Win Your Cruise Drowning Accident Lawsuit

Get Your Free Case Review

Find out if you qualify for compensation and learn your next steps – no cost, no obligation, just expert legal guidance.

Disclaimer: By submitting the form above and checking the consent box, you agree to our conditions and privacy policy and permit Ethen Ostroff Law to contact you via text messages, phone calls. Standard message rates may apply.


Get Your Free Case Review

Find out if you qualify for compensation and learn your next steps – no cost, no obligation, just expert legal guidance.

Disclaimer: By submitting the form above and checking the consent box, you agree to our conditions and privacy policy and permit Ethen Ostroff Law to contact you via text messages, phone calls. Standard message rates may apply.


Anyone who is swimming in a pool, ocean, lake, or relaxing in a hot tub while on board a cruise ship can become the victim of a drowning accident. Filing a cruise drowning accident lawsuit will help you or your loved one injured on a cruise, hold the cruise ship accountable and recover all the damages you incurred. 

Unfortunately, drownings occur in just seconds, even if the victim is an experienced swimmer. However, these kinds of tragedies can be prevented by closely supervising those in the water. For instance, no one should be left unattended in a pool or body of water, including the adults.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates around 388,000 drowning deaths yearly. In addition, children between the ages of one and four are most likely to experience cruise ship drowning accidents.

Cruise Drowning Accident Lawsuit

What happens when the victim drowns?

Due to the initial panic, the body exerts energy to try to stay afloat. However, burning energy only increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the body. Experts say this is how drowning happens:

  • Underwater, the person goes into panic mode.
  • Starved of oxygen, the brain shuts down, and the person becomes unconscious.
  • The person’s throat closes to protect the lungs from the incoming water. This makes crying out for help impossible.
  • The body continues to lose the oxygen it needs to survive.
  • As the throat loosens up, the water starts filling the lungs.
  • The heart struggles to pump blood and eventually stops.
  • When a person coughs and tries to gulp in the air, they only end up breathing water.

Even if the person survives, severe internal body damage may have occurred, especially in the brain and lungs. Internal damage can occur if a person is submerged for more than five minutes. Brain death can occur after just a few minutes. If you or a loved one drowned and suffered injuries or died due to negligence by cruise operators, you can rest assured that the top lawyers will help you receive a fair cruise drowning accident settlement.

Compensation for cruise drowning accident lawsuit

If you were injured in a swimming pool on a cruise ship, you could sue for the damages you suffered in drowning and near-drowning accidents. Injuries in and around a pool can include a wide range of potential harms, including head injuries or injuries to the lungs and brain from drowning. It also includes a victim who might have been killed in a drowning accident in a pool. You can claim for different types of damages, such as lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering, as well as other damages related to a wrongful death case.

Medical expenses after a partial drowning or other related injuries vary. If you need immediate medical care, you will be transported off the ship and taken back to shore, where you will be treated at a hospital. If you suffered brain injuries or other permanent disabilities, you would need ongoing medical care and rehabilitation, racking up expensive bills.

If your injuries stop you from returning to work, you could file a cruise drowning accident lawsuit to recover damages for lost wages or wages from work you failed to earn as you were still recovering from the injury. Any ongoing lost wages you will face if you cannot return to work or need to take a lower-paying job are also covered.

Damages for pain and suffering can also be paid through a cruise drowning accident claim. Drowning and injuries taking place underwater can be extremely terrifying. You could also face substantial suffering from the cruise ship drowning accident itself. Ongoing pain and suffering, plus mental anguish and emotional distress, can also lead to even more substantial damages.

Steps to avoid cruise ship drowning accidents from happening

Although drowning is a possible risk factor for anyone who is out in open waters, here are some measures you can take to improve your safety.

Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR):

If you are a regular recreational boater, water sports enthusiast, or swimmer, you should start learning CPR. That way, if someone in your party does sustain a drowning accident, you can save their life by performing CPR.

Alcohol lowers inhibitions and motor reflexes. It can impede anyone involved in a cruise ship drowning accident at sea from reacting with the necessary stamina required to live.

Swimming lessons can help you lessen your chances of becoming a drowning accident victim. However, even if you think you can swim like a fish, it’s better to learn proper techniques and how to react in an accident. It will help you handle unfavorable conditions, conserve energy, and swim towards a safe location.

