In order to set sail in 2022, many cruise lines are operating their ships at limited capacity. While the idea behind limiting capacity is to reduce the risk ofCOVID-19 transmission, the number of passengers onboard is just one of numerous relevant factors.
It is also important to keep in mind that the risk of COVID-19 transmission is just one of the risks passengers face while cruising. From food poisoning to injuries from falls and crew member assaults, passengers face a variety of other illness and injury risks as well. Limiting capacity doesn’t necessarily limit these risks either. So, while cruising on a half-empty ship might seem safer, this may not actually be the case.
Passengers Still Face Health and Safety Risks On Limited-Capacity Cruises
In fact, with fewer passengers and crew members onboard, cruising could actually be more dangerous in certain respects. For example, cleaning personnel might not be as careful if they don’t think the risk of COVID-19 transmission is as high, and a limited number of lifeguards, kitchen staff and other crew members could mean less oversight and less security. Combine these concerns with the fact that many cruise lines are struggling to hire qualified employees during the current labor shortage, and setting sail on a limited-capacity cruise suddenly doesn’t seem so appealing.
Protecting Your Rights If You Got Sick or Injured Onboard a Cruise Ship in 2022
Let’s say you went on a limited-capacity cruise in 2022, and let’s say you got sick or injured onboard. What do you need to know? Here is an overview of how to protect your legal rights after getting infected on a cruise or getting injured in a cruise ship accident:
- Do not let the cruise line tell you what to do. Whatever you do, do not let the cruise line tell you what to do. If the cruise line knows you have a claim, it will not advise you with your best interests in mind.
- Document your claim as much as possible. Do everything you can to document your claim.
- Try to find out if other passengers got sick or injured. If other passengers have also gotten sick or injured onboard, this could help with establishing the cruise line’s liability.
- Do not assume you have waived your legal rights. While cruise passengers may waive some rights, they do not waive their legal rights entirely. Sick and injured passengers can pursue claims in many cases.
- Do not wait until you get back to land to seek help. Seek medical treatment in the cruise ship’s medical facility, and contact a lawyer to discuss your legal rights while you are still onboard if possible.
If you have already returned from your cruise and are now trying to learn about your legal rights, it still may not be too late to take action. But, it is important that you speak with a lawyer promptly, and we recommend that you schedule a free consultation right away.
Talk to a Lawyer About Your Legal Rights
To discuss your legal rights with an experienced lawyer at Brais Law Firm, call 800-499-0551 or request a free consultation online. We don’t charge any fees unless we win.
