Cruise Ship Coronavirus Lawyer

Cruise ships played a significant part in the outbreak of COVID-19, the coronavirus, in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a “no sail order” on March 14, 2020, to prevent new passengers from boarding cruise ships. Later, the organization extended this order until July 24, 2020.

The CDC acted decisively as the coronavirus seemed to be spreading uncontrollably on cruise ships. The organization wanted to ensure that cruise lines are developing concrete plans to prevent it. Once they detected the coronavirus, the plans, in theory, would help to protect the health and safety of their passengers and crew by containing it.

Despite many cruise lines taking action once coronavirus cases increased on ships, by ordering passengers to stay in their cabins, for example, the virus continued to spread onboard many ships. Infections and deaths spiraled on some cruise ships. Some ships were left stranded at sea with passengers stuck on board and in their cabins for weeks, unable to return home.

If you suffered from the coronavirus or had any financial losses due to a cruise line’s ill-informed decision to set sail in the middle of a global pandemic, you could receive compensation. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm as soon as possible to find out if you have a case and whether a cruise ship coronavirus lawyer can help at (800) 917-8989.

Are Cruise Lines Responsible for Passengers who Caught Coronavirus?

Potentially, cruise lines could be responsible. Even after detecting coronavirus on cruise ships and becoming aware of the scale of the global COVID-19 pandemic, cruise lines were slow to take action and kept their ships sailing while the coronavirus was spreading onboard their vessels. This no doubt contributed to the 5 million and growing confirmed cases worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

The cruise ship industry downplayed the risks and continued sailing even late into April 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic was in full swing, claiming lives all over the world, including on several cruise ships. Ships were then denied docking in ports of entry, with passengers stuck in their cabins on ships indefinitely.

The quarantined passengers had only limited access to fresh air and exercise, or contact to the outside world. Some of these passengers had other medical conditions that went unaddressed.

The cruise industry kept sending out ships despite warnings from CDC health officials of outbreaks on board of ships. According to the Miami Herald’s database of reports on cruise lines, there were almost 2,800 cases on 11 cruise lines and 76 deaths.

The CDC issued a clear warning on March 2020 for older passengers and those with underlying health conditions, to deter them from cruising due to their increased risk of death from coronavirus. However, even despite this, cruise ships continued to leave ports on voyages. The future of those onboard and their medical care was, at times, uncertain.

The most hard-hit company on the list was Carnival Corporation, with nearly 2,000 cases. Cruise lines may have knowingly put passengers and crew members into harm’s way, putting their profits before the health and well-being of thousands of passengers.

Having known for years that close quarters and crowded common areas can help viruses spread, cruise ships could have done more and acted sooner in order to control the spread of the coronavirus. If you caught the coronavirus on a cruise ship, the cruise line might be responsible, and you could recover compensation for your injuries and pain and suffering.

If you and other passengers have recently been on a cruise and have a coronavirus diagnosis, the cruise lines may be responsible for passengers who caught coronavirus, although the outcome of the case will depend on many factors.

Viruses have the ability to spread quickly among passengers and crew on cruise ships due to close quarters and many common areas. A study by the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal found that in one instance, the presence of norovirus on a cruise ship extended over six different cruises, despite sanitization of the entire ship and extensive cleaning.

Likewise, the coronavirus outbreak at the beginning of 2020 made it difficult to contain on the ships once passengers or crew introduced the virus, leading to rising infection rates and prolonged quarantine causing hardship and upset for many passengers.

Generally, you cannot just assume that a cruise line is responsible for every illness or virus you catch onboard a ship, especially if you are the only one who has an illness. The cruise line can argue that you may have already had the illness or infection before boarding. However, in the case of coronavirus that you and many others caught onboard, you may have a case.

