Our Award Winning Cruise Ship Lawyers Have Decades of Experience Successfully Handing Norwegian Cruise Line Injuries, Accidents, and Assaults
If you or a loved one suffered an injury aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, you may have as little as six months to provide written notice of your claim and only one year from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit under maritime law. These strict deadlines make it critical to act immediately. Norwegian’s cruise ticket contract typically requires all lawsuits to be filed in the Miami Federal Court, giving victims a narrow window to secure experienced legal representation before their rights expire.
At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., with headquarters in Miami, FL, we have successfully sued Norwegian Cruise Line and its subsidiaries more than any other law firm in the nation. Our 19 full-time maritime attorneys bring over 250 years of combined experience in cruise ship accident law, and we have handled over 4,000 cases, recovering more than $500 million in damages for our clients. Norwegian’s legal teams know our firm well, and they understand the skill and dedication we bring to each case. That is why our track record of success, dating back to 1971, remains unrivaled. We take great pride in celebrating the achievements of Charles Lipcon (2020) and Jason R. Margulies (2025), who were both named “Lawyer of the Year”® in Admiralty and Maritime Law for Miami by U.S. News & World Report; a rare lifetime achievement held by two members of our firm.
Common Accidents on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships
Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the largest cruise companies in the world, carrying millions of passengers each year to destinations across the globe. While most travelers expect a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, accidents on board can and do happen. As part of our Norwegian cruise line legal services, we have successfully represented countless passengers and crew members injured on Norwegian ships, and we understand the unique dangers that can arise when safety is overlooked.
Slip and Fall Accidents
One of the most frequent incidents reported on Norwegian vessels involves slip-and-fall accidents. Wet decks near pools, spilled drinks in dining areas, or poorly maintained flooring can create hazardous conditions. When crew members fail to promptly clean or warn of these dangers, passengers can suffer serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or back injuries.
Pool and Recreational Injuries
Norwegian ships feature pools, waterslides, and other recreational activities designed for fun. Unfortunately, inadequate supervision, defective equipment, or overcrowding can lead to accidents. Drownings, near-drownings, and injuries from waterslides or FlowRider-type attractions are more common than many passengers realize.
Foodborne Illness and Outbreaks
Large cruise ships serve thousands of meals daily, increasing the risk of foodborne illness and norovirus outbreaks. Unsanitary conditions in kitchens or improper food handling can quickly spread illness throughout the ship, leaving passengers confined to their cabins and needing medical care.
Assaults and Inadequate Security
Another serious risk aboard Norwegian ships involves physical or sexual assaults. When cruise lines fail to provide adequate security or hire crew members without proper background checks, passengers may be placed in harm’s way. These cases are among the most devastating and require immediate legal action to hold the cruise line accountable.
Excursion-Related Accidents
Norwegian also promotes shore excursions at various ports of call. While marketed as safe and exciting, these excursions are often run by third-party operators. Passengers have suffered injuries in bus crashes, boating accidents, parasailing mishaps, and other dangerous activities. Even though a third party may run the excursion, Norwegian may still be responsible if it failed to vet the operator or properly warn passengers of the risks.
At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., you will work with a Norwegian cruise ship injury lawyer who has years of experience handling claims against this cruise line. Whether the injury results from a slip and fall, medical negligence, assault, or excursion accident, a cruise accident attorney knows how to investigate, build a strong case, and fight for the compensation victims deserve.
You may be able to recover compensation for a range of issues, such as:
- Cruise ship passenger injuries
- Crewmember injuries
- Cruise ship rape and assault
- Passenger disappearances
- Passenger overboard accidents
- Passenger drowning incidents
- Shore excursion injuries
- Cruise ship medical malpractice
- Flowrider accidents
- Cruise ship class actions
For many of these claims, you will have to demonstrate that the cruise line was negligent. This means that:
- The cruise line had a duty to use reasonable care under the circumstances
- It breached this duty
- The breach caused an accident or injury
- You suffered damage as a result of the injury
Additionally, there are some legal limitations on what a cruise ship can disclaim as a matter of public policy. An experienced cruise ship attorney can review your ticket terms and explain your options. Understanding your rights after a cruise ship accident, whether as a crewmember or passenger, can be confusing and overwhelming, but when you are partnered with an experienced Miami-area attorney at our firm, you can stay focused on your recovery while we fight to get you the money you deserve. We have successfully handled many cases like yours, and we know the right moves to maximize your chances of success.
