Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Blog
A recent article has shed the spotlight on the world’s “dirtiest“ cruise ships, detailing unsanitary conditions that pose risks to passengers. The report mentions the Vessel Sanitation Program established by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which includes a rating system. It assigns cleanliness scores up to 100 for cruise ships to prevent outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses. In its latest assessments, 10 ships scored below 89. The CDC views any score under 85 to be “unsatisfactory.”
For passengers and potential travelers in Florida, knowing about these health and safety hazards is critical. The facts can help you avoid problems onboard, and you’ll also have guidance on what to do if you suffer harm because of unsanitary conditions. You’ll start by consulting with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer, but an overview is useful.
Examples of Dirty Conditions Onboard
Recent inspections reveal unsanitary conditions on some cruise ships that are concerning for passenger health. Reports show:
· Alarming cleanliness issues
· Unclean food preparation areas
· Pest infestations
· Poorly maintained facilities.
These findings emphasize the need for passengers to be cautious when choosing a cruise and for cruise lines to prioritize sanitary practices. Because the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program regularly inspects and scores cruise ships to ensure passenger safety, review this information frequently before your trip.
How Unsanitary Conditions Put Passengers at Risk
Dirty conditions onboard can lead to serious health problems, particularly gastrointestinal illnesses that can spread rapidly in close quarters. Inadequate sanitation, contaminated food, and unclean public areas increase the likelihood of infections, foodborne illnesses, and respiratory issues.
Cruise passengers in Florida should be aware of these risks before booking and take steps to minimize exposure, such as observing sanitation practices onboard and opting for lines with higher cleanliness scores.
Your Rights After Suffering Illness on a Cruise
Passengers who experience illness due to unsanitary conditions on a Miami cruise ship may have legal options. Cruise lines have a responsibility to provide a safe and clean environment, and failure to do so can constitute grounds for a personal injury claim.
If you became ill due to dirty conditions on a cruise, filing a claim involves several key steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: When you visit a health care provider, you will have medical records as documentation of the treatment you received onboard or after disembarkation.
- Document Evidence: Gather evidence of the unsanitary conditions, such as photos, video, and witness statements.
- Report the Incident: Notify the cruise line as soon as possible about the issue and your resulting illness.
Contact a Miami Cruise Ship Accident Attorney Right Away
Another important step is to consult with a lawyer about your situation as soon as possible since deadlines can be quite short. By consulting with a cruise accident attorney at Gerson & Schwartz, PA, you can better understand your rights and pursue compensation for damages you incurred. Please contact our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL, to set up your free consultation. You can reach our team at (305) 371-6000 or via our website.