Concordia customers suing for all of this money, be happy your alive!!!

[MrPete]

That's how I feel......in my opinion its a big big stretch to blame the cruise line for what happened. I put the blame on Schettino.....but they're not going to get $$$$ by suing him......so they sue the cruise line. Good grief....the last thing on this earth that Costa or Carnival wanted was for their $500,000,000 ship to be sunk and have 32 casualties and thousands of others endure the experience that they did. I do think Costa/Carnival were way too slow to respond to the passengers needs after the accident though. They should have made their compensation offer immediately instead of waiting till public opinion had turned against them. A lot of people still don't seem to understand what has been offered....its not just a refund of their cruise or money off a future cruise.....check this CruiseCritic link to read the offer:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4716

I also think that passengers who were able to get on one of the lifeboats at the beginning suffered far less than the people that were clinging to ropes at the topside 3 or 4 hours later. Its difficult to say what's fair and what isn't fair. And also.....if you escaped the ship uninjured but traumatized by the experience....how is it that more money is going to make you feel better? "$15000 is a slap in the face....but if you give me $1,000,000 I'll feel a lot better"??? How does that work??? I just don't see how so many people put all the blame on Costa/Carnival and hope they get socked with big lawsuits, etc......heck you should know that its the lawyers who will clean up when the dust settles. If we had been on the cruise and escaped uninjured i'm sure we would have taken Carnivals settlement offer.....my only complaint with it is that the $15000 shouldn't include lost property. The value of lost property should be in addition to the $15000 because some peoples property was probably worth a lot more than others....and that would make things more fair for everyone. Just my opinion here.

 

Just curious.

 

Had you been on that ship that night, and accepted the compensation of $14,500, and subsequently found out that your fellow passengers received an amount far exceeding that amount, would you be just as happy?

[LittleMiss]

Maybe it is just you.

 

The people on that ship were misinformed, lied to, abandoned, put at risk, injured, traumatized and killed because of recklessness by the man responsible for their safety during the cruise.

 

According to this thread..... Doesn't seem to be just me. I was just the only one gutsy enough to say it and start a thread. Look at all the people who feel like or somewhat like I feel... I just merely opened a door for discussion or should I say spoke about the Big White Elephant in the back of the room everyone wants to ignore.

[LittleMiss]

OMG! What does having enough money to take the cruise have to do with ANYTHING? And GREED doesn't enter into it either! EVERYONE on that ship could have lost their life and suffered trauma due to the unimaginable negligence by the Captain. The cruise line is responsible for the Captain's actions while in command of their ship. It's the hazards of being in the business. You have NO idea of what these people experienced .... and no right to judge them!

 

But they Lived!! Perhaps I should start asking for money daily when I drive on the roads in new Jersey getting traumatized by these non driving fools and being faced with death daily?? That's what I'll do I'll take down license plate numbers and have my attorney send them letters for causing me undue stress and putting me in harms way while on the road due to their gross negligence?? Yeah sounds about right, or better yet sue the car dealer or Ford, Chevy, Mazda etc for allowing their car to be purchased?? Wow I'll be making some cash this year

[LittleMiss]

I've had two situations in my life when I was in extreme imminent danger. Once, I was robbed at gunpoint and watched someone pump a shotgun that was pointed at me. The other time I was hiking in some deep woods and I had a full grown boar charge straight at me, getting about twenty feet away before it veered off.

 

Both of those situations happened over ten years ago, but I still think about them today (not all the time, but every now and then). Together, the two incidents lasted about one minute. The passengers on that ship were in danger for hours, some of it in extreme physical distress (if you've seen the passengers extending themselves over the side of the ship, you know what I mean). They are going to remember this for the rest of their lives. And it was all due to the reckless, irresponsible behavior of the man that Costa and Carnival decided to put in charge of that ship. A free ticket and replacing their lost clothes and luggage is not going to make up for that.