Wearing life jackets can mean the difference between life and death, particularly in a boating accident. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, more than 72% of boating accident deaths in 2010 occurred due to drowning, and 84% of these victims were not wearing life jackets. Remember that a life jacket will keep you afloat if you get injured or become unconscious.

If you want to know more about filing barge accident lawsuit, contact Ethen Ostroff Law. Our maritime lawyers will review your situation and determine your best options for recovery. To request a free personal injury consultation, contact Ethen Ostroff Law now at 610-510-8883 ( by calling this number, you consent to receive SMS updates from Ethen Ostroff Law).

Statute of limitation to file cruise ship drowning accident lawsuit

There are strict deadlines to file  cruise drowning accident lawsuit. Typically it is required to file a lawsuit within three (3) years from the date of injury. However, the cruise company may have limited your time to file on the ticket that you purchased. 

Therefore, if you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a drowning accident on a cruise ship, talk to an experienced cruise drowning accident attorney as soon as possible. They will help you in the whole procedure of your lawsuit and ensure you meet all the deadlines.

Known cruise ship drowning accidents and near-drowning

Here are some drowning incidents that made the news in the last decade.

  • A 10-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool accident aboard Dream Cruise’s Genting Dream in November 2019.
  • An 8-year-old boy died in a cruise ship drowning accident aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas vessel in December 2015.
  • A 4-year-old boy nearly drowned in a “kid-friendly” swimming pool aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas cruise ship in January 2015.
  • A 10-year-old girl drowned in a cruise ship pool aboard the Norwegian Gem in May 2015.
  • Michael Ward, a 1985 MOVE bombing survivor, died at age 41 after drowning in a hot tub aboard the Carnival Dream in September 2013.
  • A 4-year-old boy died and his 6-year-old brother was hospitalized after drowning and near-drowning accidents in a pool aboard the Norwegian Breakaway in February 2014.
  • A 4-year-old boy was airlifted from the Disney Fantasy after nearly drowning in one of the ship’s pools in April 2013.

Why hire skilled and experienced lawyers?

When it comes to a death or injuries occurring in drowning and near-drowning accidents, the location of the incident plays an important role in determining the type of relief you are entitled to receive. Cruise lines and their attorneys will always try to claim that the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) of 1920 applies to your cruise drowning accident lawsuit. They will also work hard to give you only minimum compensation.

Our cruise ship drowning attorneys and pool accident lawyers understand the dangers associated with drowning and near-drowning from unattended pools. So, if you or someone you love was involved in a drowning or near-drowning accident because the area where you were swimming was not properly monitored by a trained lifeguard or other professional, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. 

Ethen Ostroff Law can help connect you with cruise ship drowning accident lawyers who can diligently review your case and help you understand all your rights as a victim. Call us today for a free initial consultation.

Success

We received your information. We’ll be in touch soon.

While in law school, he distinguished himself as Executive Editor of JURIS Magazine, received the prestigious CALI Excellence for the Future Award, and completed five hands-on internships that laid a strong foundation for his legal career.


Nicholas began his post-graduate career clerking for the Honorable Linda Rovder Fleming in the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas. From there, he quickly found his calling in workers’ compensation, personal injury, and Social Security disability law—areas where he could directly impact people’s lives in moments of crisis. He’s helped clients navigate complex legal claims, including securing a settlement exceeding $300,000.

Nicholas brings clear communication, genuine empathy, and an unrelenting drive to achieve the best outcomes for his clients. Whether he’s navigating a complex workers’ comp claim or pushing for a major settlement, he brings focus, dedication, and deep legal knowledge to every case.

He’s also a proud member of Pennsylvania Advocates for Justice and remains active in various professional legal organizations. Nicholas is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania.

When he’s not fighting for the injured, Nicholas is enjoying time with his family, kicking a soccer ball around, hitting the golf course, or cheering on Pittsburgh’s local teams.

Joe Ring heads the workers’ compensation department at Ethen Ostroff Law, where he takes pride in fighting for injured workers.

Joe is a Philadelphia native and maintains deep roots in the area.  As the grandson of a Philadelphia Firefighter, son of a Philadelphia public school teacher, and veteran of the United State Marine Corps, he was taught to value service, dedication, and hard work.   He applies these values to every case and takes great satisfaction in representing hard-working clients with those same traits.