Did the cruise line do everything it could to prevent you from catching coronavirus, for example, by implementing screening protocols for embarking crew and passengers, and by ordering employees to wear protective clothing, and sanitizing rigorously? If you can prove that the company, or employees, did not take the necessary precautions and acted in a negligent manner, and that this caused you to contract the coronavirus, you might be able to sue the cruise line for your expenses relating to the coronavirus infection.

The Spread of Coronavirus on Cruise Ships

Looking at just one ship, the Diamond Princess operated by Princess Cruise Lines, what started as a handful of people infected with coronavirus ended with more than 700 people infected and 13 dead, according to a May 2020 article by USA Today. Is the cruise line responsible for passengers who caught the coronavirus on board the Diamond Princess? Some passengers, who had to deal with the consequences of a coronavirus infection and a quarantine on the ship, believed the cruise line is responsible, and initiated lawsuits against Princess Cruise Lines, according to NBC News.

After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning in early March 2020, telling travelers to avoid cruise ships, cruise lines continued on their schedules, even leaving on new voyages, instead of immediately ceasing all operations and returning to home ports while they could still do so.

When the CDC then issued the no-sail order on March 14, 2020, many cruise ships actively sailing were denied entry to ports and to dock. Meanwhile, coronavirus continued to spread on ships despite quarantines.

Passengers from all over the world were left stranded on ships, enduring long quarantines and forced to stay in their cabins. Many were left in the dark about when they could hope to return to their loved ones or work commitments, with ships floating off coasts unable to dock.

If this happened to you, you may have legal recourse. Speaking to a cruise ship coronavirus lawyer can help you find out about your legal options.

Proving Responsibility of the Cruise Line

Cruise lines can somewhat hide behind their contracts and international law when it comes to responsibility and liability. When you sign a vacation contract with a cruise line, it typically includes liability waivers and restrictions on filing lawsuits, as well as time restrictions for such lawsuits. The contracts can also attempt to limit the amounts a cruise line will pay out in personal injury and other cases.

However, a court of law may not always uphold these clauses. If you can prove negligence of the cruise line without doubt, and you have gathered evidence and witnesses, you may be able to hold the cruise line responsible for your illness and damages.

Generally, for you to be able to bring a lawsuit forward, you will need to prove that the cruise line had a duty of care to you, that they breached this duty of care, and that your injury and damages were the result of this breach.

If you are successful with your lawsuit, you could receive a number of compensatory awards, such as costs for medical bills and future medical bills, lost wages and future lost wages, physical pain and suffering, and others.

What Are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?

If you have recently been exposed to COVID-19, you may be curious to find out what the symptoms of coronavirus are. Knowing the symptoms can help your treatment and recovery, as well as help you know when it is prudent to quarantine and avoid contact with others.

According to the CDC, symptoms of coronavirus can appear two to 14 days after you were exposed to the virus. Some of the symptoms of coronavirus can include:

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• High temperature
• Chills
• Muscle pains
• Loss of taste or smell

This is not an exhaustive list, and coronavirus can have various other symptoms. Occasionally, persons infected with the coronavirus have reported nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems. If you notice any of the main symptoms, you should get tested for coronavirus.

It is also important to know that COVID-19 can cause a host of worrying symptoms that will require immediate medical care, such as pain or pressure in the chest, trouble breathing, an inability to wake up or stay awake, and confusion. There may also be other worrying symptoms that will need emergency medical attention. If you notice any such symptoms on you or a loved one, seek medical help immediately by either calling 9-1-1 or visiting your local medical emergency facility.

The coronavirus can progress rapidly, and acting quickly is important. Unfortunately, even if you and your loved ones have recovered from coronavirus, there may be long-lasting damage or adverse effects to your health and finances, with long recovery times, many doctor’s visits, or even hospitalization. Not only could you incur high medical bills, but you may also lose out on wages while you are unable to work.

We are only just beginning to understand the coronavirus, but evidence is emerging that, in a considerable number of cases, lung damage can be permanent and have an impact on the rest of your life.

