Costa's Compensation Offer MERGED THREAD WITH COSTA LEGAL OFFER & 2 OTHER THREADS

[sfo2008]

Note that in this link posted earlier (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/italian-liner-passengers-11-000-euros-110333137.html) it indicates that the 11,000 EUR was NEGOTIATED with what we are left to infer is some sort of Italian consumer protection group or groups.

 

Also, the Costa conditions of carriage have choice of law provisions (http://www.mouseprint.org/2012/01/23/costas-cruise-contract-constrains-cruisers-claims/ has a quick summary) as well as limits on liability. Bottom line appears to be don't count on getting much in the US.

[Pushka]

I think all Costa-provided restrictions on the level of compensation payable as per their contract, flies out the window when this incident occurred because of gross negligence.

[compman9]

No, a sinking cruise ship is not the worst that could EVER happen. Let us deal with a little reality here.

 

If one is UNINJURED, why isn't it a fair offer? Why would 1 million then be considered sufficent?

 

When you say reality, you mean YOUR reality, as someone that wasn't there. Someone who was not in fear of their life, someone that thought it was the safest thing in the world to do, but then watched as someone drifted into the sea to die.

 

You have no clue. Absolutely no clue whatsoever, what the mental damage will be to these passengers.

 

You are presumably one of these people that believed First World War shell-shock was worthy of court martial by rifle.

[UCSD]

I think the offer is pathetic. If this was a true accident, such as a storm, then perhaps. But that isn't the case here. It was a reckless and negligent action by someone within Costa. Therefore they are completely responsible for it. What is the definition of Injury? Everyone on that ship will be mentally traumatized but clearly this injury is going to be ignored. But psychological damage will haunt people for the rest of their lives. And treatment is expensive, at hundreds of dollars an hour. Post traumatic stress disorder creates breakdowns in marriages, relationships and even suicide.

 

Costa are acting quickly in the hope of catching people off guard before they fully understand how this situation will affect them permanently. Twelve months later they will realise what effect it has had on them and it will be too late.

As far as the Costa's response is concerned, I see they are not different from others in such tragedies... Some may criticize Costa is not quick enough if they don't offer such such settlement. Others may view it differently...

[Crusing Nut]

When you say reality, you mean YOUR reality, as someone that wasn't there. Someone who was not in fear of their life, someone that thought it was the safest thing in the world to do, but then watched as someone drifted into the sea to die.

 

You have no clue. Absolutely no clue whatsoever, what the mental damage will be to these passengers.

 

You are presumably one of these people that believed First World War shell-shock was worthy of court martial by rifle.

 

 

Get a grip. You are ASSuming way to much about me which you have no idea of what I suffered from and who I am.

 

It was NOT the worst thing that could have happened to survive the grounding of that ship in any person's life.

 

They survived. Some didn't. Now which is worse? I do not deny that some, if not all will need some kind of counseling for however long it may take.

 

The count of bodies found now stands at 17, with 15 still missing. A woman was found on the 6th deck.

 

 

Costa Offer:

http://www.costacruise.com/B2C/USA/Info/concordia_statement.ht

 

Costa Crociere wishes to again express its profound condolences to the families of the victims, continued sympathy to the families of the missing and deep regret and sorrow for the damages and hardship the Costa Concordia accident caused to all its guests.

Costa Crociere announced a compensation proposal for guests who have returned home after the Jan. 13 tragic Costa Concordia accident. This proposal is the result of negotiations between Costa Crociere and consumer associations protecting guests’ interests, with the support of multiple tourism and travel industry associations. In Italy, the company has already reached an agreement with the National Council of Consumers and Users, a national organization.

The families of the deceased and guests who were injured and required medical treatment on site will be covered under a separate proposal that will take into account their individual circumstances.

The compensation package for Costa Concordia guests who have returned home includes:

• A lump sum of 11,000 euros (US$14,458.07 at today’s exchange rate) per person as indemnification, covering all patrimonial and nonpatrimonial damages, including loss of baggage and personal effects, psychological distress and loss of enjoyment of the cruise vacation;

• Reimbursement of the value of the cruise, including harbor taxes;

• Reimbursement of air and bus transfers included in the cruise package;

• Full reimbursement of travel expenses to reach the port of embarkation and return home;

• Reimbursement of any medical expenses resulting from the cruise;

• Reimbursement of expenses incurred on board during the cruise.

This compensation package is higher than the current indemnification limits provided for in international conventions and laws currently in force. The 11,000 euro lump-sum payment is offered to all Costa Concordia passengers, including nonpaying children, regardless of their age.

Costa also has pledged not to deduct from this sum any amount paid by any insurance policy stipulated by guests. In addition, the company will return all goods stored in cabin safes, where retrieval is possible.

Costa Crociere also has pledged to provide a program for psychological assistance to any guests that request it. The company has further agreed to offer customers the ability to cancel any upcoming cruise booked before Jan. 13, on any of its routes, without penalty through Feb. 7, 2012.

Dedicated operation units will handle claims to ensure timely resolution. Payments will be credited by the company within seven days of receipt of the acceptance of the proposal. Guests should e-mail careteam@us.costa.it or call 954-266-5693 for assistance

[BaseballMomof4]

If someone is genuinely going to be affected by PTSD do you really think any amount of money is going to change that????? That handing a check to a passenger in the amount of $100,000 instead of $14,460 is going to avert a mental health issue?

 

If a passenger needs treatment for PTSD then yes, Costa should be responsible. They should request all payments for any mental health issues be made directly by Costa to the medical care provider.

 

These lawyers are in this for the 35%. Do the math on this and you will see that the passengers won't be the ones to profit on this, it will be the lawyers. And 35% is just the fees, don't forget about the costs they will be billing. Imagine how many billable hours they can rack up at around $1,000 hour. No wonder they want to file a class action in the US.

[Crusing Nut]

If someone is genuinely going to be affected by PTSD do you really think any amount of money is going to change that????? That handing a check to a passenger in the amount of $100,000 instead of $14,460 is going to avert a mental health issue?

 

If a passenger needs treatment for PTSD then yes, Costa should be responsible. They should request all payments for any mental health issues be made directly by Costa to the medical care provider.

 

These lawyers are in this for the 35%. Do the math on this and you will see that the passengers won't be the ones to profit on this, it will be the lawyers. And 35% is just the fees, don't forget about the costs they will be billing. Imagine how many billable hours they can rack up at around $1,000 hour. No wonder they want to file a class action in the US.

 

 

I keep thinking about a lawyer who sued a company in a class action suit against a mega company. Anyway, when a settlement was reached, he overbilled his clients more than 42 MILLION dollars. After his death, the estate had to pay out that 42 million. I don't believe I would ever join a class action suit.

[cod]

I think it's fair. If I were on board and got off the ship fairly easily and did not almost drown I don't see why I'd have any mental problems down the road.

 

I did not read every post, just the first page. I don't know if anyone mentioned what I'd heard on the news...14,000 something PLUS 4,000 something to cover luggage, travel etc etc..

 

If that's correct, unless I were hurt or lost a loved one, I'd take it and not make class action suit lawyers richer and probably have to wait eons for a settlement that might or might not come AND might result in receiving less!

[Edward John Smith]

Class action lawsuits are there to fatten the lawyers'/attorneys' pockets, not the consumers!

[Crusing Nut]

Class action lawsuits are there to fatten the lawyers'/attorneys' pockets, not the consumers!

 

 

I agree.

[asb2164]

This is how this should be done if you do not accept Costa's offer.

You approach an Attorney and you say I have already been offered $14,000 or whatever the exact amount is.

Then you tell the Attorney that he gets 1/3 of anything above the $14 grand this will weed out the bottom feeders and this type of deal is made all the time.

If an Attorney refuses this that probably means he does not feel he can get much more than the original offer and if he refuses then walk away.

[Jolimont]

As an American who's lived in France for several years I would NOT accept 11000€. The people who were on board were traumatized, lost their belongings (my camera, laptop and phone are well over 5000€ alone, never mind jewelry, clothes, shoes, etc. ), and Costa let them down where it mattered: keep them safe and on vacation. Definitely worth more than 11000€, try 10x more and maybe we could talk.

 

Don't fall for the "Europeans don't sue" idea, they sue plenty, and people's safety and well-being is taken very seriously here. Besides, if this could put Costa out of its misery once and for all you'd do us all a big favor. Lousy corporate culture.

[Pushka]

I think it's fair. If I were on board and got off the ship fairly easily and did not almost drown I don't see why I'd have any mental problems down the road.

 

I did not read every post, just the first page. I don't know if anyone mentioned what I'd heard on the news...14,000 something PLUS 4,000 something to cover luggage, travel etc etc..

 

If that's correct, unless I were hurt or lost a loved one, I'd take it and not make class action suit lawyers richer and probably have to wait eons for a settlement that might or might not come AND might result in receiving less!

 

PTSD can occur from events much less significant than a "did not almost drown" event and sometimes their effect isn't apparent for months or even years later. Memories can be repressed, particularly if people are told they should just get over it and move on. Making them feel guilty if they are having flashbacks etc etc.

 

You say you would accept it if you were not hurt but you dismiss mental injury and only consider physical injury. Broken bones will heal, but if you suffer PTSD and don't get some kind of help, then you might never heal.

[cod]

I think you'd have a lot more 'stress' sueing for some astronomical amount that you have no chance of getting and fretting over that process for years. But then some will opt to go that route and I wish them luck.

 

I can understand soldiers coming back from war with PTSD but I don't think safely evacuating a ship over a couple of hours should make basket cases out of everyone. Life is full of trauma unfortunately. However in this cases there is someone to sue over this episode which no doubt will increase the symtoms of some.

 

No flaming please. You're entitled to your opinion and I to mine. And this IS JMHO

[momtoabowhead]

I think you'd have a lot more 'stress' sueing for some astronomical amount that you have no chance of getting and fretting over that process for years. But then some will opt to go that route and I wish them luck.

 

I can understand soldiers coming back from war with PTSD but I don't think safely evacuating a ship over a couple of hours should make basket cases out of everyone. Life is full of trauma unfortunately. However in this cases there is someone to sue over this episode which no doubt will increase the symtoms of some.

 

No flaming please. You're entitled to your opinion and I to mine. And this IS JMHO

 

Litigation is very stressful when it is long and drawn out. I wouldn't *want* to go through it.

[Pushka]

I think you'd have a lot more 'stress' sueing for some astronomical amount that you have no chance of getting and fretting over that process for years. But then some will opt to go that route and I wish them luck.

 

I can understand soldiers coming back from war with PTSD but I don't think safely evacuating a ship over a couple of hours should make basket cases out of everyone. Life is full of trauma unfortunately. However in this cases there is someone to sue over this episode which no doubt will increase the symtoms of some.

 

No flaming please. You're entitled to your opinion and I to mine. And this IS JMHO

 

But unfortunately not everyone is able to deal with stress on an equal level. And they shouldn't be judged as basket cases if they are unable to do so.

[oceanwavegirl]

QUOTE ARTICLE

ROME: Costa Crociere SpA is offering uninjured passengers (euro) 11,000 ($14,460) apiece to compensate them for lost baggage and psychological trauma after its cruise ship ran aground and capsized off Tuscany when the captain deviated from his route.

 

Costa, a unit of the world's biggest cruise operator, the Miami-based Carnival Corp., also said it would reimburse passengers the full costs of their cruise, their travel expenses and any medical expenses sustained after the grounding.

 

 

I think its a big load of rubbish. :mad:

When you think how bad the Captain handled this mess it could have ended with alot worse circumstance though pitiful enough as it was and handled in a disgraceful manner by the ships company..Costa hired this guy (Captain) to take care of all of those passengers and crew in the first place on a ship that was sound...right ....whos fooling who.

And also the fact that criminal negligence may be included this figure is rubbish ......CHEAP-SKATES !!!

Offering uninjured passengers ...does that include all those who had to jump over the side and swim but might have got a scratch ....so kind of Costa.

I say ...no way on earth accept...!!! Get the lawyers to persist even further.

[oceanwavegirl]

that is a lot of money... for a inside stateroom pax.

I believe this is aside of insurance claim pax can get from other sources, such as travel insurance or homeowner insurance.

 

But, I can not comment on the psychological trauma, as I know some lawyers have been working on this...

 

 

sorry what do you mean by

"this is alot of money for a Inside stateroom pax"

Oh I see just because they ended up in the cheaper cabin perhaps they arent worth as much as the balcony passengers ?

so they should be grateful they're getting a dime ??? !!!!

It would have been nice if that intelligent captain had phoned all the inside cabins to tell them to vacate ship so they could get ready to take a jump over the side !!!!

 

oh dear.........

[oceanwavegirl]

Agree on all counts. So long as I hadn't just brought some antique worth more, I'd be happy.

 

oh how simplicit of you

 

working out the cost of an antique against this tragic event where much hardship and deaths and injury occurred

perhaps if you and your antiques were paddling ashore God Forbid, then perhaps you could have offered an opinion afterwards.

 

oh deary me.....

[asb2164]

What does it matter which type of cabin you were in?

Every one is getting refunds for their cruise so that puts everyone on the same playing field.

 

 

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[Crusing Nut]

As an American who's lived in France for several years I would NOT accept 11000€. The people who were on board were traumatized, lost their belongings (my camera, laptop and phone are well over 5000€ alone, never mind jewelry, clothes, shoes, etc. ), and Costa let them down where it mattered: keep them safe and on vacation. Definitely worth more than 11000€, try 10x more and maybe we could talk.

 

Don't fall for the "Europeans don't sue" idea, they sue plenty, and people's safety and well-being is taken very seriously here. Besides, if this could put Costa out of its misery once and for all you'd do us all a big favor. Lousy corporate culture.

 

 

So you would want the opening talk to begin with 140,000 grand? I can understand the replacement costs of the personal items, cruise and all associated costs with the vacation, all medical bills to be paid and that INCLUDES mental anguish injury-(payment going directly to doctor of the cruise lines and patients choice) but for the suffering part... no way $140,000 grand for a survivor of an accident. Then for the neglient part, sue the captain. Try getting that kind of money out of him. He is the one that was neglient.

[Trainman-2]

What is all comes down to is that hitting the rock was an accident!

 

True, the Captain took an unnecessary risk but I am confident that he did not purposefully run his ship into the rock.

 

So the question then becomes what is an appropriate amount of compensation for the passengers. However, nobody is talking about compensation for the crew. They went through the same emotional distress and loss of their personal stuff that the passengers did.

 

I read in my local paper this morning that the 1st Law Suit has been filed in Miami, on behalf of 6 passengers, against Costa and Carnival.

 

They are claiming $460,000,000.

 

That is about $77,000,000 for each passenger.

 

$77,000,000 seems to be a bit high to me... :eek:

[asb2164]

I am not on my main computer right now but on my tablet and am limited on my search abilities.

I think around 1998 or so a river boat with barges hit the President Casino in St Louis and it fell under maritime law.

And the courts ruled that the damages were limited to the value of the vessel in that case it was around 2 million and that was not per person but the total for everything.

Maybe someone can dig that info up.

I wonder if that would apply in this case

 

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[tony11727]

Some of the crap on the Costa Facebook page is disgusting. Selfish and disgusting. Pure and utter greed. $14,000 is a lot of money, and that is only for the uninjured passengers. It seems a select number of people want to squeeze them for every penny they have. That firm starting a lawsuit wanting anything from $160,000 to $1.3 million!!!! How much money do they think Carnival have? Something like that could ruin the company. How many thousands of jobs would be lost then? All because of the inevitable greed. It is an offence to those who lost their lives. It always comes back to money, doesn't it...

 

To start, I am an American that is pretty disgusted in the was we have become so eager to sue. People see every accident as a huge payday and it has gotten way out of hand. That said, I think the offer is a bit low. When you see people having to climb down the side if a ship in a human chain, you have to wonder what affect that has on someone. But, clearly, injured and families of the deceased aside, $100,000 to over $1 million per person is insane and is only being pushed by American lawyers who see an even bigger windfall.

 

For what it's worth, my opinion is that, in addition to full refund of the cruise, any inboard charges, original airfare (whether or not is was bought through Costa), loss of medical devices like wheel chairs or scooters, and expenses after getting off the ship and getting home, $25,000 per person would be more reasonable.

 

Obviously, the contents of the room safes need to be returned. There are hundreds of other things that people will say should be compensated for... I lost my jewelry - well, if it was that valuable it should be insured and your homeowners insurance will pay for it and they will go after Costa. I lost my camera, laptop, iPad etc and all my photos - $25,ooo should cover replacement and homeowners insurance will cover some too. As for the photos, half of them will get deleted accidentally anyway.

 

The only exception I can see as reasonable would be for crew members that lost specialized equipment that they used in their job. Like the photographer that lost all her own equipment and maybe entertainers tht lost their own instruments, costumes, etc.

[asb2164]

To start, I am an American that is pretty disgusted in the was we have become so eager to sue. People see every accident as a huge payday and it has gotten way out of hand. That said, I think the offer is a bit low. When you see people having to climb down the side if a ship in a human chain, you have to wonder what affect that has on someone. But, clearly, injured and families of the deceased aside, $100,000 to over $1 million per person is insane and is only being pushed by American lawyers who see an even bigger windfall.

 

For what it's worth, my opinion is that, in addition to full refund of the cruise, any inboard charges, original airfare (whether or not is was bought through Costa), loss of medical devices like wheel chairs or scooters, and expenses after getting off the ship and getting home, $25,000 per person would be more reasonable.

 

Obviously, the contents of the room safes need to be returned. There are hundreds of other things that people will say should be compensated for... I lost my jewelry - well, if it was that valuable it should be insured and your homeowners insurance will pay for it and they will go after Costa. I lost my camera, laptop, iPad etc and all my photos - $25,ooo should cover replacement and homeowners insurance will cover some too. As for the photos, half of them will get deleted accidentally anyway.

 

The only exception I can see as reasonable would be for crew members that lost specialized equipment that they used in their job. Like the photographer that lost all her own equipment and maybe entertainers tht lost their own instruments, costumes, etc.

 

I am pretty sure that the offer Costa made included your personal belongings including what was in the safe.

So I do not think people will be able to turn this into their homeowners insurance because you will have been compensated for your things.