Your Dream Vacation Turned into a Nightmare

What Are Your Legal Rights in Rochester?

You planned the perfect getaway. The kind of trip you’d been dreaming about for months—maybe even years. Then, in an instant, everything changed. An injury ruined your vacation, leaving you in pain, frustrated, and wondering what to do next. If you’re back home in Rochester and dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and endless stress, you need to know your legal rights. A New York injury attorney can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know how overwhelming this feels. Our team is ready to fight for you and make sure you get the justice—and the compensation—you deserve. If you’re looking for top-tier representation, you should consider working with one of the best law firms in America. 

The Hidden Dangers of Cruise Ships: Who’s Liable for Your Injuries?

Cruises promise adventure, relaxation, and luxury. But things can go wrong. When they do, passengers like you are often left dealing with serious injuries and little clarity about who’s responsible. Understanding your rights is the first step to holding the right party accountable.

Slippery Decks, Poor Maintenance & Other Risks

Cruise ships come with hidden dangers that can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare:

• Slippery Decks: Wet surfaces from pools, drink spills, or ocean spray make decks a serious slip-and-fall hazard. A 2019 lawsuit against Royal Caribbean exposed just how dangerous these conditions can be when a passenger suffered severe injuries after slipping on an unmarked wet deck.
• Inadequate Maintenance: Rusted railings, broken stairs, and faulty automatic doors aren’t just minor inconveniences—they’re accidents waiting to happen. In 2022, a passenger won a multimillion-dollar lawsuit after falling through a neglected, rusted railing on a major cruise line.
• Insufficient Staff Training: When cruise line employees aren’t properly trained to handle safety hazards, passengers pay the price. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, better staff preparedness could prevent up to 70% of onboard injuries.

If the cruise line’s negligence caused your injury, they should be held accountable. You deserve answers—and fair compensation. A Rochester attorney can help you determine your best course of action.

Injured in Open Waters? How Maritime Law Can Make or Break Your Case

Getting hurt at sea isn’t like getting hurt on land. The laws are different, and that can make or break your case.

Understanding the Jones Act & Other Laws That Could Apply

Here’s what you need to know:

• The Jones Act: If you’re a crew member, this law lets you sue your employer for injuries caused by negligence. In 2020, a shipworker used the Jones Act to secure a $3.5 million settlement after proving his employer failed to provide a safe working environment.
• General Maritime Law: Covers maintenance and cure, unseaworthiness claims, and more. In Norfolk Shipbuilding & Drydock Corp. v. Garris, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that general maritime law allows injury victims to sue for negligence.
• Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA): This law helps families of victims who die due to wrongful acts beyond 12 nautical miles from shore. In 2018, DOHSA played a key role in holding a cruise line accountable after two passengers were lost at sea.

These cases are complex, and you need an attorney who knows how to navigate maritime law.

Unsafe Resorts: Can You Take Legal Action?

Resorts should be places of relaxation. But when safety takes a back seat, guests get hurt. If your vacation ended with an injury, you might have a legal case.

What Counts as Negligence at a Resort?

Resorts have a duty to keep their guests safe. When they fail, accidents happen. Common causes of resort injuries include:

• Unsafe Premises: Uneven walkways, poor lighting, and loose furniture can lead to serious falls. In 2021, a tourist at a Caribbean resort suffered a traumatic brain injury after tripping over an unmarked step—resulting in a $2 million settlement.
• Lack of Security: Resorts that don’t provide adequate security put guests at risk. In 2019, multiple guests at a Mexican resort were assaulted due to a failure to provide proper security, leading to a high-profile lawsuit.
• Poor Maintenance: Broken gym equipment, faulty elevators, and other neglected facilities cause injuries every year. In 2022, a Florida resort faced a major lawsuit after an elevator unexpectedly dropped several floors, seriously injuring a guest.

If a resort’s negligence caused your injury, you have the right to take legal action. A Rochester personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong case.

Time Is Running Out! The Harsh Deadlines for Filing Cruise Injury Lawsuits

If you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit, don’t wait. Cruise injury cases have strict deadlines and missing them could mean losing your chance at compensation.

Where Do You File? The Jurisdiction Confusion Explained

Filing a lawsuit for a cruise injury isn’t always straightforward. You might have to file in:

• State Personal Injury Laws: Your cruise ticket might require you to file in a specific location—often Miami, Florida.
• International Maritime Law: If your injury happened in a foreign port, local laws could apply.
• U.S. Federal Maritime Law: If maritime law governs your case, it could end up in federal court.

An attorney can help you determine the right place to file and make sure you don’t miss crucial deadlines.

How Much Is Your International Injury Case Really Worth?

Wondering how much compensation you could get? It depends on several factors.

Medical Costs, Lost Wages & Emotional Suffering

Here’s what’s typically covered:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, and future care.
• Lost Wages: If your injury kept you from working, you could recover lost income and future earnings.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life all matter.

Every case is different, and an experienced lawyer can help you figure out what your claim is really worth.

Your Vacation Was Stolen from You—Now It’s Time to Fight Back

You saved up, made plans, and expected memories of a lifetime. Instead, you got pain, stress, and uncertainty. That’s not fair. At Horn Wright, LLP, we’ll stand by your side and fight for what’s right. Because when someone else’s negligence steals your peace, you deserve justice. A Rochester personal injury attorney can help you take that next step toward holding the responsible party accountable.

Call our Rochester office today for your free consultation.