Older people, pregnant people, and those with existing medical conditions are more susceptible to contract and experience more serious symptoms of coronavirus.

If you have contracted COVID-19 on a cruise ship, you may need to protect yourself from future losses and illnesses that could develop due to the virus. Contact a law firm handling coronavirus lawsuit cases to ask your most pressing questions. You may be able to receive compensation and reimbursement for your medical bills.

If you have recently traveled on a cruise ship, you may have come into contact with other passengers and crew members who had coronavirus. Knowing the symptoms of coronavirus is important, so you can get a test and medical attention immediately, if needed.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the most common symptoms of a coronavirus infection include:

• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Unexplained loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue

Some of these symptoms can occur with other diseases. However, if you suspect you may have the virus and are experiencing several of these symptoms, you could get a coronavirus test to be sure. Also, bear in mind that it is possible to have COVID-19 and not show any symptoms, or only very mild symptoms.

Coronavirus Symptoms Can Take Up to Two Weeks to Develop After Exposure

After an initial infection with COVID-19, whether by exposure to an infected person or a contaminated surface, symptoms of coronavirus can show up as quickly as two days later or take up to two weeks to develop in some individuals.

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates the median disease incubation time for coronavirus is about 5.1 days. Only a small number of infected persons developed symptoms after 14 days. Researchers estimated that for every 10,000 individuals quarantined for 14 days, only about 101 develop symptoms of COVID-19 after the quarantine period.

If you have recently been on a cruise ship and developed coronavirus up to two weeks later, it is possible that you may have been infected with the COVID virus on your cruise ship vacation.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Signs of COVID-19

Coronavirus can start off as a mild infection but has the potential to worsen considerably after a few days, when the infection can attack the lungs and potentially other organs. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people may experience a worsening of symptoms after about a week, including shortness of breath and pneumonia. If you are feeling much worse after a few days, you may need immediate medical attention.

Some of the symptoms and signs of coronavirus requiring emergency care can include worsening shortness of breath, chest pains, confusion, blue lips and face, and other signs of worsening general health. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these concerning symptoms, contact a doctor immediately or visit a local health care center.

Risk Factors for Developing Coronavirus Disease

If you are over 65 years of age or have any preexisting conditions, you may be at a higher risk for developing a severe coronavirus infection requiring medical intervention or hospitalization. Some of these risk factors include:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Heart conditions
• Obesity
• Lung disease

These are just some of the preexisting health conditions that can result in a more severe COVID-19 infection in some people. The elderly in nursing homes are also particularly at risk since they are of advanced age and typically suffer from preexisting conditions.

How to Avoid a Coronavirus Infection

Ways in which an individual can become infected with COVID-19 include exposure to infected persons or touching contaminated surfaces. It is advisable to avoid any contact with infected persons if you can. If a loved one or family member has coronavirus, encourage them to isolate themselves from the rest of the family as much as possible, and wear a face covering.

There are some other steps you can take to keep yourself and your family safe, for example:

• Avoid large crowds
• Keep a 6-foot distance from others
• Stay at home as much as possible
• Wash your hands often
• Try to avoid touching your face
• Wear a face covering when around people
• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces

If you are suffering from a coronavirus infection, you can protect your family by isolating yourself from your loved ones as much as possible, wearing a face covering, and not sharing dishes or other household items with your family.

For a free legal consultation with a Cruise Ship Coronavirus Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 917-8989

Can You Sue if You Caught Coronavirus on a Cruise Ship?

If you caught the coronavirus on a cruise ship, you might be able to sue the cruise line. The lawsuits against cruise lines regarding coronavirus infections and deaths are now mounting. Passengers are accusing the cruise lines of knowingly exposing passengers to the dangers of the coronavirus and not following proper screening protocols to minimize the risk of passengers catching the virus onboard. Cruise lines knew about the coronavirus dangers of exposing passengers and crew and allegedly failed to take appropriate action.

