Individuals purchasing tickets for cruises often dream of low-stress vacations. They want to indulge in food and alcohol without worrying about their accommodations or transportation. They want to travel the high seas or navigable rivers without needing to plan thoroughly for each stage of the trip.
Travelers enjoying a cruise sometimes have truly unfortunate experiences while on board. Sexual assaults on cruise ships are more common than people realize. The proliferation of alcohol and the lack of legal clarity that comes from being out on the open ocean can lead to impulse crimes and victims who feel unsure of what rights they actually have. In many cases, those sexually assaulted on a cruise ship may have grounds to claim that negligent security was to blame for their assault.
What is negligent security?
There are many ways that the companies operating cruise ships may fail to provide adequate security for passengers. Negligent security could relate to the failure to properly vet employees by conducting thorough, even international, background checks.
Additionally, screening passengers is a concern some companies overlook. Not all cruise lines check the criminal backgrounds of those staying on a cruise ship for a week or longer with other people who could be in an impaired or vulnerable state.
Additionally, the failure to have adequate staff on hand to ensure the security of passengers can constitute negligence. With the high rates of assaults reported on cruise ships, companies should install cameras in public locations and train staff members to identify potential drugging incidents. The failure to take these necessary steps for passenger safety may ultimately constitute negligence.
Negligence makes the company liable
The victim of a sexual assault may have injuries and other medical documentation affirming that the assault occurred. However, they may not be able to identify the person who assaulted them. Even if they do, the location of the assault and the nationality of the assailant could make straightforward prosecution or a lawsuit against the assailant all but impossible to achieve.
The aftermath of a sexual assault on vacation could include medical challenges and mental health issues. Cruise ship passengers who suffer sexual assaults while on board may be able to seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the company operating the vessel. By proving that the company was negligent in its security practices, they could potentially seek financial compensation for the impact of the assault.
Seeking justice after a crime on a cruise ship can be a very complicated and confusing process. Victims of cruise ship assaults often need to consult with lawyers familiar with this highly specialized area of law to evaluate their options for justice after an assault on the high seas.