Thousands of people who have returned to ports in Florida on cruise ships in the early months of 2020 may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus. Data suggests that this virus is several times more deadly than the regular flu, and it is already responsible for thousands of deaths in the United States and abroad. If someone becomes seriously ill and dies from the virus while on a cruise ship or shortly after returning home, the cruise line may be responsible for their losses.
Many coronavirus cases tied to cruise ships
Carnival Cruises, which is one of the largest cruise companies in the world due to its ownership of several different brands, reported that several thousands of passengers were stranded at sea in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. An estimated 6000 people along with crew members were in the middle of the ocean amidst other guests that may have contracted the coronavirus.
The passengers would not be allowed to disembark for approximately another month. Most of those who were stranded were on long term cruises that were initially planned to last several weeks or longer. Cruise ships all over the world experienced problems with allowing passengers to leave. Ports feared that multiple passengers were likely exposed to coronavirus or infected, and turned these ships away out of fears that more local cases would begin to emerge as people from the cruises interacted with local residents and utilized the services of businesses nearby.
Two ships owned by Carnival, the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess, experienced the worst known coronavirus outbreaks out of any vessels. Holland America’s MS Zandaam dealt with a number of cases as well, and that ship is also owned by Carnival. Hundreds of people from both the Diamond Princess and Grand Princess eventually tested positive, and at least twenty were confirmed to have died of the virus as of the time of the news report. The MS Zandaam attempted to return to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale after four deaths and several cases of coronavirus were confirmed.
Carnival expected significant financial losses due to the pandemic.
Lawsuits following a fatal incident on a ship
Wrongful death cases involve a situation where the victim has died, and certain family members are able to bring a civil case on their behalf. They can be compensated for things like funeral and burial expenses, medical treatment, and the victim’s future lost earnings. Most lawyers who handle personal injury cases can file wrongful death cases as well.
Get help from a local lawyer in Florida
Some attorneys focus their practice on cruise ship incidents and maritime law. For more information about this unique area of the law, contact Madalon Law.