Those over 65 and passengers with underlying health conditions are most at risk from the effects of the novel coronavirus. According to a review in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), two studies found that people older than 64 made up half the passengers seeking medical care on cruise ships.

The NCBI review further states that disease exposure and transmission on ships can be intensified due to the densely populated and enclosed cruise ship environment, where crew and passengers from all over the world come together in a closed space.

The cruise lines have known about this for years and subsequently increased the sanitizing and cleaning efforts on ships. Vessels are regularly inspected for cleanliness and sanitation, as well as scored by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).

Since cruise lines know that viruses and other illnesses can spread quickly on ships, people pursuing lawsuits argue they should have taken steps to prevent harm to passengers after the first reports of the novel coronavirus on their ships surfaced. Not doing so, and instead trying to conduct “business as usual,” can be considered neglect of a cruise line’s duty to keep passengers safe.

If you suffered from the coronavirus caught on a cruise ship, or a loved one was badly killed, you may have legal recourse and could receive compensation. However, suing a cruise line can be complicated. You may have a hard time filing suit, as cruise lines try to protect themselves by setting restrictions on damages as well as time limits to file claims.

Passengers sign a contract before taking a cruise, releasing cruise lines from certain liabilities. However, there is a chance that the clauses of cruise ship contracts may not be upheld in a court of law. A cruise ship coronavirus lawyer can help you navigate the laws surrounding cruise ships. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to determine whether you have a case against a cruise line.

You can sue if you caught coronavirus on a cruise ship. However, suing a cruise line does have its challenges, as cruise lines are not necessarily bound to the same laws that U.S. companies are. No matter how difficult the task may be, it is certainly possible to file a lawsuit against a cruise line. Anyone seeking to do so will need to prove that the cruise line acted negligently and breached their duty of care to their passengers.

According to a National Public Radio report, many lawsuits have already been filed against cruise companies such as Princess Cruise Lines and others by passengers who have contracted coronavirus on cruise ships. More lawsuits are expected.

Compensation from Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuits

In a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against a cruise line, you may be able to recover various types of compensation, for example economic and non-economic damages. These damages can include:

• Medical treatments and future medical treatments
• Loss of wages and future earning potential
• Transportation costs
• Home and health aide
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Loss of companionship
• Funeral expenses

You may qualify for other awards depending on your unique circumstances and the severity and permanence of your illness or health conditions. You could also receive punitive damages if the cruise line acted particularly negligently in your case.

Proving Negligence of a Cruise Line

One of the factors determining whether you can sue if you caught coronavirus on a cruise ship is being able to prove the negligence of the cruise line. On a cruise ship, the crew and captain are chiefly responsible for the technical performance and physical safety of the ship, the quality of the food and entertainment provided, and doing anything possible to ensure that passengers have a good vacation, but they also have a responsibility to keep you safe from reasonably preventable injuries and harm.

In cruise ship cases, similarly to personal injury cases on land, you will need to prove the following elements:

• The cruise line owed you a duty of care
• The duty was breached
• The breach caused your injury or the death of your loved one
• The injury or death caused tangible damages

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a No Sail Order in March, warning travelers to avoid cruises citing that close quarters hasten the spread of the virus on cruise ships. Yet many cruise lines still continued to set sail after the CDC announcement, even when they had confirmed coronavirus cases on previous voyages.

This cruise line negligence arguably contributed to many more coronavirus cases on cruise ships as well as the emotional and mental suffering of passengers, many of whom subsequently had to quarantine in their small cabins for weeks with limited contact to the outside world and barely any access to fresh air and exercise.

If your health has been negatively affected by catching coronavirus on a cruise ship, you can speak to a cruise ship coronavirus lawyer to find out whether you have a case against a negligent cruise line.

