We have been fielding numerous calls from cruise-goers concerned about Ebola. The general maritime law covers this situation, as it does any communicable disease. If the shipowner knows or should know, about any passenger who is exhibiting Ebola-like symptoms, a shipowner has the duty to investigate the situation and do whatever is reasonably possible to lessen or eliminate the danger to other passengers. Whether it be getting the infected passenger off the vessel if possible, or quarantined, has to be determined in each particular instance. But, the shipowner has a duty to exercise reasonable care on behalf of the other passengers so that they do not become infected. This generally holds true for any similar communicable disease.
If the shipowner breaches its obligation resulting in other passengers becoming infected then the shipowner becomes liable in damages for pain, suffering, medical expenses, mental anguish, embarrassment, loss of wages and a full array of money damages. If the shipowner’s conduct is reckless or extreme, it can expose itself to punitive damages which can be severe.
The bottom line is though, that the general maritime law deals with situations such as Ebola in an effort to protect persons attempting to traverse the waterways of the world in safety and peace. If you have been affected by the Ebola virus while travelling aboard a cruise ship, the maritime attorneys and cruise ship lawyers of O’Bryan Law can help you fight for your rights.