 

So would paying you a million dollars take care of the trauma you felt with the gun and the Boar? And not minimizing what you went through I am sure it was very traumatizing. But you were not compensated I am sure and you are no better than you would have been even if you were. The memory is still there or would money had made you forget all about it?

[LittleMiss]

Nobody has mentioned anything or much about loss of work due to PTSD. I had a trauma experience happen to me last year. . I couldn't even be left alone. The only reason I didn't loose my job is because I am self employed. I would imagine the trauma felt from the Concordia accident would be exasperated because the passengers went through an extended period of time 'fearing for their lives'.

 

Maybe if they were fisherman by trade or one of the workers on the ship. But again, counseling was offered and PTSD I am a clinical therapist and that diagnosis is definitely over rated with regard to this situation. After studying this diagnosis... The most effect this may have is not wanting to cruise again and from what I have heard and read, many of the people on the cruise that were veteran cruisers admitted that this was isolated and had already booked new cruise vacations. First timers a different story.

[LittleMiss]

teddybarehead,

 

Have you actually watched ANY of the videos now circulating recorded by survivors before, during, and after? If not, you really need to and then come back and say you saw a lot of traumatized people. :rolleyes:

 

No matter how you spice it up with sensational statements, the Costa Concordia simply pulled into port, disembarked passengers, and isn't able to leave port yet. People died and many have yet to be found, but the fact is that their deaths are not for the benefit of the disembarked passengers or 'victims' as you wish to view them.

 

You may well view my statements as heartless or cold, but how many eyes have you watched close? How many grieving familys have you attempted to comfort? Traumatic events happen to the best, the youngest, and the least prepared. Those who were simply nearby when traumatic events unfolded should not be entitled to compensation based on what could have happened. Their lottery win was getting off the ship alive; it's foolhardy for them to continue to play.

 

I love this guy!

[LittleMiss]

teddybarehead,

 

No. I guess I could look it up, but my guess is you think I'd find a picture of me?

 

Thanks. Appreciate it. :)

 

Ha ha ha!! {Rolling on the floor}

[MrPete]

But they Lived!! Perhaps I should start asking for money daily when I drive on the roads in new Jersey getting traumatized by these non driving fools and being faced with death daily?? That's what I'll do I'll take down license plate numbers and have my attorney send them letters for causing me undue stress and putting me in harms way while on the road due to their gross negligence?? Yeah sounds about right, or better yet sue the car dealer or Ford, Chevy, Mazda etc for allowing their car to be purchased?? Wow I'll be making some cash this year

 

There's a big difference if you choose to drive the roads of New Jersey, or if you hire somebody to drive you on the roads in New Jersey.

[LittleMiss]

Are you really that altruistic? Or are you just playing with us? Personally, I think you are just quite naive in your thinking.

 

Regardless of the fact they survived..they were put in motal danger by the incompetent Captain and and his incompetent bosses....

 

Going along with your mode of thinking.....I guess you think it is OK for a surgeon to be drunk when operating on you? Or a pilot to be stoned while piloting your plane? Or more to the point...for a bus driver to purposely drive the wrong way down a one way street so he can wave to his friends as he goes by?

 

OP....please come into reality....every single person on that ship...pax..and crew alike....have more than valid reasons to sue them....

 

Ok so then sue Schenttino ;-) for what he has??? They can't so clearly it's about money

[LittleMiss]

Why are you disgusted? Probably because you weren't on the ship when this occurred.

 

I know it affected me the night just watching on the news, and all the broadcasts specials since then. Am I suing? No.

 

But had I been on that ship that night, going though the horror of everything that happened trying to get my family off that ship I certainly would be suing.

 

I imagine those who were not physically injured will be suffering mentally for years to come. All because of somebody's stupidity.

 

Someone will certainly think next time they decide to do such a foolish act.

 

Nah had many opportunities to sue before and chose not to why?? Because unless it was to repair something, compensate me for missed work where I really couldn't work or became incapacitated or replace something I would have usually had.... And with my insurance probably footing the counseling bill if needed...I don't see the need... But then I don't really need the money either.

