When someone brings a wrongful death action in Florida, they will usually ask for both pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages. Pecuniary damages are damages that can be specific and represent a quantifiable monetary amount. For example, pecuniary damages may be awarded in the amount of a deceased’s medical bills, or to…
Earlier this month, a federal appellate court issued a written opinion in a case that was filed by the surviving family members of a ship worker who died after he fell 50 feet when he stepped through a hole in the ship’s grating. The case presents a relevant issue to…
In Tarasewicz v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., a welder and pipefitter who was a Polish national suffered an ischemic stroke while working aboard a cruise ship off the coast of Florida. Although the man was apparently misdiagnosed initially, he was later removed from the ship and treated at a Fort…
In Gozleveli v. Kohnke, a Florida couple bought two jet skis in 2012. Following the couple’s purchase, their 26-year-old son allowed a male friend and a 42-year-old woman with no personal watercraft experience to operate one of the jet skis. The couple’s son apparently informed the friend that the woman…
General maritime law provides that a seaman can recover compensation for food, lodging and medical services that arise when injured or taken ill while working on a ship. These forms of compensation must continue through recuperation until the seaman achieves maximum medical recovery. “Maintenance and cure” under general maritime law…
As a coastal state, Florida derives much of its economy from sea-based commerce and activities. Cruise ships, commercial vessels, and pleasure boats all provide jobs to Florida residents and attract tourists from around the world. Owners and operators of all different types of vessels owe a duty of care to…
News of the now-infamous Carnival cruise ship, Triumph, has filled Twitter accounts, web pages, and air waves with tales of long lines for food and failed toilets. Pictures of disembarked travelers kissing the ground wearing Carnival robes marked the end of five days at sea floating in the Gulf of…
The tragic wreck that killed 32 passengers and crew off the coast of Giglio, Italy, has led the cruise industry to create ten new safety policies. The main change is for passengers to undergo “muster drills”, or passenger emergency drills, before the boat leaves the dock, as opposed to within…