In these days and times, COVID-19 lawsuits are becoming quite the norm. Schrier Law Group is here to represent you should one need representation regarding the virus. In recent news, three Utahns and two Arizonians are suing Disney Cruise Line after they claimed that they contracted the coronavirus while onboard the Disney Fantasy ship in March 2020.
Four lawsuits have been filed in a federal court in Orlando, Florida, nearly a year after all five tourists were aboard the cruise ship. All of them said they contracted the virus and began feeling sick.
Disney’s Reaction
In a statement shared with the media, Disney Cruise Line spokesperson Cynthia Martinez says, “We disagree with the allegations and will respond to them in court. No guests or Crew reported symptoms of Covid-19 while aboard the Disney Fantasy during the March 7, 2020, sailing. Disney Cruise Line communicated health and safety information with guests in advance of and during their sailing and had numerous protocols in place at the time.
The lawsuit filed on behalf of Utah resident Kailee Taylor says that she was traveling with family members that suffered from autoimmune diseases and compromised health conditions placing them at greater risk of contracting and suffering from the effects of COVID-19.
Because of this, the lawsuit says Taylor contacted Disney Cruise Line to cancel or postpone her cruise but was told she could not, despite the COVID-19 concerns. Left without any option and having trusted Disney Cruise Line would not place her in harm’s way, she embarked on the cruise line’s vessel on March 7, 2020, according to her lawsuit.
According to the lawsuit, Taylor contracted COVID-19 while aboard the ship and began suffering symptoms of the virus as a result of Disney’s careless conduct.
Another Lawsuit Filed
The lawsuit filed on behalf of Scott and Jana Olson of Utah, says their child, who had an unspecified autoimmune disease, had to be taken to a hospital intensive care unit in mid-March with a high fever and difficulty breathing. On May 1st, the lawsuit says the child tested positive for COVID-19, as did the parents.
The lawsuits allege Disney Cruise Line knew of the virus and its contagiousness, as well as its effects, before the March cruise, but negligently exposed the victims to COVID-19. The cruise line is also accused of not enacting quarantine or physical distancing measures aboard the ship.
- eat in a buffet setting
- participate in group entertainment activities
- fully participate in the subject cruise as if there was no COVID-19 outbreak
Disney says its buffet line was closed on March 12, 2020.
The plaintiffs allege Disney Cruise Line was or should have been aware of a memorandum from the CDC that outlined guidance for ships at the onset of the pandemic. The lawsuit continues, saying Disney, like other cruise ships, received “an early, dire warning” of how easily the virus can spread on ocean liners after the first cases emerged aboard another vessel in Yokohama Harbor, Japan.
The lawsuits accuse Disney Cruise Line of negligent failure to warn of the dangers of COVID-19 aboard the ship and general negligence.
Disney Cruise Line shared an email sent to all guests on March 7, 2020, sailing received ahead of their cruise, that reads in part:
“Information continues to evolve quickly and we are closely following guidance from health officials and authorities in the ports of call we visit. As always, your health and safety, as well as that of our crew, is our primary focus. We are also committed to keeping you informed and updated, and are happy to address any questions you have in advance of your cruise and once you’re onboard.”
The email goes on to outline guidelines for those onboard, including temperature checks, screening for symptoms, extensive cleaning, and, if applicable, prohibiting guests to disembark in any Bahamian port if they had been to China, South Korea, Italy, or Iran in the 20 days before arrival. All four of those countries were the hardest hit by the virus at the time.
A future court date has not yet been set.
The Schrier Law Group is ready to handle any coronavirus / COVID-19 case and Schrier Law has the resources necessary to help you and your family score a successful outcome. It is important that you have your rights defended by someone who knows the law. Contact the Schrier Law Group for a personal injury attorney in Florida today!
