical response
If you were hurt aboard a Louisiana river cruise, you have rights under maritime law. Speak with a Louisiana cruise ship accident attorney to learn whether the shipowner or vessel operator, a shoreside contractor, or other party may be liable.
After an Injury on a Louisiana Cruise: Four Critical Steps
Whether you were hurt aboard a river cruise navigating Louisiana’s inland waterways or on an ocean cruise departing from New Orleans into the Gulf of Mexico, what you do next matters. Cruise lines move quickly to protect themselves—and they’re often counting on injured passengers not knowing their rights.
While every situation is different, taking these basic steps can help:
- Report it immediately. Notify ship security, the medical officer, and other relevant personnel, and insist on a written incident report (keep a copy of this).
- Photograph the area. If possible, take photos of the scene, of your injuries and clothing, and other relevant areas or items before they're cleaned up or moved.
- Document witnesses and crew member names. Riverboats and ocean ships rotate crews. Get full names, job titles, and cabin numbers of any witnesses or involved crew members.
- Request a shoreside medical evaluation. Ship infirmaries may minimize injuries or may not have the means to provide full treatment. Demand an evaluation at the next port’s hospital.
- Call a Louisiana cruise ship accident lawyer. Cruise contracts impose short notice deadlines (as little as 6 months) and forum-selection clauses. Early counsel can protect your claim.
Billions Won by Louisiana Cruise Ship Accident Attorneys
When someone is injured on a vessel because of unsafe conditions or unseaworthiness, they may be able to hold the shipowner or operator accountable. While our attorneys often represent passengers or workers who have suffered accidents, such as slipping or falling, we also ensure to hold cruise ships accountable for sexual assault that occurs aboard. When a crew member has a history of sexual assault allegations or has a record that should not allow them to work near minors, it is the cruise company that needs to be held accountable. Their poor or unsafe hiring practices make them legally liable for the crimes their employees commit.
As trial lawyers, we hold cruise line companies accountable for what they did and make them face the harm they caused. Our cases often force companies to change their policies to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. Regardless of the nature of your harm, our cruise ship injury law firm has the experience and knowledge to help you get the best possible result for your case. Our team of Louisiana personal injury lawyers wants to make sure we can help you receive the compensation you deserve to take care of your family and yourself.
Learn your options and rights. Contact our New Orleans cruise ship attorneys today for a free consultation: (888) 493-1629.