Cruise Ship Coronavirus Lawyer Near Me (800) 917-8989

How to File a Coronavirus Lawsuit

If you or a loved one suffered from the coronavirus while traveling on a cruise ship, you could file a coronavirus lawsuit and hold a cruise line to account for any damages and losses you suffered.

The cruise lines were slow to act on the recommendation of the CDC to suspend journeys in March 2020, with many ships still at sea carrying coronavirus patients. Unfortunately, ships failed to contain the coronavirus, which led to passengers and crew getting infected and, in some instances, dying from the virus.

If you or a member of your family suffered from the coronavirus on a cruise ship, or a loved one has died from the disease, you could enlist the help of a cruise ship coronavirus lawyer to file a lawsuit. Cruise ship personal injury or wrongful death cases can be notoriously complex due to several factors.

When you buy your ticket, there is often fine print that you sign off on, which takes some liabilities off of the cruise line. For this reason, it can be difficult to have a successful personal injury case against them.

In order to have a case against a cruise line, you will have to prove negligence.

To further complicate matters, certain cruise lines can only be sued in federal court in Miami for any personal injury claims. This includes some of the cruise industry’s biggest players, such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

In some instances, certain maritime laws can apply to cruise ships, especially if the injury, or in this case, the coronavirus infection, happened in international waters outside of U.S. jurisdiction. It can be tricky to understand how cruise ship laws relate to any claims due to a coronavirus infection or death.

A cruise ship coronavirus lawyer can help you file a lawsuit and guide you through all aspects of a case, whether you are thinking of filing a personal injury or a wrongful death case. We can answer your questions and evaluate your case in a free legal consultation with one of our team. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to find out if and how you can file a lawsuit against a negligent cruise line.

Filing a coronavirus lawsuit against a cruise line can be tricky. The cruise lines usually try to protect themselves with a contract that entails liability waivers and strict timelines for any lawsuits. Sometimes, the contract can require you to file a notice of claim within 6 months, and then a lawsuit within a year. These contracts, usually the small print on your ticket, also stipulate where a passenger can sue a cruise line.

Notwithstanding the attempts of cruise lines to limit liability with these contracts, cruise companies are also subject to liability laws, especially if they touch on U.S. ports. Also, the clauses in cruise ship contracts are not always upheld in U.S. courts. Although cruise lines may try to make it difficult for claimants to get justice, if you can prove that negligence of the company or employees led to your injuries, or the death of a loved one, then you may have a case and could receive compensation.

Laws Governing Cruise Ships

Cruise ships, particularly if the incident relating to the lawsuit happened offshore and in international waters, can be bound by international maritime laws rather than U.S. laws. Maritime laws typically protect the owners of the ship rather than the passengers. This can make suing cruise lines somewhat complicated for plaintiffs and can be different from a “normal” land-based personal injury or wrongful death case.

However, there are legal provisions for personal injury and wrongful death at sea, so for example, the Death On The High Seas Act (DOHSA) 46 U.S. Code CHAPTER 303, passed in 1920. This act gives families of those deceased at sea, whether crew or passengers, the right to file suit for compensation even if an accident or incident happened in international waters. A DOHSA claim can lead to plaintiffs receiving compensation for:

• Funeral costs
• Medical costs
• Loss of financial support and benefits

There may be other compensation available to plaintiffs under DOHSA. However, families may be unable to recover any compensation for emotional suffering of the survivors. In other words, compensation under DOHSA is generally tied to monetary benefits such as loss of earnings and reimbursement of medical bills.

In order to have any chance to obtain compensation, you will have to prove that a cruise line’s negligence caused your injuries or the death of your loved one. In the case of coronavirus, the most likely arguments supporting negligence could revolve around failure to keep passengers safe from the virus, failure to administer appropriate medical care, and negligent training of the ship’s personnel regarding coronavirus prevention.

Under 46 U.S. Code § 30905, civil action generally must begin within two years of the cause of action.

