by Spencer Aronfeld | Apr 8, 2020 | Personal Injury News and Safety Resources
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has many of us on edge when it comes to doing basic tasks like going grocery shopping or ordering take-out. It has become increasingly competitive at grocery stores each week to obtain essentials before inventory runs out. On top of that, we now must worry about contracting COVID-19 while out in public. It can be a struggle to safely social distance while conducting what are essentially basic tasks. Anytime you go out in public, you run the risk of contracting the virus. It is recommended to bring Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer with you when going to the store. Make sure any surface you touch, such as your shopping cart, has been properly sanitized. Many people feel that gloves will adequately protect them. However, gloves will only work so long as you do not touch anything that has the virus on it and then touch your face. It is estimated that the coronavirus can live for a day on cardboard and up to three days on many metal and plastic surfaces, which means the groceries coming into your house could be contaminated. Disinfect your groceries. Anything that needs to be brought inside should be immediately disinfected, including items that go in the freezer. Studies have shown that the virus does not die from being contained in a freezer. If you do have to venture out in public to shop, make sure you are staying a safe distance away from everyone in the store, which is a recommended six feet. Many grocers are offering curbside pick-up and delivery services, and people are encouraged to take advantage of...
by Spencer Aronfeld | Apr 8, 2020 | Cruise Ship Accidents, Cruise Ship Injury
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has hit our nation’s economy hard with some industries being hit harder than others. Just this last week, a $2 trillion stimulus and economic relief bill was passed by Congress and signed by President Trump to help bring relief to those impacted by COVID-19. However, many argue that not all industries should be bailed out, and this includes the cruise line industry. These Miami-based companies are incorporated overseas, which should cost them their chance at U.S. taxpayer rescue. While airlines, hotels and other travel businesses deserve financial assistance during this time, the cruise ship industry does not for several reasons. According to the stimulus package, if a company wishes to be eligible to receive some of the $500 billion in aid at stake, that company must be certified as created or organized in the United States or within U.S. law, as well as having significant operations in the U.S. Most cruise companies are registered in foreign countries and not the U.S. Many of the major cruise ship companies, including Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, have headquarters in Miami, but they are incorporated in other countries. Carnival is registered in Panama, while Royal Caribbean is registered in Libera. Norwegian is registered in Bermuda, and MSC Cruises is based in Switzerland. Every year, these cruise companies use an exemption under the Internal Revenue Code to avoid paying any U.S. taxes. In fact, because these companies utilize these exemptions, many of them receive refunds or post negative income tax expenses annually. While the tourism industry in Florida may receive a boost from the...
by Spencer Aronfeld | Apr 8, 2020 | Personal Injury, Personal Injury News and Safety Resources
The coronavirus has affected Americans in more ways than one. During this challenging time, let us assure you that Aronfeld Trial Lawyers is here and stands ready to help you even with it being remotely. We have had some inquiries about how COVID-19 may affect Florida personal injury cases and we would like to share with you some important information regarding the same. Status of Legal Proceedings One major disruption of the COVID-19 outbreak has been the delay of certain legal proceedings. However, the federal courthouse is still open and accepting filings. Our firm has and continues to file personal injury cases against the major cruise lines, even as many of them try to get cases against them stayed. The cruise line industry and their legal teams are working hard to have the court allow them to not respond to filings against them. Under an administrative order issued by Chief Justice Bertila Soto of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, only mission-critical or emergency hearings will be heard during this time. The initial period was set to expire on March 27 but has recently been extended through April 20, unless a remote appearance technology platform has been implemented before that time. At that point, non-emergency court proceedings will be able to be held remotely, although jury trials will likely still be suspended until the COVID-19 crisis lessens. While emergency hearings may be the only actual hearings being heard, the Florida Supreme Court has issued an order that most legal business can continue. Depositions can still be done electronically, and the oath to tell the truth can be issued to parties...
by Spencer Aronfeld | Sep 27, 2019 | Cruise Ship Accidents, Cruise Ship Injury
Five years after an arbitration award was entered against Carnival Cruise Line, an injured crew member will finally receive payment for what the company owes him for his damages. The case involves 35-year-old Albanian waiter Genti Jankula, who was seriously injured while on board a Carnival ship in 2014. Even though he won an award in arbitration in the amount of $1,357,831.40 in September 2018, Carnival Cruise Line refused to pay. Carnival’s refusal to pay the arbitration award was based on their argument that the arbitrator did not treat them fairly. However, all awards issued in arbitration are binding on both parties involved, which is why the injured employee was forced to pursue enforcement legally. A federal judge in Miami has ordered Carnival to pay Jankula the full amount plus $186 per day in interest. Jankula was working for Carnival Cruise Line in 2014 while on the Carnival Valor. On December 7, 2014, as he was attempting to climb into his bunk bed, the bed’s handle ripped off the wall, and he fell backwards, breaking his back. As an Albanian native, he was sent to Albania to receive treatment, where it was determined that he had suffered multiple spinal injuries from the fall. The company paid for his medical treatment until 2015 when Jankula hired an attorney to represent him. His attorney argued that as a ship worker, he was entitled to housing, food, and medical costs until he was fully recovered from his injuries. However, Carnival refused his legal counsel’s request, forcing Jankula to request that an arbitrator hear the matter in July 2016. Arbitration was a requirement...
by Spencer Aronfeld | Aug 23, 2019 | Cruise Ship Accidents, Cruise Ship Injury
A cruise vacation can be an excellent opportunity to rest and relax, but one small mistake can be enough to completely undo those plans. While it helps to plan what to do while on your cruise, it is equally as important to know what not to do on your cruise. Not doing your research. Many people make the mistake of not doing their research before booking a cruise. This research can include finding the best price and the best cabin option for your party. It can be tempting to choose the cheapest option available, but this may limit you in terms of what you want to do when on your cruise. The same goes for choosing the wrong cabin. Cruise ships have so many different options when it comes to cabin selections, and it is important you choose the one that fits your situation. Always do your research first before selecting what you want. Sometimes it helps to talk to friends or family members who have gone on cruises before. Their experiences, both the good and the bad, can help advise you. Failure to plan. Cruise ships have so many different activities available for passengers onboard, and a little extra planning can go a long way to ensure you get to partake in all the amenities offered. Many specials on the ship, including spa treatments and shore excursions, book up quickly so it can be beneficial to sign up for these activities as soon as you book your cruise. Not Arriving Early. When you book a flight, it is always recommended you arrive to the airport at least two...
