A trip on a luxurious cruise ship can be a fun and exciting experience. You get to soak up the sea air and meet new friends while exploring the world’s coastlines.
Unfortunately, some cruise ship passengers suffer from injuries or illnesses on what is supposed to be an enjoyable vacation. Who is responsible for the harm you sustained on your cruise? In many cases, the cruise line holds this responsibility.
What illnesses are common on cruise ships?
You may not have legal recourse for being merely seasick, but other more severe issues could be a reason to claim. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following illnesses also affect cruise ship passengers.
- Norovirus. Easily transmittable and hard to eradicate, norovirus is notorious for ruining many a cruise vacation. If the liner fails to take proper sanitary measures, you may qualify for a legal remedy.
- Legionnaires’ disease. Water contaminated with Legionella bacterium can also make cruise ship passengers ill. Potential sources of contamination include hot tubs and potable water on the ship. Cruise liners can avoid outbreaks by using standardized water disinfecting techniques.
- Foodborne illness. In a closed environment such as a cruise ship, sickness spreads rapidly, often contaminating the ship’s store of food and water. Salmonella and E. coli are just two examples of such health conditions. The liner could be responsible if its employees failed to follow approved sanitary practices.
You spent a lot of money on a cruise for your family, and you deserve restitution if the liner failed to protect you or negligently contributed to your harm. Learning more about Florida admiralty and maritime law can help you find a satisfactory solution.