Recent Norwegian Cruise Line Safety Concerns
Over the past several years, Norwegian Cruise Line has faced scrutiny following numerous high-profile safety incidents. Recent drowning incidents aboard Norwegian vessels have raised questions about inadequate lifeguard supervision and insufficient safety protocols around pool and deck areas. Go-kart track accidents on ships like the Norwegian Encore have resulted in passenger injuries due to mechanical failures and poor track design. Waterpark injuries, including those from the Aqua Park slides and splash zones, have led to broken bones and head trauma when safety measures proved inadequate.
Additionally, the FBI has investigated multiple incidents involving passenger disappearances, alleged assaults, and suspicious deaths aboard Norwegian ships. These investigations underscore the importance of proper security measures and crew training. When cruise lines fail to implement proper safety protocols, passengers and crew members pay the price.
Where Norwegian Cases Are Filed
Nearly all Norwegian Cruise Line passenger tickets include a forum selection clause requiring lawsuits to be filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami. This jurisdictional requirement means that no matter where you live or where your cruise departed from, your case will likely be heard in Miami. This gives our firm a distinct advantage. As Miami-based maritime attorneys with five decades of experience litigating cruise ship cases in this exact venue, we know the federal judges, understand the local procedural rules, and have established credibility that benefits our clients from day one.
While Norwegian’s forum-selection clause requires that claims be filed in Miami federal court, our firm represents clients in all 50 states and internationally. We handle every aspect of your case remotely when necessary, making it seamless for victims across the country to access top-tier maritime legal representation without the burden of frequent travel.
What to Look for in a Norwegian Cruise Line Accident Attorney
Cruise ship injury cases are unique. They can involve a number of issues that aren’t present in most other types of personal injury cases. For example, cruise ships are subject to maritime law, so many of the principles that apply to injuries on land work differently when you suffer an injury on a ship. Even a highly experienced personal injury lawyer may find themself lost at sea when confronted with a cruise ship injury case.
Additionally, cruise lines have deep pockets. They have teams of lawyers ready to put down attempts by passengers and workers to obtain compensation for their injuries. To adequately confront the legal resources of a big cruise line like Norwegian, you need a Miami, FL attorney with a proven track record of success against such companies.
At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., we have worked for nearly 50 years to achieve positive outcomes for clients, build a national and international reputation of capability, and focus our experience on cruise ship cases and other maritime issues. You can trust that you are in good hands with LM&W.
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Successful Cases Against Norwegian Cruise Line
Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., has pursued legal action against Norwegian in many cases. We have demonstrated that we are prepared and ready to take on Norwegian Cruise Line in litigation and that we can routinely be successful. Every case is different, and reviewing past cases does not necessarily tell you what to expect in your cases. However, cases such as the following demonstrate LM&W’s capabilities and our dedication to our clients.
Our Reputation for Suing Cruise Lines
When selecting a cruise line attorney, their reputation can tell you a lot about their capabilities. A strong reputation can also go a long way in negotiations. When a cruise line sees Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A.’s name on your complaint, they will know you aren’t a plaintiff to be trifled with. They know they won’t be able to get away with a lowball settlement offer and that we will be able to see through ill-conceived defenses that may work with less capable Miami area attorneys.
LM&W has cultivated a reputation for excellence through nearly 50 years in the industry. Our partners are go-to contacts for major news organizations like ABC, NBC, FOX News, TIME, The Washington Post, and CNN. When one of these outlets wants to do a story about cruise line issues, they call our Miami, FL attorneys for commentary. With many cruise line incidents capturing national attention, news organizations rely on our expertise more and more frequently. In fact, our attorneys have been featured on over 200 nationally broadcast television programs.
We also receive numerous accolades every year recognizing the skills of our firm and our individual attorneys. U.S. News and World Report has named us as a Best Law Firm for the last five years running, and our attorney Charles R. Lipcon was named “Lawyer of the Year”® in Admiralty & Maritime by US News & World Report (2020)- Miami. Our firm has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating—its highest peer rating standard—as well as recognition by organizations like Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and more.
Years of Focused Experience in Suing Norwegian Cruises
Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A.’s practice focuses on maritime issues that affect clients all over the world. We have honed our expertise on cruise ship injuries and other maritime law issues over many years, and our clients benefit from our depth of experience and knowledge. Our knowledge and experience will work in your advantage as we fight to get you the money that you deserve after a Norwegian Cruise Line accident.
