What Happens If I Get Sick On a Florida Cruise Ship?
Every time you turn on the news, it seems there’s another case of cruise ship illness getting reported. Cruises are typically a great way to get out onto the sea, explore new places, and have a great time with friends and family. When an illness occurs, however, the entire trip can go south very quickly. On cruise ships, illnesses spread easily due to restricted space. Before you hop on a cruise ship this year, you might want to know what you can do if you get sick while you’re on your trip.
Illnesses Caused By Cruise Ship Negligence
The common cold and other illnesses can easily occur without negligence on behalf of the cruise ship staff. On every cruise, there’s bound to be at least a few passengers who bring along germs. There are some illnesses, however, that can commonly be linked to cruise ship negligence including:
- Food Poisoning
Food poisoning can be caused by food that was improperly stored or prepared.
- Norovirus
The spread of Norovirus, a harmful stomach virus, can be prevented with the proper quarantine techniques and sanitation.
- Legionnaires Disease
Legionnaires Disease is spread through contaminated water systems such as bathtubs, hot tubs, and swimming pools.
Once ill, cruise ship passengers are unable to enjoy the rest of their trip. Furthermore, if left unattended, all of the illnesses mentioned above can cause long-term issues that can sometimes include death. Everyone knows it’s wrong for a cruise ship or any hospitality business to inflict illness on a customer. Therefore, the wronged customer is entitled to compensation.
Can I Sue The Cruise Ship For My Illness?
Although you cannot take action against a cruise ship or a cruise company if you come down with the common cold on your trip, you can serve them with a lawsuit if you can prove their negligence. To prove negligence, you will have to work alongside an experienced attorney to gather credible evidence including:
- Numerous passengers coming down with the same illness while on the ship
- There were no precautions taken by the cruise ship to prevent the illness from spreading
- The cruise ship failed to issue any warnings about a known sickness
- The cruise ship decided not to change the itinerary when passengers’ health was in danger
If you can prove these facts, you’re likely entitled to a settlement for your pain and suffering, medical bills, future medical bills, lost wages, and recovery expenses. When an illness is reported on a cruise ship, many cruise lines will take immediate action by offering passengers free trips and discounts to help prevent future lawsuits.
Obtain an Experienced Orlando Personal Injury Attorney
Don’t let a ruined vacation impact you for the rest of your life. If you experienced a serious illness while on a recent cruise, seek the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney. In Orlando, the top law firm for personal injury claims is The Umansky Law Firm. Highly rated with more than 100 years of combined experience, the attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm are dedicated to helping you get back on your feet. To talk to a real attorney, call our office or contact us online today.