Cruise Ship Infectious Disease Attorney in Miami, Florida

Fighting for Passengers Harmed by Illnesses and Toxic Exposures at Sea

For over 25 years, Thomas Scolaro has fought for cruise ship passengers who have suffered from preventable infectious diseases due to unsanitary conditions and negligence. Scolaro Law is dedicated to holding cruise lines accountable and securing justice for those affected.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Infectious Diseases & Toxic Exposure on Cruise Ships

Cruise vacations are meant to be relaxing, but the enclosed environment of a ship can quickly become a breeding ground for infectious diseases and toxic exposure hazards. From legionnaire’s disease to carbon monoxide poisoning, passengers and crew members face serious health risks if cruise lines fail to uphold safety standards.

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Why Choose Scolaro Law for Your Cruise Ship Illness or Exposure Case?

Leading Cruise Ship Lawyer in Miami, Florida

At Scolaro Law, we are relentless advocates for those harmed by cruise lines’ negligence. With decades of experience handling complex maritime injury cases, we have recovered millions for clients facing catastrophic losses due to unsafe conditions at sea. We fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation our clients deserve, no matter how powerful the opposition.

Tom Scolaro has unmatched experience handling complex carbon monoxide (CO) exposure and poisoning cases, ranging from wrongful death to traumatic brain injuries. His accumulated knowledge in these cases allows us to take on cruise lines when their negligence results in toxic exposure that harms passengers and crew members

Common Infectious Diseases & Toxic Exposures on Cruise Ships

  • Legionnaires’ Disease – A severe pneumonia caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria from contaminated cruise ship water systems like hot tubs, showers, and cooling towers. Symptoms include fever, coughing, and respiratory failure.
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Faulty engines and exhaust leaks can expose passengers to deadly, odorless CO gas, causing headaches, dizziness, confusion, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness or death. Long-term exposure may lead to brain injury and organ damage.
  • Chemical Leaks & Pool Chemicals – Mishandled chlorine and industrial chemicals can cause skin burns, respiratory distress, and toxic reactions due to improper storage or poor safety protocols.
  • Poor Air Quality & Mold Exposure – Black mold and faulty ventilation can trigger asthma, allergic reactions, and long-term lung damage, worsening pre-existing health conditions.
  • Asbestos Exposure – Older cruise ships may contain asbestos, which, when disturbed, can lead to lung cancer and mesothelioma, often developing decades after exposure.
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Why Cruise Lines Liable for Illness & Toxic Exposure

Cruise lines owe a duty of care to passengers and crew members to ensure a safe and healthy environment. When cruise lines fail to meet health and safety standards, they can be held liable for injuries resulting from their negligence. Common examples of this negligence include:

Poor Sanitation & Hygiene Practices

Failure to maintain proper hygiene, including unclean dining facilities or contaminated water systems, can lead to disease outbreaks like Norovirus or Legionnaires’ disease.

Contaminated Water Systems

Improper maintenance of water systems, such as hot tubs or cooling towers, can cause the growth of Legionella bacteria, which can lead to Legionnaires’ disease or other waterborne illnesses.

Failure to Provide Adequate Medical Care

Cruise lines have a duty to promptly address illnesses and toxic exposures onboard. Failure to provide adequate medical attention can worsen injuries and lead to long-term health complications.

Lack of Proper Maintenance on HVAC, Refrigeration, or Fuel-Burning Systems

Malfunctioning or poorly maintained air conditioning, ventilation, and engine systems can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, mold growth, or exposure to harmful fumes.

Failure to Warn Passengers of Known Risks or Outbreaks

When cruise lines are aware of a health hazard or illness onboard, they are required to warn passengers and take action to prevent further exposure. Failure to do so can lead to avoidable illnesses and injuries.

Non-compliance with CDC, WHO, or Maritime Safety Regulations

Cruise lines must comply with strict safety standards and health regulations set by the CDC, WHO, and maritime safety organizations. Non-compliance puts passengers and crew at risk.

Failure to Remove or Properly Contain Asbestos

Older cruise ships may still contain asbestos, a toxic substance that can become airborne when disturbed. Failing to remove or properly contain asbestos poses a severe risk to passengers and crew, leading to long-term respiratory illnesses and cancers.

Our experienced legal team is here to help you win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Legal Representation for All Types of Cruise Ship Injuries

Cruise Lines we Sue

We’ve taken on some of the biggest cruise lines to fight for justice. No matter their size or influence, we stand firm to secure the fair outcomes our clients deserve.

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean
  • MSC Cruises
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Viking Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Seabourn Cruise Line
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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Give Us A Call

(305) 424-2300

Proven Results in Toxic Exposure Cases on Cruise Ships

Highlight Cases

While not all of our toxic exposure cases have occurred on cruise ships, our firm has successfully litigated numerous high-profile cases involving carbon monoxide poisoning, demonstrating our successful handling of complex toxic exposure claims.

