Safety On Cruise Ships (Part B)
Cruise ships are often described as “little cities.” While they may have all the culture and vibrancy of an urban center, they also have the crime.
With so many passengers distracted by R&R, theft is common. The anonymity that comes with a large grouping of strangers from various ports can tempt foul play. Unfortunately this is always a concern when a passenger is reported missing or seen falling overboard.Even so,these are still rare occurrences compared to incidents of physical assault by staff or passengers.
Be sure to report any attack or sexual assault that occurs on a cruise ship, whether or not it results in personal injury. Physical confrontation that is sudden and traumatic may seem unreal, especially while you are on vacation. The fact is that approximately 75% of all crimes on Miami-based cruise ships were rapes.
The cruise line and other entities may be held responsible in many cases, especially if a staff member was the perpetrator.
Recent court findings have upheld the duty of care clause in finding cruise ships liable. This precedent, along with pending federal legislation, will probably encourage operators to take more care in shipboard security measures. Still, a relaxed, holiday atmosphere, plus high alcohol consumption and the privacy of staterooms make sexual assault a convenient crime. A personal injury lawyer can tell you if you have a case.
Communicable Illness
The environment and confinement issues can also contribute to the spread of illness or disease. This situation becomes egregious when docking at new ports, where shipboard quarantines are often necessary.
Recent outbreaks of norovirus and H1N1 flu are prominent examples. Cruise lines are very aware of the implications of exposing populations to viruses and food-borne diseases. They take visible steps to disinfect areas of the ship where physical transmission can occur.
This may not prevent you from contracting E. coli or salmonella, however. Handling and preparing food at sea carries risk from improper storage and unregulated foreign sources. Some seasoned travelers feel that cruise lines can do more to eliminate food poisoning and the other accidents and injuries that passengers face. Maritime and personal injury lawyers are working to ensure that cruise ships improve their safety records.
If you have been the victim of a cruise ship accident, sexual assault, or other personal injury at sea, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney who can explain your legal rights and options.
When selecting a cruise ship injury attorney you’ll want to ask critical questions such as: how long have you been practicing law; do you have experience with cruise ship accident cases; what is the biggest settlement or verdict you have won?