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Virginia Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer

Helping You Recover Compensation for Your Injuries and Anguish After a Cruise Ship Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault

Best Lawyers Award 2024 Richard Serpe

Taking on a cruise ship accident case is a specialized endeavor that demands a nuanced understanding of maritime law, setting it apart from conventional injury cases.

Unlike typically Virginia personal injury lawyers, maritime lawyers possess a unique skill set tailored to the complexities of maritime regulations, jurisdictional issues, and international treaties that govern incidents at sea.

Not just any lawyer can effectively navigate the intricate web of legalities surrounding cruise ship accidents, as it requires a deep comprehension of the specific statutes and principles inherent in federal maritime law.

From jurisdictional challenges to the application of international maritime conventions, a lawyer well-versed in this domain is essential for ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to seeking justice and compensation for victims of cruise ship accidents.


VIRGINIA CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENT LAWYER RICHARD SERPE

Virginia cruise ship accident lawyer Richard Serpe

For more than 37 years, Richard Serpe has dedicated his career to advocating for injured victims and securing the compensation they rightfully deserve.

Following his graduation from law school, Richard pursued an advanced specialization in Maritime Law, earning a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the prestigious Tulane University.

Throughout his extensive career, Richard Serpe has built a reputation as a highly respected and diligent attorney known for his relentless approach to every case.

His commitment to his clients is evident in his impressive track record of achieving favorable settlements and verdicts.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

  • Best Lawyers® Plaintiffs Personal Injury and Maritime Law(2005 – Present)
    • Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers (2020)
  • Virginia Super Lawyer: (2006 – Present)
  • Avvo.com : Rated 10/10 – “Superb”
  • Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory: AV Preeminent rating (highest given)

THE “FINE PRINT” ON YOUR CRUISE SHIP TICKET

When you’re injured on cruise ships, typical laws and liability rules do not always apply. The ticket and accompanying documents are treated as a contract between the traveler and the cruise company.

Cruise lines are notorious for barring a laundry list of lawsuits in their contracts. For instance, some have limits to how much they will pay when sued in incidents resulting in death or personal injury. Some offer no recovery for mental anguish or psychological damages.

Many cruise lines prevent class-action suits from being brought against them, meaning that one or more plaintiffs cannot sue on behalf of a larger group. They also dictate where litigation must be brought, and under what laws.

The ship’s nation of registration determines which laws apply. While you might expect large companies like Carnival and Royal Caribbean to register in the United States, most of their vessels are in fact based out of island nations.


CRUISE SHIP INJURIES AND ACCIDENTS

Virginia cruise ship accident lawyer Richard SerpeWhen crewmembers on board a cruise ship are negligent, the results can be tragic.

It’s not just the crew who is responsible for passenger safety, though.

The cruise line, the equipment manufacturer, and even fellow passengers can be held liable for accidents at sea. Some of the most common types of cruise ship accidents are caused by:

  • Failure to properly maintain equipment
  • Defective equipment designs
  • Failure to train staff
  • Unsafe conditions, like slippery decks and unsecured handrails
  • Lack of security
  • Insufficient safety equipment
  • Navigational mistakes leading to crashes and capsizing

A SHORTER STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (DEADLINES)

In many cases, cruise lines also include restrictions for the timeframe in which a passenger can pursue legal action against them. By shortening this time period, cruise lines limit the chances that a person will indeed file a lawsuit.

Sometimes, this window is a mere six months. This leaves very limited time for a plaintiff and their lawyer to conduct their investigation and gather evidence. Anyone hoping to file suit against a cruise line should act sooner rather than later. 


VIRGINIA CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

If you reside in Virginia and were injured in a cruise ship accident, contact Richard Serpe to discuss your situation during a free consultation.

Backed by an extensive knowledge of maritime laws and nearly four decades of experience in assisting injured victims nationwide, our legal team possesses the proficiency and know-how required to advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Your case deserves the attention of a seasoned professional, and Richard Serpe is committed to leveraging his expertise to ensure that your rights and interests are vigorously protected.

Helping victims of cruise ships accidents: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, and more.

