Cruises allow people to travel the world and embark on adventures in a tranquil atmosphere where all their needs are met. Cruise ships typically carry thousands of travelers from port to port. Unfortunately, due to the high number of people traveling in close proximity, illnesses can spread rapidly among passengers. For example, many cruise ship passengers have been exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during the ongoing pandemic.
Passengers harmed by cruise ship negligence during the pandemic can pursue damages from the cruise line, but proving cruise ship liability arising from COVID-19 can be challenging. If you contracted COVID-19 on a cruise ship, you should consult an attorney. Boca Raton cruise ship injury lawyer Gregg M. Hollander at the Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers is skilled at handling complicated cases, and he will zealously pursue any damages that you may be owed. Mr. Hollander represents injured people throughout South Florida from offices in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.
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Cruise Ship Liability Arising from COVID-19
Many people who contracted COVID-19 aboard cruise ships may wish to pursue claims for damages. There are numerous factors that affect whether a cruise ship will be found liable for harm suffered by passengers due to the coronavirus. First, many cruise lines require passengers to sign a contract prior to boarding a ship, in which they waive their right to seek compensation from the cruise line for harm sustained on the cruise. Whether a contractual waiver precludes an injured person from seeking damages and whether such a waiver will be upheld by a court depends on the facts of the case.
Without a contractual liability waiver, a person seeking damages from a cruise line due to exposure to COVID-19 must generally show that the cruise line failed to act with reasonable care under the circumstances, and the person suffered harm as a result. In other words, the person will need to prove that the cruise line knew or should have known that passengers were at risk of contracting COVID-19, but it failed to take measures to mitigate the risk.
For example, if a cruise line ignored medical advice and set out on trips regardless of the pandemic, refused to quarantine sick patients on ships, or failed to devise appropriate strategies for passengers to remain healthy, the cruise line may be held accountable if passengers subsequently contracted COVID-19.
A cruise line’s liability must be established by a preponderance of the evidence, which means that the victim must show that it is more likely than not that the negligence of the cruise line caused the victim to suffer harm. Given the fact that the coronavirus is new, and the symptoms caused by the virus and the manner in which the virus is spread were not initially clear, it is likely that cruise lines will argue that they acted appropriately under the circumstances. Thus, liability will largely depend on the facts and evidence regarding when the transmission occurred and what information was available at the time.
Damages Awarded in Lawsuits Against Cruise Lines
Victims who can prove that cruise lines are liable for their harm may be able to recover compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. Typically, economic damages include the cost of any medical treatment, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages. Non-economic damages include the emotional distress, suffering, and pain caused by the cruise line’s negligence.
Consult a Capable Personal Injury Attorney in the Boca Raton Area
The coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected the lives of many cruise ship passengers and their loved ones. If you suffered harm on a cruise ship during the coronavirus pandemic, you should consult an attorney to discuss whether you may be able to prove cruise ship liability arising from COVID-19. Gregg M. Hollander is a capable personal injury lawyer with ample experience handling challenging cases, and he will work tirelessly to help you seek the best outcome possible under the facts of your case.
Attorney Hollander represents people in personal injury lawsuits throughout South Florida, including in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and other cities in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The Hollander Law Firm can be contacted through the online form or at 561-347-7770 to set up a meeting.
