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No one wants to think about it, but bad stuff sometimes happens on vacations.  In the blink of an eye, a dream trip can turn into a nightmare of serious or even fatal injury.  And when you’re in a foreign land or at sea, different rules might apply when it comes to holding wrongdoers accountable.

Decades of Immunity Overturned

Cruise lines take advantage of numerous legal loopholes to avoid liability for harm caused by their negligence.  One of the most egregious examples is near-immunity from lawsuits stemming from medical care provided on board.  That may have changed last month, however, when a federal appeals court ruled that the law protecting ships and medical staff is outdated.  Modern cruise ships often have advanced facilities capable of rendering high-quality care and, according to the court, should be accountable for their errors.

Shipboard Safety Scrutinized

Nearly two years ago, the infamous Carnival Triumph drifted at sea for days without power or functioning toilets, causing horrendous and unsafe conditions for thousands of passengers.  Outbreaks of illness aboard cruise ships are not unusual.  Still, cruises remain a popular vacation option.  If you are planning on taking a cruise, be sure to take a few simple precautions to stay as safe as possible.

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