After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in history from St. Vincent College in Western Pennsylvania, he graduated from Villanova Law School in 2012 and, since then, has litigated hundreds of workers’ compensation hearings and trial depositions on behalf of both employers and injured workers.  During this time, Mr. Ring has written articles and presented Continuing Legal Education courses on developments in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law.  He is active in local professional organizations, and, in 2022, he served a Co-chairperson of the Philadelphia Bar Associations Workers’ Compensation Section.

Since coming to EOL in 2024, he has dedicated his practice entirely to helping injured workers navigate the system and obtain their rightful benefits.

Joe is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.

Brandon Zanan heads the personal injury claim department with Ethen Ostroff Law.

Brandon’s education in both law and medicine assist him in expertly representing badly injured victims. Brandon has a Master’s Degree in Forensic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, with a concentration in anatomy and pathology. With this knowledge,  Brandon is skilled at analyzing medical records and understanding injuries that are common in personal injury claims. He uses this expertise in conjunction with listening carefully to each client’s needs, in order to fiercely advocate for clients and tell their stories when they would not otherwise have a voice.

Brandon’s background includes a variety of experience and skills in various areas of civil practice. He is the author and editor of numerous books for the George T. Bisel Publishing Company, including “Pennsylvania Damages” and the “Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Annotated,” two texts that are frequently relied on by lawyers and judges across Pennsylvania as authoritative resources on personal injury law.

Brandon is a member of the Pennsylvania and Montgomery Bar Associations. He is also a member of Pennsylvania Association for Justice, and has served as an executive board member of the Montgomery American Inn of Court.

He is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Middle District of Pennsylvania, the State of New Jersey, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Brandon has represented many clients in motor vehicle, premises liability, animal bite, and products liability cases across Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has obtained outstanding results with millions of dollars recovered for his clients.

He has been named a Pennsylvania Rising Star from 2021 onward. The “Super Lawyers-Rising Star®”, list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state

Brandon currently lives in Malvern with his wife Rachel and their son Max.

Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: July 10, 2024

General Information

Welcome to the website of Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC (“EO”). By accessing or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our website.

Use

EO hereby grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable, limited right and license to access and use the Site solely for your personal use in accordance with these Terms of Use. You shall not, in any way, otherwise copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, display, perform, reproduce, publish, license, modify, create derivative works from, sell, or exploit the Site.

EO may at any time, for any reason, and without notice or liability: (a) modify, suspend, or terminate operation of or access to the Site and related services, or (b) change, revise, or modify the Site and affiliated services.

Messaging and Automated Calls

When you opt-in, you will receive text messages (SMS/MMS) on your mobile number. These messages may contain information about your case, and the message frequency may vary from user to user. Please note that message and data rates may apply. If you wish to opt out of this service, you can do so anytime by simply texting “STOP” to the phone number. Once you text “STOP” to us, we will send you an SMS to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. If you encounter any issues, you can reply with the keyword “HELP” to get assistance. Please be aware that carriers are not responsible for any delayed or undelivered messages.

By providing your phone number and submitting a form on our website, you consent to receive communications, including automated calls, texts, and pre-recorded messages, from EO and its affiliates. These communications may include updates about your case, promotional offers, and other information. You understand that these calls may be generated using automated technology, and that standard message and data rates may apply.

Your consent to receive automated calls is not a condition of any purchase or service. By checking the consent box on our contact form or by calling our firm, you agree to these Terms and Conditions and provide your written consent to receive these communications. You may opt out of these communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message or by contacting us at [insert contact information].

State-Specific Compliance

EO complies with all federal and state laws regarding automated calls and telemarketing practices. Certain states have additional restrictions on the use of automated dialing systems and pre-recorded messages. The following states have more restrictive regulations:

  • California: Requires prior express written consent for automated calls.
  • Florida: Requires prior express written consent for automated calls and texts.
  • New York: Requires prior express written consent for automated calls.
  • Texas: Requires prior express written consent for automated calls.

If you are a resident of one of these states, EO will obtain your prior express written consent before making any automated calls or sending pre-recorded messages to you.

By submitting a form inquiry or calling our firm, you agree to us contacting you, and your checking the box when submitting your form inquiry serves as written consent.