Where to File a Coronavirus Lawsuit

While you are considering how you could file a coronavirus lawsuit, bear in mind that cruise lines also try to stipulate where you have to file suit. Typically, the contract you sign when you go on a cruise vacation will name the city in which you have to file a lawsuit. Generally, this is where the company is headquartered. In the case of some major cruise lines impacted by coronavirus, such as Carnival Corporation which owns Princess Cruise Lines, Carnival, Holland America, and others, you will most likely need to file suit in Miami, Florida.

However, if your particular cruise did not touch a U.S. port, for example with a voyage in the Mediterranean, in the worst-case scenario you might have to file suit overseas, depending on what the cruise contract states for your voyage.

Filing suit against a cruise line can be complicated and lengthy, with the cruise lines trying their utmost to protect themselves. If you have suffered considerable health effects or a death in the family from a cruise ship coronavirus infection, your best first step may be to consult with a cruise ship coronavirus lawyer and find out about your options.

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What Can I Expect if I File a Lawsuit Against a Cruise Line?

If you are thinking of filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim against a cruise line, you may come up against a few hurdles.

Generally, personal injury claims under maritime law are similar to common personal injury law. You will have to prove the following elements to have a case against a cruise line:

• There has to be a duty of care.
• The duty was breached.
• The breach caused the injury or death.
• You had monetary damages as a result of the injury or death.

However, you can expect the cruise line to make this as difficult as possible for you and any other claimants. In the first instance, the cruise line will most likely assert that you signed a contract releasing them from responsibility for your injuries, or any damages resulting from the death of your loved one.

This contract, which is usually the fine print on your cruise ticket, may also state certain time periods in which you can file a claim. Sometimes, cruise lines require written notice within six months of the date of injury. While courts may overturn some of these waivers in cruise vacation contracts, it will be in your own best interest to initiate any legal action against a cruise line in a timely manner. A case against a cruise line will need careful research and preparation, as the legal issues surrounding cruise ship laws are complex, and can differ greatly from a typical land-based personal injury case.

Contacting a law firm as soon as possible after you return from your cruise, or as soon as your health allows, can give you the practical help you need as well as peace of mind. A lawyer can scour the contract you signed with the cruise line and assess your specific case.

You can expect the cruise line to put up a fight and possibly try to allege that you caught the coronavirus while on the way to the ship, or make similar claims in order to deflect responsibility for your injuries or your loved one’s death.

The situation with COVID-19 and this worldwide pandemic is unprecedented and still evolving. Cruise ship passengers have already filed lawsuits against cruise lines, and there will likely be many more in the next few weeks and months.

You could have legal recourse if you can prove that you contracted coronavirus on board, and the cruise line is found to have committed serious errors in dealing with the virus.

If you file a lawsuit against a cruise line after contracting COVID-19 on a cruise ship, you can expect that the process and outcome will likely be different from any other personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits.

Cruise ships and cruise lines are not always under U.S. jurisdiction. They may be subject to various international maritime laws that might place restrictions on liability and compensation.

In addition, ships can be registered in a foreign country, despite the cruise line headquarters being in the United States. This is the case with Carnival Corporation ships, which has some of its ships registered in Panama and the Bahamas. The laws of the nation under whose flag a cruise ship sails can come into play with any lawsuits.

It is also important to note that you usually must file a lawsuit against a cruise line in the city where it is headquartered. Many major cruise lines—for example, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Corporation—have their headquarters in Miami, Florida.

All in all, filing a lawsuit against a cruise line is no picnic. You may want to consult with a cruise ship personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights.

Potential Cruise Line Lawsuit Compensation

If you contracted COVID-19 on a cruise ship and incurred medical costs and lost wages as a result, or your loved one died from a cruise ship COVID-19 infection, you may be able to recover compensation. You may be able to seek compensation for other incidents of negligence.

