Cruise ships can be incredible experiences. Beautiful ships are packed full of activities, entertainment, food, pools, kids’ clubs, and a slew of extras. Ships dock at various locations around the world and offer patrons numerous excursions, from hiking and sight-seeing to water sports and parasailing.
Cruisers place all their trust in the cruise ship staff and captain. They expect the ship to be clean, the food safely prepared, the ship to stay afloat. They also expect the activities associated with their ship to be safe. Unfortunately, in December 2019, passengers’ trust was grossly misplaced.
The attorneys at Colson Hicks Eidson believe cruise ships should honor their responsibilities. Recognized as one of the top litigation firms in the country, Colson Hicks Eidson will aggressively seek to secure the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured due to a cruise ship’s negligence, you need a personal injury attorney in Miami, Florida, fluent in international maritime law. You need Colson Hicks Eidson.
Despite Warnings, Royal Caribbean Went Ahead with the Excursion to White Island
White Island has been a popular tourist sight in New Zealand for years. Taking a side trip to the island shouldn’t have been out of the ordinary during the Royal Caribbean cruise, Ovation of the Seas.
Except, for weeks, several geological and scientific organizations were warning that there was increased volcanic activity.
During an excursion, the dangerous volcano erupted, spewing boiling clouds of acid gas, ash, and rock. There were 47 people on the island. 22 lost their lives. Survivors experienced severe and life-threatening burns that have caused disfiguring and scarring, reduced use of limbs, and ongoing mental trauma.
Royal Caribbean Hides Behind the Small Print
Royal Caribbean is seeking to block suits against them in the US. They have applied to the federal court in Australia to stop victims from recouping any damages caused by their alleged gross negligence. In the filings, Royal Caribbean states there is a clause in their tickets that states only the Australian state of New South Wales can hear disputes in the disaster.
Victims from and Maryland, who were severely burned in the disaster, filed a suit in Miami, Florida, accusing Royal Caribbean of failing to keep passengers safe by allowing a day trip to White Island despite several warnings it might erupt.
Royal Caribbean is the largest cruise liner in the world. In 2019, the global cruise holding company made approximately 10.95 billion US dollars, the highest annual revenue yet.
Colson Hicks Eidson Are Here for You
Maritime law and admiralty law can be complicated. Big cruise liners will take advantage of international law and seek to minimize their responsibility. That’s why you need Colson Hicks Eidson on your side. Ranked as one of the country’s top litigation firms, Colson Hick Eidson has high-profile experience nationally and internationally. The maritime lawyers will aggressively fight to see you and your family recover the damages you deserve. Don’t let a large cruise liner intimidate you into a smaller settlement than you’re entitled. When you need a maritime lawyer in Miami, Florida, call Colson Hicks Eidson today. Contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400. Let us fight for you.