Information and Legal Disclaimer

The information contained in this website is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice. Testimonials and case results contained in this website are for demonstrative purposes only, and do not constitute a guarantee of any particular outcome in a specific case.

By requesting a free consultation with Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC, you agree to the following:

  • Any information I submit is for review only, and there will be no charge for the initial consultation.
  • I have not entered into an attorney-client relationship with Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC until such time as a formal written Retainer Agreement is signed by myself and a representative of Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC. There is no guarantee that Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC will accept my case.
  • Any information received by Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC, prior to the execution of a written Retainer Agreement, is not subject to the Attorney-Client Privilege and is not considered confidential.
  • Additional information may be requested in order for Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC to make a decision on whether or not to accept my case.
  • Because no attorney-client relationship has been established, I will remain personally responsible to meet all necessary deadlines applicable to my claim, until such time as Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC makes a final decision. I acknowledge that I have not received any representations or legal opinions with respect to any time frames or deadlines that may be applicable to my claim.

No Relationship or Obligation Arises from Use of the Site

The law differs in every jurisdiction, and you should not rely on any opinion except that of an attorney you have retained, who has a professional duty to advise you after being fully informed of all the pertinent facts, and who is licensed in the applicable state, and is familiar with the applicable law. Internet subscribers, mobile application users, and online readers should seek professional counsel about their legal rights and remedies. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information found on the Site. Any actions or decisions about your legal rights should be based on the particular facts and circumstances of your situation, and appropriate legal advice from an attorney retained directly by you. EO EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ACTIONS TAKEN OR NOT TAKEN BASED UPON ANY INFORMATION OR OTHER CONTENTS OF THIS SITE. Viewing the Site, or communicating with EO by Internet e-mail or through the Site does not constitute or create an attorney-client relationship with anyone. The content and features on the Site do not create, and are not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship, and shall not be construed as legal advice. The content and features of the Site, including means to submit a question or information, do not constitute an offer to represent you or otherwise give rise to an attorney/client relationship.

THE SITE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”. EO MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE SITE AND ONLINE SERVICES AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ACCURACY, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, EO DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE ONLINE SERVICES OR PRODUCTS WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS, OR WILL BE ERROR-FREE, UNINTERRUPTED, OR FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS, OR THAT ANY DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED.

Accounts

To use some features of the Site, you may be required to create an account. In connection therewith, you agree to provide and maintain true, accurate, current, and complete information about yourself. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the information you hold for your account login, including your password, and for all Submissions made from your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your login. EO may suspend access to your account if it suspects illegal or improper use, or for other reasons, such as for account management purposes, at its sole discretion.

Confidentiality is Not Guaranteed

Information sent to Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC. via Internet e-mail or through the Site is not secure and is done on a non-confidential basis. EO may make reasonable efforts to keep communications private, but because of the nature of Internet communications and the absence of an attorney/client relationship, we cannot promise or guarantee confidentiality.

DISCLAIMER – This Site Does Not Provide Medical Diagnosis or Advice

The content provided on the Site, such as documents, text, graphics, images, videos, news alerts, pharmaceutical drug recalls, prescription medication history, or information on litigation concerning the foregoing topics, or other materials, is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition or for any questions you may have regarding a health concern. Never disregard professional medical advice, alter a prescription plan in any way, or delay or refrain from seeking medical advice because of something you have read or seen on the Site. Links to other sites are provided for information only. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not constitute endorsement by EO.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Site may present information about pharmaceutical drug recalls, which is for information purposes only. Such information is not necessarily the most current information on the subject and may or may not be updated based on the last information concerning such recalls. Do not make any decisions regarding medication or medical providers based on information from the Site, including but not limited to information we provide about drug recalls.

EO Is Not Responsible for Content; Limitation on Liability

EO may periodically change, remove, or add the material on the Site without notice. This material may contain technical or typographical errors. EO DOES NOT GUARANTEE ITS ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS OR SUITABILITY. EO assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the contents of the Site. Your use of the Site is at your own risk. Under no circumstances shall EO or any other party involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the Site be liable to you or any other person for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages of any kind arising from your access to, or use of, the Site. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW IN NO EVENT SHALL EO BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RELATING TO THIS MATERIAL, FOR ANY USE OF THIS WEBSITE, OR FOR ANY OTHER LINKED WEBSITE.

