A Louisiana native has filed a lawsuit against American Cruise Lines for an incident that he claims cost him part of his right thumb.
The vacationer was hoping to enjoy an uneventful cruise on the Queen of the West from Portland to Clarkston. Instead, he ended up suffering an injury that was both painful and disfiguring.
According to the lawsuit, the man was leaving the cabin he was in when the vessel collided with a dock as it moved into port at The Dulles, Oregon. The victim believes that is what caused the cabin’s metal door to slam shut, partially amputating the man’s thumb.
The lawsuit also claims that the door itself “was defective and unreasonably dangerous to passengers in the cabin.” It apparently lacked any kind of resistance — like a pressure bar — that could have kept it from swinging shut or closing violently without warning. In essence, the lawsuit alleges that the cruise line should have known the heavy door was dangerous to passengers and done something to make it somewhat safer.
The victim is suing for $300,000 for the injury due to its severity, including the pain and suffering he endured as well as the permanent disfigurement and the physical limitations he will have to endure for the rest of his life. The cruise line has declined to comment on the litigation.
Suing a cruise ship for an injury isn’t an easy process. Under maritime law, however, the cruise ship can be found liable for a passenger’s injuries if a reasonably careful operator could have foreseen the possible injury or if there had been previous incidents that would lend strength to a case.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, find out more about your legal right to compensation for those injuries.