Can I Sue A Cruise Ship For Giving Me Covid In Florida?
Orlando is famous for Port Canaveral, which is a common destination and departure point for some of the world’s biggest cruise lines. If you’re an Orlando resident who enjoys going on cruises, you’ve probably sailed from this location before. However, cruises can sometimes prove to be a little disappointing. Worse yet, they can leave you infected with Covid-19. The cruise industry was massively affected by the coronavirus pandemic, as many notable outbreaks were linked to cruise ships. So what can you do if you were infected by Covid-19 due to a cruise? Can you file a lawsuit?
These concerns are best addressed by a legal professional. Get in touch with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Orlando, and you can approach this situation in the most efficient, confident way possible. There are a number of new laws and regulations that involve Covid-19 and cruise ships in Florida today. In some areas, state laws conflict with federal laws. As such, the legal process behind a lawsuit of this nature can be quite complex. A qualified attorney can not only explain this situation, but they can also negotiate on your behalf and represent you in court if necessary.
You May Encounter Challenges When Suing Cruise Ships for Covid-19 Infections
Various individuals have already attempted to sue cruise lines for Covid-19 infections, including the family members of deceased victims. But these individuals are encountering notable challenges in their attempts to pursue justice. First of all, it is very difficult to prove that someone contracted Covid-19 in a specific place. The cruise ship could potentially argue that the initial infection might have occurred in the weeks before the cruise, or in the days after. Covid-19 patients can experience symptoms long after the initial infection.
There is also the aspect of maritime law. Even before the pandemic, it was difficult to pursue legal action for things that happened aboard cruise ships because these incidents tend to happen in international waters. Many courts have agreed that cruise ships shouldn’t be held to a higher standard compared to establishments on land, such as a Walmart or a restaurant. For those lawsuits against cruise ships that are successful, juries tend to pay out relatively small settlement amounts — usually around $10,000.
How to Win A Covid-19 Cruise Ship Lawsuit
The key is to prove that the infection actually took place on the ship, first of all. Next, you need to show that the cruise line did not put the necessary policies in place to protect passengers. These policies include things like vaccine passports. It may be easier to sue cruise lines in Florida, since a state law actually bans cruise ships from requiring customers to show vaccine passports. However, cruise lines are suing Florida’s surgeon general because of this.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
For help from a skilled Orlando personal injury attorney, contact Payer Law. Over the years, we have helped many injured victims recover considerable settlements. With our help, you can hold negligent cruise ships accountable and pursue justice. A Covid-19 infection is a legitimate injury, and it can form the basis for a lawsuit under certain circumstances. Book your consultation today, and we can help you go over your legal options.
Source:
latimes.com/business/story/2021-11-03/covid-cruises-lawsuits-maritime-law-princess-battles