Third-party Web Sites

The Site contains links to third-party websites for the convenience of our users. EO does not endorse any of these third-party sites and does not imply any association between EO and those sites. EO does not control these third-party websites and cannot represent that their policies and practices will be consistent with these Terms of Use. If you use links to access and use such websites, you do so at your own risk. EO is not responsible for the contents or availability of any linked sites. These links are provided only as a convenience to the recipient. These Terms only apply to the Site and do not apply to any linked sites. We encourage you to read and understand the terms of use of any linked sites that you visit. Links do not imply that we sponsor, endorse, are affiliated with or associated with, or are legally authorized to use any trademark, trade name, service mark, design, logo, symbol, or other copyrighted materials displayed on or accessible through any linked site.

EO Clients

Only individuals who have entered into a mutually signed retainer agreement with EO are EO clients (“EO Clients”).

Legal and Ethical Requirements

EO has tried to comply with all legal and ethical requirements in compiling the Site. We welcome comments about our compliance with the applicable rules and will update the Site as warranted, upon learning of any new or different requirements.

Ethen Ostroff Law reserves the right to refer or sell leads that come through any of Ethen Ostroff Law’s marketing.

Ethen Ostroff Law also may sell leads on certain campaigns generated in association with third party marketing companies.

Governing Laws in Case of Dispute; Jurisdiction

These Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, USA, without regard to any choice of law principles. Any and all disputes arising hereunder shall be governed as set forth in the Arbitration section below.

Submissions

You are solely responsible for any information, content, or material you transmit to or through the Site (“Submissions”). You understand that Submissions are considered non-confidential and non-proprietary. Furthermore, you grant EO an unrestricted, irrevocable, perpetual, transferable, sublicensable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, copy, reproduce, display, publish, publicly perform, transmit, and distribute any Submission, without compensation or accounting to you or anyone else. You represent and warrant that: (a) you have the right to submit the Submission to EO and grant the licenses as described above; (b) EO will not need to obtain licenses from any third party or pay royalties to any third party for its use of the Submission; (c) the Submission does not infringe any third party’s rights, including intellectual property rights and privacy rights; and (d) the Submission complies with these Terms of Use and all applicable laws and regulations.

EO takes no responsibility and assumes no liability for any Submission.

Arbitration

Any and all claims by you arising out of or related to the Site or your use thereof may be resolved only through a binding arbitration proceeding to be conducted under the auspices of the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Both your agreement to arbitrate all controversies, disputes and claims, and the results and awards rendered through the arbitration, will be final and binding on you and may be specifically enforced by legal proceedings. Arbitration will be the sole means of resolving such controversies, disputes and claims, and you waive your rights to resolve such controversies, disputes and claims by court proceedings or any other means. You agree that judgment may be entered on the award in any court of competent jurisdiction and, therefore, any award rendered shall be binding. The arbitrator may not consolidate more than one person’s claims, and may not otherwise preside over any form of a representative or class proceeding. You understand that by agreeing to arbitration as a mechanism to resolve all controversies, disputes and claims between us, you are waiving certain rights, including the right to bring an action in court, the right to a jury trial, the right to broad discovery, and the right to an appeal. You understand that in the context of arbitration, a case is decided by an arbitrator (one or more), not by a judge or a jury.

International Use

The Site is controlled, operated, and administered by EO from offices within the United States of America and is only intended for use therein. We make no representation regarding use of the Site outside of the United States.

Other Terms

If, for any reason, our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, or any portion thereof to be unenforceable, such provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to give the intended effect thereof, and the remainder of these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy shall continue in full force and effect. EO’s failure to act with respect to a breach by you or others does not waive our right to act with respect to that breach or subsequent or similar breaches. No consent or waiver by EO hereof will be deemed effective unless in writing. These Terms of Use, together with our Privacy Policy, as each is currently posted, constitute the entire agreement between EO and you with respect to your use of the Site and supersede all previous written or oral agreements relating to the subject matter hereof, that this agreement shall not supersede, restrict, or replace any agreements governing the attorney-client relationship between EO and EO Clients.

EO may, in its sole discretion and without prior notice, block and/or terminate your access to the Site and if we determine that you have violated these Terms of Use or other terms or agreements or that may be associated therewith or if you use the Site in a way that we deem, in our sole discretion, to be an unacceptable use.