Although cruise line companies try to protect themselves from liability by having passengers sign a contract with their ticket purchases, you may still have the right to sue if the cruise line has been negligent. The compensation you could potentially recover can include:

• Present and future medical treatment costs
• Hospitalization costs
• Repatriation and other transportation costs
• Lost wages, both current and future

You could also receive other types of compensation, such as punitive damages.

Wrongful Death

If the negligent act that caused your loved one’s death on the ship happened within 3 nautical miles of the U.S. coastline, state law generally applies. Because some lawsuits must be filed in Miami, where Florida law may apply. Under § 768.21 of the Florida Statutes, you may be able to claim for mental pain and suffering in addition to any economic damages such as lost wages, lost benefits, and medical bills.

However, if the incident occurred more than 3 nautical miles offshore, the Death on the High Seas Act (46 USC § 30302) typically applies to wrongful death claims. The Act may not allow for compensation for any emotional pain and suffering of survivors.

Cruise Line Negligence

It seems that most major cruise lines were ill-prepared in handling the spread of COVID-19 on their ships. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published warnings for travelers regarding coronavirus on cruise ships as far back as early March, cruise lines were late to react. Ships were still sailing when the CDC issued a no-sail order on March 14.

In some cases, the delayed reaction of cruise lines resulted in ships drifting at sea, unable to dock at any port, with passengers quarantined and COVID-19 spreading almost unabated. Data analysis by the Miami Herald links over 3,000 COVID-19 infections and nearly 80 deaths to cruise ship voyages. The newspaper goes on to mention that the real number is likely even higher.

When filing a lawsuit against a cruise line, expect having to prove with evidence and witnesses that the cruise line’s negligence caused your COVID-19 infection and damages. The elements of proving a cruise ship personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit are generally the same as in any other such suit.

You will need to demonstrate the following:

• The cruise line had a duty of care toward you or your loved one.
• The duty of care was breached.
• This breach caused your injuries or the death of your loved one, as well as the resulting damages.

Having a cruise ship personal injury lawyer help you build a case and possibly even represent you in court could provide peace of mind.

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What Damages Are Available for Catching Coronavirus on a Cruise Ship?

If you or a loved one caught coronavirus on a cruise ship, damages might be available. If you contracted COVID-19 while cruising, the chances are that you incurred medical bills and may have even spent a prolonged time quarantined onboard, leaving you unable to carry out your work at home.

In the worst-case scenario, some passengers may have lost loved ones due to a cruise ship infection with the coronavirus. If you decide to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against a cruise line, you could receive several types of compensation, depending on the particular circumstances of your case.

Generally, in successful personal injury cases, you could receive awards for economic damages such as:

• Past and future medical bills
• Medical transportation costs
• Past and future lost wages
• Lost earning potential

You could also receive non-economic compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In wrongful death claims, you may receive damages for funeral costs and compensation for loss of companionship, as well as others, depending on your case.

There may also be a possibility of joining a class-action lawsuit as the number of persons impacted by coronavirus through cruise line negligence rises. In class-action lawsuits, the court will typically split a settlement equally between plaintiffs.

To qualify for any damages, you will have to prove the negligence of the cruise ship company. A cruise ship coronavirus lawyer can help you find out about your legal options for claiming compensation for any of your damages due to contracting COVID-19 while traveling on a cruise.

Suing a cruise line can be challenging and complex as the cruise line will most likely fight with a team of lawyers, making any personal injury and compensation claims more difficult. If a cruise ship personal injury happened while the ship was sailing in international waters, it could further complicate a claim with any potentially applicable maritime laws. Taking on a cruise line by yourself can be daunting and time-consuming.

Therefore, it could be helpful to consult with a lawyer who is familiar with cruise ship laws as soon as possible. If you would like to find out more about potential compensation and how you can hold a negligent cruise line to account, a cruise ship coronavirus lawyer might be able to help.

