Cruise passengers often take comfort in the fact that cruise lines employ physicians and other medical professionals on their ships to take care of guests who may become ill during a sailing. However, what if these medical professionals were not even qualified to hold the positions they were hired for? Cruise ship injury attorneys are skilled in filing claims against cruise lines for failing to hire qualified also referred to as negligent hiring claims due from harms caused by ship employees if those employees cause passengers harm.
That’s exactly what happened onboard the Aidavita, which is part of the Carnival-owned cruise line called Aida Cruises. A 41-year-old nurse posed as a doctor for a five-year period. He produced a fake medical license to secure positions as a physician. Making more money, as well as elevating his status, was his primary motivation in leading this double life.
The nurse’s stint as a “doctor” included a ten-month period on the cruise ship. He provided more than 1,300 treatments to passengers. In 21 incidents, he provided injections or infusions. Aida Cruises clearly dropped the ball in this case. It appears as though the cruise line took the “doctor” at his word and did not perform a thorough background check to verify his credentials. In most cases, a doctor’s license may be easily checked on an online database and simple due diligence.