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    Best Lawyers Award 2024 Richard Serpe
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    SETTLEMENTS AND VERDICTS
    $5
    MILLION
    Defective Vehicle Wrongful Death
    Roanoke, Virginia
    $3.5
    MILLION
    Barge Accident Brain Injury
    Richmond, Virginia
    $2.5
    MILLION
    Carbon Monoxide Wrongful Death
    Portsmouth, Virginia
    $2
    MILLION
    Birth Injury
    Hampton, Virginia
    $1.6
    MILLION
    Drunk Driving Accident
    Eastern Shore, Virginia
    NO LEGAL FEE
    UNLESS WE SETTLE OR WIN
    WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US
    Suzanne, Google Review
    Their heart is with you
    I was severely injured by medication produced by a top corporate entity. I was unable to continue working, the whole situation seemed hopeless. The team at Serpe law offices was
    - Suzanne, Google Review
    Norma, Manassas, VA
    I strongly and sincerely recommend Richard J. Serpe
    “I strongly and sincerely recommend Richard J. Serpe. Understanding, Compassionate and trustworthy. They are very knowledgeable and they WILL GET THE MOST compensation for your case. I was just looking
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    Eddie, Norfolk, VA
    A settlement that changed my life
    “After a major maritime accident on the water, I was scared and didn’t know where to turn. The Law Offices of Richard Serpe and his great staff treated me with
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    Jackie, Chesapeake, VA
    Compassionate, Dedicated and Attentive
    “I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent legal Services I received fron Attorney Richard J Serpe’ Law Firm. Mr. Serpe and staff were compassionate , dedicated
    - Jackie, Chesapeake, VA
    Attorney Patrick Malone, D.C.
    Hard Work and Zealous Devotion
    “A tip-top law firm led by one of the finest lawyers I know. In addition to the usual qualities of hard work and zealous devotion to the cause, Richard Serpe
    - Attorney Patrick Malone, D.C.
    Kelli, Portsmouth, VA
    He listened carefully to our concerns and gave us honest legal advice
    “My husband and I worked with Richard for the past year and had a wonderful experience. At our first meeting, he did not push us to sign anything or make
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    Richard Serpe, and his staff did a thorough investigation into the dog owner
    My 7-year-old daughter was outside playing with friends in front of our home when she was viciously attacked by our neighbor’s Rottweiler. The Rottweiler dug a hole under the fence,
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    Such a wonderful group of people to have by your side
    Such a wonderful group of people to have by your side! Genuinely cares and wants to help you and your family 🙂
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    Melissa Baumann, Norfolk, VA
    Richard acted as my advocate, my friend, my partner and my champion
    Within seconds of meeting with Richard Serpe, he identified a number of potential mistakes I was making – many of which could have been quite costly. Throughout the entire process,
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    Art Serratelli, Virginia Beach Immigration Lawyer
    You will feel better — instantly
    “I endorse this lawyer. Richard is an extremely intelligent person and a very kind man. Not only is Richard a top-notch attorney, but he also is very compassionate one. You
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    “I highly recommend this Personal Injury Law Firm. They kept me in the loop with everything going on and gave honest advice. I am very satisfied!”
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    Mr Serpe is a kind, considerate professional
    Mr Serpe is a kind, considerate professional I would recommend to anyone who needs legal help recovering from an auto accident or other personal injury. I really enjoyed working with
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    Richard Serpe was the answer to our prayers for finding justice in the legal system
    Richard Serpe was the answer to our prayers for finding justice in the legal system. Our fight against the Chinese over the course of six years was emotional and difficult
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    Michael, Google Review
    Absolutely amazing what he has done for me!
    “My experience with Richard was great. He put in the time and effort to get what I needed done and in months he worked a miracle that I didn’t expect!
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    Richard Serpe was able to get an excellent recovery for my daughter
    When my daughter suffered an injury from lead poisoning, I did not know where to turn. There did not seem to be many lawyers who could help. The landlord responsible
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    This firm has been beside us through the whole process from when we first found out that our home had been built with Chinese drywall until justice was served. They
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    The people who work for him were always great to work with
    Richard Serpe handled the case for my daughter for injuries she received over 10 years ago. The people who work for him were always great to work with! They responded
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