Michael J. Drahos Attorney At Law

Veteran maritime medical malpractice lawyer defending cruise line clients in Florida and internationally. Diverse experience with complex personal injury, medical device, and product liability claims.

Michael Drahos defends maritime clients facing medical malpractice claims. Practicing at the epicenter of the U.S. cruise industry, he has helped cruise lines and shipboard medical providers navigate sensitive claims for more than 20 years. With representations spanning every corner of the globe, Michael’s clients include major cruise lines, health care providers, and large corporations. He has been instrumental in developing jurisdictional defenses for foreign defendants facing claims in the United States, including those involving catastrophic injury and wrongful death. He provides real-time guidance and solutions for onboard medical emergencies, from consulting and even participating in at-sea medical evacuations to conducting post-incident investigation and legal counsel.   

In addition to his extensive maritime work, Michael represents clients in health care litigation involving medical devices and personal injury, as well as general product liability claims. He has defended a diverse array of product liability claims ranging from tractors, all-terrain vehicles, and amusement park rides to household appliances, automobile component parts, scaffolding equipment, and heating and cooling systems. He has also defended claims asserted against manufacturers of dietary and herbal supplements and currently serves as regional counsel to one of the world’s largest sports equipment and apparel companies.

Michael understands the need for early and aggressive intervention and collaborates with clients to resolve claims quickly and efficiently. He works closely with insured clients, claims specialists, industry experts, and GrayRobinson colleagues in the corporate and health care practices to provide comprehensive counsel and well-rounded litigation support for clients.

• Insights
  • “Charting a Course to Victory: Best Practice Strategies for Successfully Defending Maritime Malpractice Claims” American College of Emergency Physicians Cruise Ship Medicine Section Annual Meeting, September 7, 2025
  • “Litigation Trends,” American College of Emergency Physicians Cruise Ship Medicine Section Annual Meeting, September 29, 2024
  • “The Opioid Crisis and the Blame Game,” Co-Presenter, FDCC Annual Meeting, July 29- August 4, 2018
  • “Admiralty and Maritime Law,” Co-Presenter, Berkley One, May 16, 2018
• Media
  • "Carnival Prevails in Lawsuit Over Passenger’s Dining Area Mishap," Law360, January 26, 2024
  • "Carnival Door Injury Suit Can Be Refiled, Florida Judge Says," Law360, March 24, 2023
• Recognition
  • Best Lawyers in America, Admiralty and Maritime Law, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2023-2026
  • Chambers USA, Litigation: Medical Malpractice Defense, 2025
• Affiliations
  • Wellington Regional Medical Center, Board of Governors, 2025-present
  • City of Wellington
    • Councilman, 2016-2024
    • Vice Mayor, 2018-2019, 2022-2023
  • Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC)
• Credentials
  • J.D., Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center, 2002, with Honors
  • B.A., Florida State University, 1999
• Admissions
  • Florida
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit