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Michigan Woman Sues Oceania Cruises After Mishandled Medical Emergency Aboard Oceania Marina
Passenger Injury Lawsuit Alleges Oceania Crew Failed to Assist Injured Guest Returning from Brazil Shore Excursion
In the federal case Pamela Busch v. Oceania Cruises S. de R.L., LLC (Case No. 1:25-cv-21245), filed on March 17, 2025, in the Southern District of Florida, Michigan resident Pamela Busch alleges she sustained multiple traumatic injuries aboard the Oceania Marina after falling during a shore excursion in Alter do Chão, Brazil, and subsequently being mishandled by cruise ship staff.
According to the complaint, on March 23, 2024, Busch tripped on an uneven wooden bridge while returning to the tender boat and suffered severe injuries, including to her ankle, knee, elbow, and shoulder. Despite requesting assistance, Oceania crew allegedly failed to notify the ship of her condition, provide medical support at the gangway, or safely transport her to the onboard infirmary. When a crew member attempted to support her by grabbing her already injured arm, Busch collapsed in pain and later required a full hip replacement.
Cruise Ship Medical Negligence Lawsuit Cites Failure to Provide Wheelchair or Trained Assistance to Injured Passenger
The lawsuit alleges Oceania Cruises failed to provide reasonable care during a known medical emergency aboard the Oceania Marina, highlighting several critical acts of negligence:
- Failure to provide a wheelchair after Busch reported her injuries to the tender crew.
- Improper handling of her injured arm, which allegedly caused her to collapse in severe pain.
- No medical personnel or mobility assistance available at the gangway despite her advance request.
- Delay in evacuation, resulting in Busch being stranded in a remote location for nearly a week without proper medical care.
Despite the visible distress and urgent requests for help, Busch alleges that Oceania staff failed to follow basic protocols for passenger medical emergencies and contributed to her worsening injuries through neglect and poor training.
Oceania Cruise Line Accused of Mishandling Medical Evacuation and Failing to Prepare for Remote Port Emergencies
Beyond the alleged mishandling aboard the ship, the complaint claims Oceania negligently evacuated Busch to a local facility that was unequipped to provide proper care, leaving her stranded in Alter do Chão for a week without adequate treatment. Key allegations include:
- No prior assessment of local medical resources, despite Oceania marketing the port as a cruise destination.
- Failure to coordinate an immediate evacuation, delaying her return to the U.S. for surgery.
- Lack of emergency transport capabilities, forcing her to wait for customs clearance in a larger city before she could be flown home.
These failures, the lawsuit contends, show a systemic lack of preparation for foreseeable injuries in remote locations, exposing passengers to undue risk during shore excursions.
Negligence Claims Focus on Crew Training, Emergency Response, and Risk Management on Oceania Marina
Busch’s legal team brings a broad negligence claim against Oceania Cruises for failing to implement and enforce appropriate safety protocols, citing at least 20 acts or omissions that contributed to her injuries. These include:
- Inadequate training of crew members on how to assist injured passengers.
- No onboard system to assess and coordinate shore return medical cases.
- Lack of communication between the tender vessel and the ship.
- No emergency protocols in place for high-risk ports with limited medical access.
The lawsuit seeks damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and other economic and non-economic harms stemming from both the original fall and the cruise line’s allegedly negligent response.
Case Highlights Growing Legal Scrutiny of Cruise Lines’ Medical Response Capabilities
This case underscores a rising trend in maritime injury litigation where plaintiffs not only cite accidental falls or injuries but also allege secondary harm due to mishandled onboard medical care and delayed evacuations. As cruise lines continue to market increasingly exotic destinations, they may face higher legal expectations for risk mitigation and preparedness in remote ports.
Key legal issues this case raises:
- Are cruise lines liable when their crew exacerbates injuries through improper handling?
- What duty does a cruise operator have to ensure emergency medical care is available during all phases of a voyage—including tenders and shore excursions?
- Can failing to adequately plan for remote port emergencies constitute actionable negligence?
Injured on a Cruise Due to Poor Medical Response? Know Your Legal Rights Under Maritime Law
If you or a loved one experienced inadequate medical care or negligent treatment while aboard a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines have a duty to provide reasonable care, including in their emergency response procedures. Speak with an experienced maritime attorney to evaluate your claim and protect your rights.