Our understanding of maritime law allows us to do things that other firms can’t. We aren’t afraid to tackle new and novel issues of law in pursuing our client’s best interests. In fact, we have been involved in numerous landmark cases that have helped to shape maritime and cruise ship law in Florida and around the country.
For example, we spent decades fighting to hold cruise lines responsible for sexual assaults at sea based on a failure to warn passengers. Despite resistance from the cruise ship industry, we relentlessly pursued justice for these passengers, obtaining a number of confidential monetary settlements. Then in 2019, we were instrumental in obtaining an appellate decision officially holding that cruise lines must warn passengers of sexual assault risks. We are extremely proud of our role in helping to prevent future cruise ship sexual assaults.
LM&W has the experience, resources, and skills necessary to obtain the best possible outcome in your case following a Norwegian cruise line accident. With our firm, you can feel confident that you are in capable hands.
The Norwegian Fleet: 18 Ships Sailing Worldwide
Norwegian Cruise Line currently operates one of the largest and most diverse fleets in the cruise industry. Passengers traveling with Norwegian have 18 different vessel options, each presenting unique risks and safety challenges. The fleet includes:
- Norwegian Aqua (launched 2025)
- Norwegian Bliss
- Norwegian Breakaway
- Norwegian Dawn
- Norwegian Encore
- Norwegian Epic
- Norwegian Escape
- Norwegian Gem
- Norwegian Getaway
- Norwegian Jade
- Norwegian Jewel
- Norwegian Joy
- Norwegian Pearl
- Norwegian Prima
- Norwegian Sky
- Norwegian Spirit
- Norwegian Star
- Norwegian Sun
- Pride of America
The newest additions to the Norwegian fleet, including the Prima-class ships, feature cutting-edge amenities such as multi-level go-kart tracks, expansive waterparks, and glass observation decks. While these innovations enhance the cruise experience, they also introduce new safety risks. Larger ships with more passengers increase the likelihood of overcrowding, inadequate supervision, and delayed emergency response times. Our firm has handled injury claims involving nearly every vessel in the Norwegian fleet and understands the specific hazards associated with each ship’s layout and recreational offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Norwegian Cruise Ship Accidents and Lawsuits
What Should I Do If I’m injured on a Norwegian Cruise Line Ship?
Can I Sue Norwegian Cruise Line for My Injuries?
Where Do I Have to File My Claim?
What Types of Accidents Are Most Common on Norwegian Ships?
How Can Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. help me?
After a Norwegian Cruise Ship Accident, Should I Sign Any Paperwork or Documents Presented by Norwegian Cruise Line Staff?
What Is the Easiest Way to Find a Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer If I Am Still Onboard the Cruise Ship?
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Norwegian Cruise Line Accident, or Should I Be Able to File a Claim on My Own?
How Much Is My Case Worth After a Norwegian Cruise Line Accident and Injury?
Contact Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. for Experienced Norwegian Cruise Line Legal Representation
Norwegian Cruise Line and its subsidiaries, Oceania and Regent, may be held accountable if their negligence or misconduct contributed to or caused your injuries. With 19 full-time maritime attorneys practicing in seven offices nationwide, we have the resources and experience to take on even the most complex cruise ship cases. Our firm has recovered over $500 million in damages for clients and has been named to “Best Law Firms”® by U.S. News & World Report since 2016.
Whether you are located in Florida or anywhere else in the United States or internationally, our team will work tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Our firm is proudly offering Norwegian Cruise Line injury victims no-cost, risk-free consultations. Call our office at 877-233-1238 or contact us online to schedule yours today.
Other Companies Sued
- American Seafoods
- Antillean Marine Shipping Corp.
- Azamara Cruise Lines
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- Celebrity Cruise Lines
- Costa Cruise Lines
- Crowley Maritime Corporation
- Crystal Cruises
- Cunard Line
- Disney Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Icicle Seafoods, Inc.
- Island Queen Cruises
- Maersk Lines Limited
- Margaritaville at Sea
- MSC Cruises USA
- Ocean Drilling & Exploration Company (ODECO)
- Oceania Cruises
- P&O Cruises
- Princess Cruise Lines
- Pullmantur Cruises
- Radisson Seven Seas
- Royal Caribbean Cruise
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Silversea Cruises
- Starboard Cruise Services
- Steiner Transocean
- Tote Maritime & Sea Star Line (El Faro)
- The CMA CGM Group
- Tropical Shipping
- Viking Cruises
- Virgin Voyages
- Weeks Marine, Inc.
- Windstar Cruises