View All Case Results

Carbon Monoxide Posioning

$11.75 Million

Husband died, and wife suffered severe injuries due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

$1.4 Million

 Multiple individuals suffered CO poisoning injuries ranging from severe to minor; Attorney Tom Scolaro secured a global settlement for all victims.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Confidential Settlement

A student exposed to high levels of CO suffered significant symptoms, preventing them from continuing their education.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“My family and I are extremely blessed to have had Tom and his team represent us during the most difficult time of our lives.”

Tom’s tireless work ethic was evident, revealed to us through constant communication and updates throughout the lengthy process. Tom handled our case as I would have handled it, if I had his legal expertise, with relentless determination, ferociousness, professionalism and integrity. That being said, his kindness, compassion and transparent genuine dedication to me and my family showed in every interaction. For whomever is reading this, and is considering being represented by him and his team, I will leave you with this, making this decision can and will alter the trajectory of your life. It has for me and my family, I wish you well, choose wisely.

Fran

What Our Clients Are Saying

“Highly Talented, Honest, Compassionate Lawyer”

My wife suffered a serious injury when we were visiting Miami. We hired an injury lawyer who failed to get us a satisfactory settlement after many months. We transferred our case to Tom and his team. Tom, Renaud and the rest of the team care deeply about their clients and go far beyond the client/attorney relationship. Our experience with Tom and Renaud was very satisfactory from the first moment we consulted with Tom. Tom and Renaud always responded quickly and effectively to all our questions. They did a brilliant work investigating and researching evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing for mediation. Tom hired a professional photographer to produce a short documentary video to highlight the amount of pain and suffering which my wife and every member of our family have suffered due to the injury. This video in addition to the many talents of Tom have ensured the satisfactory settlement which we got. Tom helped us to achieve a very satisfactory settlement, which was more than double what our first attorney managed to negotiate. The amount of investigation and research which Tom and Renaud put in our case was unbelievable. The way and strategy that Tom used to negotiated with the insurance company was amazing. Tom is an honest, compassionate, and extremely talented attorney, and above all he is a great negotiator. I would highly recommend him, and his amazing team, to anyone who needs a personal injury lawyer. 

O.R.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“I would highly recommend Scolaro Law to anyone that needs someone on their side.”

Tom and his whole team were great. My suit took a long time, and they explained and guided me through every step. They were patient and kind, and made sure it was as easy for me as they possibly could. They didn’t just care about how much of a settlement they could get; they cared about the bottom dollar for Me. They didn’t just work the case; they understood it. Their knowledge of the legal system, what works and what doesn’t, is hard to find. I would highly recommend Scolaro Law to anyone that needs someone on their side.

Maria

What Our Clients Are Saying

“It was truly a pleasure to work with all the team of Scolaro Law.”

From our very first consultation, Thomas Scolaro was knowledgeable, compassionate, and genuinely invested in my case. Tom and his legal assistant Barbie took the time to explain every step of the legal process, ensuring I fully understood my options and potential outcomes. They were always prompt in responding to any questions or concerns I had, making me feel supported and well-informed throughout. Thomas’s expertise and dedication truly showed in the handling of my case. He fought tirelessly to achieve the best possible result, and thanks to hard work of all Scolaro law team, the outcome exceeded my expectations. It was clear that the team not only knew the law inside and out but also genuinely cared about my well-being. If you’re looking for a professional, compassionate, and highly skilled attorney, I wholeheartedly recommend Thomas Scolaro and I am grateful to have had him by my side.

Nataliia

Your Partner in Navigating Complex Cruise Ship Litigation

Why Scolaro Law Relies on Experts in Toxic Exposure Cases

Toxic exposure cases, particularly those involving carbon monoxide poisoning, Legionnaires’ disease, or asbestos-related illnesses, require a high level of expertise. At Scolaro Law, we work closely with a network of top-tier medical and scientific experts who specialize in toxicology, environmental safety, and maritime health. These experts play a critical role in:

Identifying the Source of Exposure 

Toxic exposure cases often involve multiple potential sources of harm. Our experts help trace the origin of the exposure, whether it’s from a malfunctioning HVAC system, mold growth, or improper chemical handling.

Medical Diagnosis & Prognosis

 Experts in toxicology and medicine assist in diagnosing illnesses caused by exposure, ensuring that we present accurate, detailed medical evidence to demonstrate the long-term effects of toxic exposure on victims.

Building a Strong Scientific Case

Toxic exposure cases require unshakeable scientific evidence to support claims. Our experts work with us to present compelling evidence that proves negligence and causation, allowing us to hold cruise lines accountable.

Fighting for Maximum Compensation

In many cases, expert testimony is essential for persuading juries and judges. Our experts are experienced in testifying in court, delivering understandable explanations of complex scientific issues. Through this collaboration, we are able to build the strongest case possible, ensuring that our clients receive the best compensation.

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Contact Scolaro Law Today

If you’ve been exposed to an infectious disease while on board a cruise ship, let Scolaro Law help. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.

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