The plaintiff was working as a seaman aboard one of the defendant cruise line’s vessels when he became seriously ill during a three-day period while the ship was traveling in Alaska.
Under maritime law, the cruise line had an obligation to provide prompt and adequate medical treatment for illnesses or injuries suffered by the seaman while aboard the vessel. According to the case, however, the cruise line failed to properly diagnose the plaintiff’s condition or send him ashore where he could receive appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
During this time, the plaintiff was suffering from a sentinel bleed in his brain. Instead of recognizing the seriousness of his neurological condition, he was diagnosed aboard the ship with acute gastroenteritis and allergic meningitis.
His condition continued to deteriorate.
A Critical Delay in Emergency Medical Care
According to the case, the cruise line subsequently failed to airlift the plaintiff from the vessel for hospital treatment when it became clear that he was suffering from a ruptured left anterior communicating artery aneurysm.
Rather than immediately evacuating him for emergency medical care, the vessel continued its journey so passengers could see a glacier.
The delay had devastating consequences.
The plaintiff suffered severe and debilitating neurological deficits, including profound brain damage resulting from the aneurysm and consequential meningitis and hydrocephalus.
His injuries permanently changed virtually every aspect of his life. The damage was so profound that he would not eat unless instructed to do so and would not speak unless spoken to. His condition required continuous attendant care.
Securing the Lifetime Care He Requires
A lawsuit was filed against the cruise line seeking accountability for the failure to provide the plaintiff with prompt and adequate medical care.
Following the filing of the lawsuit, the cruise line agreed to resolve the case through a confidential settlement.
Although the amount of the settlement remains confidential, the recovery was sufficient to provide the plaintiff with the care he requires for the remainder of his life.
The case demonstrates the potentially catastrophic consequences that can result when a seriously ill seaman does not receive timely medical treatment aboard a vessel. It also reflects the importance of pursuing sufficient compensation when a maritime injury leaves a worker requiring extensive medical treatment and continuous care for the rest of his life.