As of February, since the first major case of the outbreak on board the Diamond Princess, the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has deemed traveling by cruise to be dangerous because people are more susceptible to being exposed to the virus. Concerns about the virus continue to escalate, many cruise ship passengers and crew members are facing life-changing and life-threatening consequences of contracting coronavirus (COVID-19). Due to the fast spread of the potentially lethal virus, many workers onboard cruise ships are concerned for their health. If you are a crew member who has been diagnosed with the virus, consult with an experienced maritime lawyer as soon as possible.
According to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Report, coronavirus was likely transmitted first from the passengers to the crewmembers and “subsequently spread among the crew, especially among food service workers.” Cruise ships are often environments for outbreaks of infectious diseases because of the closed environment and the constant interaction with travelers from various countries. It is important that workers follow safety guidelines and precautions.
If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with coronavirus onboard a cruise ship, it is crucial that you speak with an attorney. If you are a maritime worker onboard a cruise ship and you have been diagnosed and tested positive, consulting with an experienced maritime attorney can help you and your family during this unprecedented time.
Coronavirus Cruise Ship Lawyers in Seattle, WA
During this time, it is important that everyone is careful so that they reduce the chance of transmitting and/or contracting COVID-19. When we are not careful or act irresponsibly, we can be negligent and hurt an individual in the process. When an individual is diagnosed with COVID-19, it is crucial for all onboard to be careful and take precautions; having medical procedures in place is vital to minimize the spread of the disease. When a captain, crew member, passenger, or even the cruise ship company does not follow proper guidance and protocol, all onboard are at risk of infection.
Whether you’re a crewmember onboard the cruise ship or a passenger, it is vital to know your legal options if you have contracted COVID-19 or lost a loved one due to the carelessness or negligence of the cruise ship company. An experienced maritime attorney can help fight for your rights and for the compensation you deserve. At BOATLAW, LLP, our dedicated maritime attorneys know the ins and outs of litigating against cruise ship companies and individuals. Call us at 1-800-262-8529 for a free initial consultation with an experienced maritime lawyer at BOATLAW, LLP.
Coronavirus cases on cruise ships need to be assessed on a case by case basis. At BOATLAW, LLP, our skilled attorneys want to assure you that we are here to help you with your coronavirus cruise trip claim. We have offices in Seattle and Bellingham, Washington, San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, and Portland, Oregon. At BOATLAW, LLP, you will always be represented by a Washington, California, Alaska, or Oregon-licensed lawyer highly experienced in maritime law who has a strong track record of success. Do not hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-262-8529.
Information Center
Transmission of COVID-19
As the pandemic continues to unfold, new information is being learned on how it spreads, however, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), the novel coronavirus is mostly transmitted the following ways:
- Between people who are in close contact with one another.
- Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Furthermore, the CDC states that a person may contract coronavirus (COVID-19) by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own face (i.e., mouth, nose, eyes).
Victims of Transmission Onboard Cruise Ship
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) onboard a cruise ship, you should speak to a maritime attorney promptly. Consulting with an experienced maritime lawyer can help you understand your legal options and what you may be entitled to. At BOATLAW, LLP, our maritime attorneys have the years of experience to competently, efficiently, and successfully handle your cruise ship claim.
The potentially lethal virus can be spread in an enclosed environment, such as a cruise ship. Due to the severity of the virus, it is essential that everyone onboard a cruise ship follows safety procedures such as staying in your cabin if you have a fever and notifying the medical center (See CDC and Cruise Travel). Not following proper procedures and neglecting the safety and well-being of others (e.g., passengers, crew, etc.) can cause someone onboard to contract the virus. When an individual or entity is negligent, they fail to exercise a level of care that is reasonable under the circumstances, and as a result, it causes injury or harm to another party. Consult with an experienced attorney to find out more information on whether to seek financial compensation for your cruise trip incident.
Additional Resources
Cruise Ship Travel – Follow the link to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention site to learn more information about how infectious diseases, including COVID-19, spread on cruise ships.
Public Health Responses to COVID-19 Outbreaks on Cruise Ships – The Weekly report is about the spread of COVID-19 on cruise ships, specifically the Diamond Princess and Grand Princess. The report also includes data that shows how the lethal virus has spread since the date of detection when the Diamond Princess docked in Yokohama, Japan. Some of the factors that facilitate the spread on cruise ships can include “mingling of travelers from multiple geographic regions and the closed nature of a cruise ship environment.”
Coronavirus Claims Attorney in the Pacific Northwest
Consulting with an experienced maritime attorney can help you determine your legal options. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with coronavirus onboard a cruise ship, seek the help of a skilled attorney at BOATLAW, LLP. Our attorneys will take the time to review your case and help you navigate through these difficult times. At BOATLAW, LLP, we care about the safety and health of our clients and their families. We work tirelessly to find a resolution that provides reasonable compensation in both the short-term and long-term.
It is imperative that you consult with an experienced maritime attorney. Prosecuting claims against cruise ship companies for cruise ship injuries/incidents is not for the inexperienced. It is important that if you were injured on a cruise ship, you are advised by a qualified attorney. Additionally, if you are a crew member of a cruise ship and you were hurt by the incident while on duty, consult with a qualified attorney at BOATLAW, LLP to discuss what you may be entitled to. Give us a call at 1-800-262-8529 to schedule a free initial consultation or fill out a free case review form at the bottom of the page. At BOATLAW, LLP, you will always be represented by a Washington, California, Alaska, or Oregon-licensed lawyer highly experienced in maritime law who has a strong track record of success.
This article was last updated on Wednesday, April 15, 2020.
