When your dream cruise vacation turns into a nightmare of serious injury, the distance from Columbia, South Carolina to the nearest port shouldn't prevent you from securing the compensation you deserve. Maritime law is complex, and cruise companies employ aggressive legal teams to minimize payouts to injured passengers.
Available 24/7 - Maritime Law Expertise for Columbia Residents
South Carolina residents frequently embark on cruises from Charleston, Port Canaveral, and other southeastern ports, only to suffer devastating injuries due to cruise line negligence. Time is critical in cruise ship injury cases, as evidence disappears quickly and strict filing deadlines apply under federal maritime law.
Matthew McGuire's statewide practice includes offices in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, positioning our firm uniquely to handle both the maritime aspects of your case and provide convenient representation back home in Columbia. With over 30 years of experience, we fight to recover maximum compensation against cruise lines that think they can take advantage of injured passengers.
Maritime law operates under unique rules that favor cruise lines over injured passengers. You need attorneys who understand federal admiralty jurisdiction, forum selection clauses, and the short deadlines that can destroy your claim before you even realize you had one.
Proven track record recovering substantial compensation for injured clients. We apply this personal injury expertise to maritime cases where cruise lines attempt to minimize or deny legitimate claims.
Many cruise ship cases proceed in federal court under maritime jurisdiction. Our experience with federal procedures ensures effective advocacy in these complex admiralty proceedings.
Compassionate representation when cruise accidents result in tragic loss of life. We pursue maximum compensation for families under both maritime law and state wrongful death statutes.
Network of maritime engineers, medical experts, and industry professionals who provide compelling testimony about cruise line negligence and the extent of your injuries.
Comprehensive investigation including ship maintenance records, crew training documentation, prior incident reports, and surveillance footage that cruise lines try to hide from injured passengers.
We represent Columbia residents injured in all types of cruise ship accidents, from common slip and falls to serious medical emergencies and assault cases.
Wet decks, poorly maintained walkways, and spilled food or drinks cause serious injuries. We prove the cruise line had actual or constructive notice of dangerous conditions.
Inadequate supervision, defective equipment, and chemical burns in pools and hot tubs. We hold cruise lines accountable for failing to maintain safe recreational areas.
Norovirus outbreaks and foodborne illness affecting hundreds of passengers due to unsanitary conditions. We pursue claims for severe illness and its lasting consequences.
Negligent treatment by ship medical staff and inadequate emergency equipment. We hold cruise lines liable for substandard medical care far from proper hospitals.
Sexual assault and other crimes resulting from inadequate security measures and background check failures. We pursue claims for both the assault and the cruise line's negligence.
Injuries during off-ship tours where cruise lines failed to properly vet third-party operators. We hold cruise lines accountable for recommending dangerous excursions.
Rock climbing walls, zip lines, and other onboard attractions cause serious injuries. We challenge waivers and prove cruise line negligence in equipment and supervision.
Cruise ships sail away with crucial evidence. Contact us immediately after returning to Columbia so we can preserve surveillance footage, incident reports, and witness testimony.
Cruise ship injury cases require patient, persistent attorneys who understand that maritime claims often take longer to resolve but can result in substantial compensation when handled properly by experienced counsel.
Maritime cases typically span 18-36 months. We take the long view, building comprehensive cases that maximize compensation rather than rushing to inadequate settlements.
We use advanced technology to analyze surveillance footage, coordinate with out-of-state witnesses, and manage complex maritime documentation that cruise lines produce during discovery.
Maritime law evolves constantly. We stay current on cruise line liability trends, forum selection issues, and federal court decisions that affect our clients' cases.
We explain maritime law complexities in plain language, including the unique challenges cruise ship cases present. You'll always understand your options and what to expect.
Maritime claims have strict deadlines and technical requirements. We meticulously track every filing deadline and procedural requirement to protect your claim.
The steps you take during and immediately after your cruise can make or break your injury claim.
