Cruises are meant to be escapes—luxurious, relaxing, and carefree. But for some passengers, that dream is shattered by a devastating and unthinkable event: sexual assault.
If you or someone you care about was assaulted on a cruise ship, you may be overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of your next steps. You’re not alone, and you do have legal rights.
At Mausner Graham Injury Law, your South Florida five-star personal injury attorney, we help survivors of cruise ship sexual assault hold cruise lines accountable under maritime law. We’ve successfully recovered millions for victims in complex maritime cases, including a $1,750,000 settlement for a client injured. Now, we’re ready to fight for you.
Get Your FREE Case Review Today
The Growing Issue of Cruise Ship Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is one of the most frequently reported crimes aboard cruise ships. These incidents often involve passengers, but a disturbing number also involve crew members—individuals who are supposed to ensure your safety.
While cruise lines emphasize security in their marketing, the truth is that many are ill-equipped to prevent or respond appropriately to sexual assaults at sea. Jurisdictional gray areas, underreporting, and lack of enforcement can leave survivors vulnerable and unsure of their rights.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Under maritime law, cruise lines have a legal duty to protect passengers from foreseeable harm. This includes conducting thorough background checks on crew members, monitoring public areas with security cameras, responding quickly to complaints, and enforcing alcohol policies.
When a cruise company fails to uphold this duty, and a guest is sexually assaulted as a result, they can and should be held accountable.
At Mausner Graham Injury Law, we handle Florida cruise ship sexual assault claims with discretion, care, and legal precision. Our team, led by attorneys Thomas Graham and Eric Mausner, has extensive experience in both maritime law and civil sexual assault cases, a rare and powerful combination that gives victims the edge they need.
Deadlines Matter: Cruise Line Contracts Are Tricky
One of the biggest mistakes survivors make is waiting too long to act. Most cruise line contracts include strict deadlines, often requiring written notice within 6 months and lawsuits to be filed within 1 year of the incident. These deadlines are far shorter than most personal injury claims in Florida.
This is why contacting a maritime attorney immediately is critical. We know how to navigate these contracts, challenge unfair limitations, and protect your rights—whether the assault happened on a Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or another major cruise line.
What Should You Do After a Cruise Ship Assault?
If you’ve been assaulted on a cruise ship, your safety and health come first. Here are the key steps to take:
- Report the assault to ship security and ask for a written incident report.
- Preserve evidence – clothing, text messages, photos, and any witness names.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible, either onboard or at the next port.
- Do not sign anything from the cruise line without speaking to a lawyer.
- Call an experienced attorney who understands maritime law and sexual assault litigation.
Even if the incident occurred weeks or months ago, you may still have time to act. Our team is available to speak with you confidentially and explain your legal options
Serving Victims Across Miami
With offices in South Florida and the ability to sign clients remotely, Mausner Graham Injury Law proudly serves survivors across Miami and throughout the state of Florida. In fact, a lot of our clients sign with us remotely, giving you immediate access to top legal counsel no matter where you live.
FAQs: Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Cases
Can I sue the cruise line if I was sexually assaulted on board?
If the cruise line failed to provide a safe environment or didn’t respond appropriately, you may be entitled to file a claim for damages.
What if I didn’t report the assault while still on the cruise?
You should still speak with a Miami personal injury attorney. While reporting on the ship can help, you may still have a valid claim depending on the circumstances.
What kind of compensation can I recover?
Damages may include medical expenses, therapy costs, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more, especially in cases involving negligence by the cruise company.
Do I need to live in Florida to work with you?
Not at all. We represent clients throughout the U.S. and internationally who were injured on cruises departing from or docking in Florida.
Let Mausner Graham Injury Law Be Your Voice
The aftermath of a sexual assault can be isolating, but legal support shouldn’t be. At Mausner Graham Injury Law, we’re not just lawyers. We’re former prosecutors and fierce advocates who believe every victim deserves justice, support, and compensation.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted on a cruise ship, don’t wait. Contact our experienced Miami personal injury attorneys today.
Mausner Graham Injury Law
Offices serving Miami, Palmetto Bay, Doral, and all of Florida
Call now for your FREE, confidential case review
Last Updated Friday, May 30th, 2025