The damages available for anyone who has caught Coronavirus on a cruise ship will vary depending on the specifics of their case. We are only just beginning to learn about all the detrimental effects that coronavirus can have on our health, potentially for years to come. If you caught coronavirus on a cruise ship, you could receive compensation for your medical expenses, medical transportation costs, and other damages.

Coronavirus can be a deadly and devastating infection. Especially in the elderly and people with preexisting conditions, the novel coronavirus has the potential to cause permanent organ damage and even death. Prolonged hospitalization, intensive care, and numerous medical treatments can quickly lead to mounting medical expenses for coronavirus sufferers.

For many, going on a cruise is a dream vacation and should be a carefree, fun experience. However, cruise ships were hit hard when coronavirus spread amongst ships’ passengers and crew, resulting in quarantines and countless days at sea for some passengers.

If you caught coronavirus on a cruise ship, you may be thinking about initiating legal action against a cruise line. Luckily, there are a number of different types of damages available in a case like this.

Personal Injury or Wrongful Death DamagesIf your loved one died due to catching coronavirus on a cruise ship, or you suffered serious adverse health effects from the virus, you could receive compensation. Some of the compensation you might receive in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against a cruise line include:

• Medical costs and future medical costs relating to coronavirus
• Lost wages and lost future earnings
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Funeral expenses
• Loss of companionship

You may receive additional compensation, depending on your unique circumstances and the severity of your health condition. In the event that the cruise line acted particularly negligently, you could also receive punitive damages additional to any compensatory awards.

Responsibility of the Cruise Lines

Cruise lines, as the owner of cruise ships, generally owe a legal duty of reasonable care to all of their passengers. You could potentially prove that the cruise line breached their duty of care to you or your loved one due to issues such as no health screening of passengers prior to boarding, incompetent staff, lack of safety equipment, lack of sanitizing and cleaning, or other factors. A cruise ship owner or cruise line can potentially be held legally responsible for negligence leading to your coronavirus infection and any damages you incurred.

However, in practice, it can be quite challenging to sue a cruise line, and the success of any claims may depend on several factors, for example, whether the ship was in international waters when an incident occurred, and which national laws apply to a particular ship and/or company.

Also, specific maritime laws can apply in personal injury or wrongful death cases with cruise ships. If you want to find out whether you have a case against a cruise line and what damages may be available for catching coronavirus on a cruise ship, your best step of action may be speaking to a cruise ship coronavirus lawyer.

Cruises Continued to Sail Even After No-Sail Orders

Even when it became clear that passengers and crew on several cruise ships had coronavirus, the cruise lines were slow to react. Once the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic became obvious throughout the world, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned passengers about the dangers of cruising in the pandemic, yet ships were still setting sail. According to the Miami Herald, hundreds of cases resulted from cruises that left after the CDC advisory.

When the CDC finally issued a no-sail order, countless ships were still sailing with passengers and crew onboard, including those sick with coronavirus. Quarantining on a cruise ship resulted in prolonged isolation in cabins and an inability to leave the ship. Some of these passengers had other medical conditions that they could not treat appropriately during cruise ship quarantine.

Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Fight for You

If you or your loved one have suffered from severe health consequences due to a coronavirus infection from a cruise ship, you may be able to hold a cruise line to account. A cruise line could be responsible for any injuries and damages suffered as a result of catching the coronavirus on board, or any injuries suffered due to a prolonged quarantine with inadequate medical care or provision.

If your vacation ended in severe illness, medical bills, missed wages, and possibly even the death of a loved one, you can call our firm to speak with a member of our team. You do not have to go this alone. Holding a cruise line accountable may not be an easy feat on your own. We can help you with all aspects of building a case and holding a negligent cruise line to account for your injuries and financial losses.

We do not shy away from tough cases and can help you and your family get justice and compensation. There is no risk as we work on contingency. In other words, there are no attorney’s fees for you unless we win your case. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to see if a cruise ship coronavirus lawyer can help you at (800) 917-8989.

Call or text (800) 917-8989 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form