Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Blog
For cruise passengers with a heart condition, some figures about onboard cardiovascular events are concerning. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, while just 3% of visits to the ship medical center are for cardiovascular reasons, a whopping 80% of deaths on cruises are due to cardiovascular events.
This figure would not be acceptable for a land-based medical facility, so it reveals some significant shortcomings by cruise operators. You should discuss your options with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer if you or a loved one was affected, and read on for some important information.
Are Miami-Based Cruise Lines Prepared for 80% of Onboard Deaths?
A dream vacation turns into a nightmare when the heart fails, yet the statistics should motivate cruise operators to meet the required standard of medical care. While major Miami-based cruise lines market themselves as safe, the 80 percent rate means that they are not truly prepared for these predictable emergencies.
Under maritime law, these companies have a duty to provide reasonable medical care. When a ship lacks the necessary cardiac equipment or protocols, it may be held liable for negligence.
Limited Care on the Water Versus Miami Medical Standards
Passengers often assume that a cruise ship functions like a floating version of a city, including hospitals. However, onboard medical facilities are frequently limited in scope. For instance, they may lack:
- Advanced diagnostic tools
- Specialized cardiac units
- Specific emergency certifications
If a cruise line fails to staff its infirmary with qualified professionals capable of stabilizing a cardiac patient, the breach of medical standards becomes a matter of life and death.
Common Signs of Shipboard Medical Malpractice During a Cardiac Event
Identifying negligence during a cardiac emergency requires looking for specific red flags. Common signs of shipboard medical malpractice include:
- Delayed response from the medical team
- Lack of functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
- Misdiagnosis of clear heart attack symptoms
In many cases, the failure to coordinate an emergency medical evacuation to a mainland facility in Miami or the nearest port constitutes a breach of duty.
Filing a Cruise Ship Medical Negligence Claim in Miami
Most major cruise lines include a forum selection clause in their passenger tickets, requiring that all lawsuits be filed in Miami. An attorney who understands the specific jurisdictional rules of Miami courts and complex maritime statutes is an advantage during the legal process. Victims have the burden of proving the level of care and how the operator failed to meet safety requirements.
Trust Our Miami Cruise Ship Accident Attorney to Advocate for You
If you suffered injuries of any kind after receiving medical care on a cruise, you may have a claim. Pursuing your rights under maritime statutes and court rules requires professional guidance, making legal help critical if you do have a case. The team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA, possesses the experience necessary to hold cruise lines accountable for negligence. Please go online or call (305) 371-6000 to set up a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.