A wise man once said “Assumptions are dangerous things to make.”
We assume a lot. When we take a trip aboard a multi-million dollar cruise ship for example, we assume we are safe from accidents and that we would receive exceptional medical care should we become ill. That is not entirely accurate.
Maritime medical malpractice have languished in limbo for many years, with victims grasping for ways to sue negligent physicians and other healthcare professionals employed on cruise ships. But a decision on Monday, November 10, 2014 by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals of the 11th Circuit in Atlanta says cruise lines should not be immune from lawsuits alleging medical malpractice. See the decision here: USCourts.gov
Cruise lines have enjoyed immunity from many types of negligent actions for years, and this decision is truly historic. Because most laws affecting negligence are state statutes, they only pertain to events which occur within the boundaries of the state.
One of the key portions of the decision, written by Justice Stanley Marcus, states, in part:
“…..we now confront state of the art cruise ships that house thousands of people and operate as floating cities, complete with well-stocked modern infirmaries and urgent care centers. In place of truly independent doctors and nurses, we must now acknowledge that medical professionals routinely work for corporate masters. And whereas ships historically went ‘off the grid’ when they set sail, modern technology enables distant ships to communicate instantaneously with the mainland in meaningful ways.”
Negligence, injuries, liability, accidents, or medical malpractice occurring at sea or on foreign soil are unique, and a victim should seek the advice of an expert attorney in the area of cruise ship negligence.
Cruise Ship Negligence and Medical Malpractice are two areas of special focus for the Law Office of Lazarus and Lazarus. Gary and Arleen Lazarus have been guarding the rights of victims of sickness and injuries sustained on cruise ships for over 20 years. Their experience in south Florida and their knowledge of maritime and malpractice law has gained them sterling reputations in the area of cruise ship negligence.
A phone call to 954-356-0006 will put you in touch with attorneys Gary and Arleen, and their caring, experienced staff. They will be happy to listen to your story and recommend the best course of action for your specific situation.
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