[LittleMiss]

Just wondering what you thought the Titanic survivors should've gotten?

 

I mean, all they really had to do was put on a lifevest get into a lifeboat and sit a couple hours until they were picked up by another ship. What was that worth?

 

Again in that instance many lives were lost and some people even froze to death. Look at some of my previous post about list lives and belongings. Still doesn't change a thing

[MrPete]

Ok so then sue Schenttino ;-) for what he has??? They can't so clearly it's about money

 

This isn't his company. When a Greyhound bus has an accident you don't sue the bus driver you sue Greyhound.

[tikimon]

Yes the passengers are entitled to everything they can get and more.

 

For the one's who lost their life, how can you even put a dollar amount on a human life?

 

What would you consider a fair amount for your loved one's to receive if you had lost your life on that ship?

[MrPete]

Again in that instance many lives were lost and some people even froze to death. Look at some of my previous post about list lives and belongings. Still doesn't change a thing

 

Your topic seems to be talking about the survivors. You are changing the equation.

 

Just curious what higher education law courses have you taken?

[hubofhockey]

Carnival Corp did offer counseling, money, money off a new cruise etc... What more is there left to compensate? And to answer your question yes Greed ;-)

 

Discount off a future cruise? That is a bit laughable. Don't you think? The last thing these victims want is another Concordia cruise. I will never step foot on a Concordia ship and I'm not even a victim.

[stever]

Why is it that these Costa Concordia customers are attempting to sue the Carnival Corp for all of this money and most of them were not even hurt? Have we as people gotten so greedy that we have to use a misfortune to become rich? I can see if you really were hurt or a loved one was killed or harmed etc... But Really? If you had the money to sail on the ship for heavens sakes and make it off safely, is that not enough? The Captain is going to Jail and your getting your money back from your cruise. Why am I thoroughly disgusted by this greed?

 

So if they broke a bone and it healed within 6 weeks they can sue for more. But if they went through a traumatic experience, that deeply disturbs them for many years, they should just suck it up.

 

Remember these people were told to go to their rooms, not to their muster stations. Only when the ship was leaning too much (tenders not able to be lowered because of the pitch) were they told to go to their stations. People pleaded with the crew to lower the lifeboats, but the crew also had to wait for the captain to give the order.

 

If Costa took reasonable care I would agree with you, But this was blatant.

 

For some the $14500 is acceptable, but each case if different.

[LittleMiss]

Finally, someone who REALLY understands that this kind of compensation is not just for the cost of a cruise, some belongings, and a flight, but from the mental anguish that comes from going through something so traumatic. Some people like the OP don't understand that traumatic events can cause scars that affect you over the course of your life. And just because a person appeared to be untraumatized while you watched them on TV does not mean you know what that person feels after the cameras stopped rolling. Maybe initially a person was able to just be grateful they were alive, but what happens when something - a smell, a sight, a sound - reminds them of this event in which they did not know whether or not they were going to live or die. What happens when these events go around and around in their minds and they can't sleep, when they jump at what we would think was an insignificant sound, because it takes them back to that event? What happens when they are diagnosed with PTSD and they no longer can work? Which means they no longer have health insurance, have to pay out of pocket for counseling, have to pay out of pocket for expensive medications, may still have to try to function as a spouse or parent, all while trying to deal with going on with life. You want to put a price on belongings, but do you ever think of what happens when a person looks for a particular belonging - could be a picture, a favorite book, etc. - and in doing this it causes them to remember why they don't have it, and that brings them back to the event, and all of those PTSD symptoms keep coming back.

