The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the way of life for most people in this country. Most industries have also been affected, and our economy has taken and dramatic hit during this ongoing health crisis. The cruise industry has come under incredible scrutiny for how they have handled coronavirus outbreaks onboard their vessels. The award-winning team at Colson Hicks Eidson has vast experience handling cruise ship accidents and illness cases in Florida and throughout the United States. Here, we want to discuss changes to the cruise industry and how this may affect you.
The CDC extends a “no sail” order for cruise ships
Over the last few weeks, we have discussed several lawsuits that have arisen regarding how cruise lines have failed to protect passengers from contracting COVID-19. Unfortunately, cruise ships provide terrific incubators for coronavirus due to the close proximity of everybody on board.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently announced an extension of a “no sail order” for all cruise ships carrying more than 250 passengers in waters in which the US has jurisdiction. According to a statement from CDC Director Robert Redfield, “The measures we are taking today to stop the spread of COVID-19 are necessary to protect Americans, and we will continue to provide critical public health guidance to the industry to limit the impacts of COVID-19 on its workforce throughout the remainder of this pandemic.”
Cruise ships cannot resume operations until the earliest of these three conditions is met:
- The Secretary of Health and Human Services declares that there is no longer a COVID-19 public health emergency.
- The CDC director rescinds the “no sail order.”
- 100 days from the publication of the “no sail order.”
COVID-19 will still be a risk
Even when the cruise lines are allowed to resume operation, COVID-19 will still be a serious threat to the industry. Certainly, there will be people willing to take cruises. However, will cruise lines act responsibly and take measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus onboard their vessels? Will cruise ship staff take necessary steps and alert passengers when they discover a case of coronavirus on board a ship?
If cruise lines fail to act responsibly once they are allowed to sail in US waters again, they could be held liable for any injuries and illnesses that occur to passengers.
Let us get you through this today
If you or somebody you care about has been injured or become ill due to the careless or negligent actions a cruise line, seek legal assistance today. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our nationally recognized firm has vast experience handling crew ship injury cases, and we are ready to investigate your claim today. Our goal is to secure any compensation you are entitled to, which can include:
- Coverage of any medical bills related to a cruise ship injury or illness
- Compensation for lost income if you cannot work
- Mental anguish damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages
When you need a cruise ship injury attorney in Florida or throughout the United States, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400.
