The last time that a catastrophic event of similar magnitude took place aboard a cruise ship, it occurred right in our back yard in the Port of Miami. On May 25, 2003, an explosion occurred in the boiler room aboard the SS Norway, a passenger cruise ship owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, claiming the lives of 11 Philippino seamen. Even though Norwegian Cruise Lines like Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Costa Cruise Lines, is head quartered right on the Don Shula Expressway, when the families of the deceased seaman tried to seek justice in the U.S. Courts, Norwegian Cruise Lines succeeded in slamming shut the court house door and convincing the judge that justice would be best be served by having these family members seek relief through arbitration in Manila where the recoveries for death are capped at a mere $65,000.00 which is less than what any cruise ship generates in one hour.  

Costa Cruise Lines which has a substantial base of operations in Hollywood, Florida and calls Port Everglades and Port of Miami its home ports during the winter months, will no doubt as it has in the past, attempt to close the courthouse doors as well on any American passenger or foreign crew member who attempts to seek redress in the U.S. Federal Courts or the Courts of this State. Never mind that Miami calls itself the Cruise Line Capital of the World or that the “Big 3" Cruise Line companies-Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd and Norwegian Cruise Lines are all headquartered right here in Miami, Dade County, these “foreign corporations” unlike any other business operating in the United States, are able to avoid having a jury of their American peers -the same peers they so creatively market to spend on average of $3000.00 per cruise- decide whether they are responsible for the death of a fellow American passenger or hard working foreign crew member who they hired to work below U.S. minimum wages or any work safety regulation to the detriment of American workers. It is time for our legislature and our Courts re examine how these  “foreign corporations” sailing  “foreign flags” avoid the American system of justice  and responsible business practices and put an end to this charade.  

Julio J. Ayala, Esq
Crew Member & Maritime Advocacy Center                                                                         
66 West Flagler Suite 200
Miami, Fl 33130
(305) 374-9099
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Serving Miami-Dade, Broward County and all around the world Personal Injury and Commercial Litigation Lawyers

The Crewmember & Maritime Advocacy Center serving Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade County has nearly 20 years of experience in maritime personal injury and commercial litigation law. The lawyers that make up our team have successfully and aggressively litigated some of the largest maritime personal injury cases in Florida. At Crewmember & Maritime Advocacy Center, there is no such a thing as a "small case." We treat every client as if he or she is our only client, investing maximum effort and personal attention to achieve the highest level of legal performance possible.
The Crewmember & Maritime Advocacy Center is ready to provide you and your loved ones with outstanding legal representation in your personal injury case. Our bilingual lawyers handle claims relating to all aspects of maritime personal injury, including wrongful death, medical malpractice, sexual assault and wage disputes. Offering diligent legal representation, the personal injury lawyers that make up our law firm are dedicated to providing clients with professional excellence and ethical counsel in the pursuit of legal justice.

CONTACT US FOR FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION

Finding an attorney is easy. Finding the right attorney might be a little tougher. First and foremost, you need to make sure the attorney you hire has the right kind of experience. Make sure the attorneys you are considering specialize in Jones Act Plaintiff’s litigation work. Your attorney needs to know the ins and outs of the law that governs your specific problem. A general civil personal injury litigator will not have the background or experience to be able to anticipate or prepare for the cruise line or cargo vessel defense strategies and prove costly to your case. Ask your attorney to cite cases which he has handled that resemble your case. Ask questions. Here are a few that may be helpful:

Have you had experience with representing crew members or passengers against the cruise lines before? How recently? How often? What was involved? What percentage of your practice is devoted to these kinds of cases?

Will you actually be working on my case? In what way? Will any other persons be doing work on my case? What will they do?

Will you talk to me in plain English when I do not understand "legalese"?

Will you allow me access to my case file at your office?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?

What would you advise me to do about my situation?

Can a timetable be set for my case?

If I hire you, what will you be doing for me, and when and how will we get back in touch with each other?

Is there a statute of limitations, or legal deadline in my case that we must be careful not to miss?