Seek immediate attention from ship medical staff and document all treatment received. This creates crucial evidence even if the care is inadequate.
Report to ship security and insist on completing a written incident report before disembarking. Get a copy—cruise lines often claim reports don't exist.
Document the accident scene, your injuries, and any dangerous conditions. Photos and videos from your phone are powerful evidence cruise lines can't dispute.
Get contact information from fellow passengers and crew members who saw what happened. These witnesses scatter after disembarkation and become hard to locate.
Avoid signing documents from cruise line representatives without attorney review. They may contain releases or admissions that destroy your claim.
Call (888) 499-5738 upon returning to Columbia for time-sensitive legal guidance. Strict maritime deadlines can destroy your claim.
Cruise lines count on passengers being unfamiliar with maritime law and intimidated by their corporate legal teams. We've spent decades leveling that playing field for Columbia residents injured at sea.
We don't just handle your cruise ship case—we become an extension of your team. Maritime claims require close collaboration over many months, and we're with you every step of the journey.
We look beyond the immediate claim to consider arbitration clauses, forum selection issues, and whether federal court or settlement provides the best outcome for your specific situation.
Maritime deadlines wait for no one. We guarantee same-day response to all cruise ship injury inquiries—even on weekends—because delays can cost you your entire claim.
Our Columbia office provides convenient access for meetings and updates, while our Charleston maritime team ensures your case receives sophisticated admiralty law expertise.
Over 30 years of experience fighting corporate defendants gives you confidence that your cruise ship case is handled by attorneys who won't be intimidated by cruise line legal teams.
Maritime law allows injured passengers to recover comprehensive compensation for all damages caused by cruise line negligence.
Cruise lines offer immediate lowball settlements hoping you'll accept before understanding your claim's true value. Let us evaluate your case before signing anything.
Maritime law creates unique challenges for cruise ship injury claims. Here are answers to questions Columbia residents frequently ask about pursuing compensation.
Most cruise tickets contain forum selection clauses requiring lawsuits in specific locations—often Miami or Seattle. Some claims proceed in federal court in Charleston. We analyze your ticket and advise on the best forum for your case.
Maritime law imposes strict notice requirements—often requiring written notice within 6-12 months and lawsuits within one year. These deadlines are much shorter than typical personal injury statutes of limitations.
Cruise line waivers are often unenforceable for negligence claims. Courts frequently reject waivers that are buried in fine print or that attempt to release liability for gross negligence.
Cruise lines may be liable for shore excursion injuries when they fail to properly vet tour operators or when they promote excursions knowing they're dangerous. We investigate these relationships carefully.
Maritime cases typically take 18-36 months depending on injury severity and case complexity. Settlement negotiations may resolve some cases faster, but we won't rush to inadequate offers.
We immediately send preservation letters demanding cruise lines retain surveillance footage, incident reports, and maintenance records. Failure to preserve evidence can result in sanctions against the cruise line.
Yes. Norovirus outbreaks and food poisoning often result from unsanitary conditions the cruise line knew about. We investigate whether the ship had prior illness reports and failed to take corrective action.
We handle cruise ship injury cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation. We advance all investigation and litigation costs, so there's no financial risk to pursue your maritime claim.
With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming, whether you're facing criminal charges, dealing with injuries from an accident, or navigating family law matters.
McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation. Our firm combines over 30 years of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here. This local knowledge, combined with our legal expertise, gives our clients a significant advantage.
Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.
Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.
Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.
Don't let cruise line lawyers take advantage of your unfamiliarity with maritime law. Contact McGuire Law immediately for experienced representation that levels the playing field against corporate legal teams.
Don't let cruise line lawyers take advantage of your unfamiliarity with maritime law – contact McGuire Law immediately at (888) 499-5738 for your free consultation. Our Columbia office provides convenient access to experienced cruise ship injury representation, with additional support from our Charleston maritime law team.
Available 24/7/365 - Maritime Law Expertise for Columbia Residents