 

It is one thing when something happens that is truly an accident. I lived in a residence hall where a fire happened while I was on the hall, in the room next to me, which we later found out was due to a freak event of a light bulb bursting. And I remember what it was like to run past a room engulfed in flames, just praying all of us would get out okay. Did we all get out and survive? Yes. Did I lose all of my belongings in the fire? Am I thankful that we all survived without harm? YES!! Absolutely!! But you don't realize that it is possible to be extremely thankful AND still have traumatic effects that impact your quality of life. I know what it was like when we had our first fire drill after the fire and I started hyperventilating. I know it was like to have this one event trigger mental health difficulties I still suffer from today. And I cannot even imagine - I really don't want to imagine - what I would have been like after surviving that cruise. I know I couldn't work, I'd probably end up hospitalized at some point, and without working I could not take care of my family. Would $14,500 truly cover the amount of suffering I went through, even though I was thankful to be alive? Is my mental well-being and quality of life worth just that? Absolutely not, it is a slap in the face.

 

Would I expect Carnival Corp to take care of me for the rest of my life? Absolutely not. I do agree that people sue for stupid reasons, but I can't agree that this is one of those times. Not if you are able to really imagine, not just give a fleeting thought to, what those surviving passengers went through, because of something that was completely negligent and preventable! It's a shame for any person to suffer the effects of any disaster, but when it's something that could have been prevented, then they have every right to seek fair damages. As someone else pointed out, the amount they are suing for is nowhere near the amount they will get, but they at least deserve to fight to get more than what the cruise line is offering. And if a person is able to stop passing judgement and really try to understand the trauma of being on this ship, they would understand this. Not every person is able to say "I'm so glad I'm alive!" and that be the only thing they need to say to go on with their life. Most people are not like that - but it must be nice to be able to get over trauma that quickly.

 

I'm a clinical therapist and know all about PTSD, but I also know that people will blow things up more to be compensated more. If this was truly an act of god something they could not be compensated for, there would be far less reports of PTSD guaranteed! Also, would money have stopped you from hyperventilating at the first fire drill after the incident? If so.... Prove it...then I will back you 100%

[MrPete]

Discount off a future cruise? That is a bit laughable. Don't you think? The last thing these victims want is another Concordia cruise. I will never step foot on a Concordia ship and I'm not even a victim.

 

It is quite laughable. I once got a 30% discount for a future cruise just for complaining that the speakeasy bar was closed and being used as teen hang out for the week, inaccessible to us.

[LittleMiss]

Just curious.

 

Had you been on that ship that night, and accepted the compensation of $14,500, and subsequently found out that your fellow passengers received an amount far exceeding that amount, would you be just as happy?

 

What they do is what they do....then shame on me. If we cared about what everyone else is doing we will never get ahead. It's like keeping up with the Jones's

[Room Service!]

Hmm...if my family and I came out unscathed and had our basic needs met after being rescued, I would probably think that amt was fair enough. Tough to say since I didn't live through that trauma. If I or a family member had ben injured or died or majorly traumatized, i would not settle for that amt.

 

 

Without having been on the ship, I agree with you. Some of you others, .... not so much. The offer would be fine with me ..... again saying that .... NOT having been on the ship. Also not judging the ones who are suing, but you know some are, because they can.

[LittleMiss]

There's a big difference if you choose to drive the roads of New Jersey, or if you hire somebody to drive you on the roads in New Jersey.

 

Ok so I'm the passenger in the car.... Now what?

[MrPete]

What they do is what they do....then shame on me. If we cared about what everyone else is doing we will never get ahead. It's like keeping up with the Jones's

 

Interesting. Then why do you care what anyone is getting in this lawsuit?

[LittleMiss]

This isn't his company. When a Greyhound bus has an accident you don't sue the bus driver you sue Greyhound.

 

True but you could

[hubofhockey]

Ok so then sue Schenttino ;-) for what he has??? They can't so clearly it's about money

 

Costa/Carnival knew this captain had brought the ship off course before to pay tribute and waive to former captains and never actually reprimanded or terminated. But you want to let them off of the hook.

[MrPete]

Ok so I'm the passenger in the car.... Now what?

 

If you really want to keep playing this game, fine.

 

You have a one car accident in each scenario. You lose your leg.

 

How you proceed in compensation in both scenarios is significantly different