Florida Vibrio Vulnificus & Vibrio Parahaemolyticus Lawyers

Vibrio infections, particularly those involving Vibrio Vulnificus and Vibrio Parahaemolyticus, can lead to devastating health complications. If negligence contributed to your exposure to these bacteria, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Whether you were exposed on a cruise ship, in a restaurant, hotel, swimming pool or hot tub, at a public facility, negligent parties should be held accountable for failing to protect you from harm.

If you or a loved one has contracted a Vibrio infection, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm can help. We have a track record of holding negligent parties accountable and securing compensation for victims. Contact us today at 305-638-4143 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

What is Vibriosis?

Vibrio are dangerous bacteria commonly found in warm coastal waters, particularly during the summer months. According to the CDC, about a dozen species of Vibrio can cause a human illness called vibriosis. The most common species causing human illness in the United States are:

• Vibrio parahaemolyticus
• Vibrio vulnificus
• Vibrio alginolyticus

These bacteria are typically contracted through:

• Consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters
• Exposure to contaminated water, either through open wounds or cuts

Vibrio infections can quickly escalate into serious health problems, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems. There are approximately 80,000 cases of vibriosis in the United States every year. 52,000 of these cases occur due to contaminated seafood. In 2023, there were 46 cases of vibrio vulnificus reported in Florida, which lead to 11 deaths. As of August 2024, there have been 32 cases and 7 deaths in Florida.

Common Symptoms of Vibrio Infections

The symptoms of vibrio infections can vary, but they often include:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Skin infections: Blistering skin lesions, redness, swelling, and severe pain, especially if exposed to contaminated water
• Necrotizing fasciitis: In some cases, Vibrio can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe condition where the flesh around an open wound begins to die. This has led to Vibrio Vulnificus being referred to in media reports as a “flesh-eating bacteria.”

For many individuals affected by Vibrio Vulnificus, the infection can quickly become critical, requiring intensive care or even amputation to prevent further spread of the bacteria. Tragically, around 1 in 5 people who contract this infection die, often within just a day or two of showing symptoms. Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial, but even with medical intervention, the consequences can be devastating.

How Negligence Can Lead To Vibrio Vulnificus and Vibrio Parahaemolyticus

Cruise Ship Negligence Leading to Vibrio Infections

Cruise ships, which offer extensive dining experiences and beach excursions, are often hotspots for Vibrio infections due to improper handling of seafood and water-based activities. Common negligent actions by cruise lines that can lead to bacterial infections include:

• Improper food handling: Cruise ships serve large volumes of seafood, especially shellfish like oysters, which are high-risk for carrying Vibrio bacteria. If the seafood is not stored, cooked, or handled properly, passengers may be exposed to contaminated food.
• Failing to warn about unsafe waters: Cruise ships often take passengers to beaches or offer water-based excursions. If the cruise line fails to ensure the water is safe or doesn’t warn passengers about potential bacterial risks, they may be liable for any resulting infections.
• Inadequate onboard medical care: If a cruise ship’s medical staff fails to recognize or properly treat symptoms of a Vibrio infection, it can allow the illness to worsen. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can have life-threatening consequences.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we understand the complexities of cruise ship injury cases, especially those involving bacterial infections like Vibrio Vulnificus and Vibrio Parahaemolyticus. These cases require an in-depth understanding of maritime law, as cruise lines often have extensive legal resources to protect themselves from liability. Our law firm has years of experience holding major cruise lines accountable for failing to protect their passengers. This includes cases where cruise lines have neglected proper food safety standards, failed to warn passengers about dangerous water conditions, or provided inadequate medical care on board.

It’s important to note that many cruise lines require lawsuits to be filed in Miami, regardless of where the passengers boarded or where the infection occurred. This is because major cruise companies are headquartered in South Florida, and their contracts often include jurisdiction clauses specifying courts in Miami-Dade County as the venue for legal action. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, based in Miami, we have handled over 100 cruise ship cases, and we are well-prepared to navigate the unique legal landscape required to sue these corporations. If you or a loved one has been affected by a Vibrio infection, we are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve in Miami’s courts.

Restaurant and Seafood Market Negligence

Restaurants and seafood markets are another frequent source of Vibrio infections. Negligence in these environments might involve:

• Unsafe food storage and preparation: Vibrio bacteria thrive in raw or undercooked seafood. Restaurants that do not properly refrigerate seafood, or that fail to cook it thoroughly, put diners at risk of consuming dangerous bacteria.
• Failure to adhere to food safety protocols: Not following food handling regulations, including cross-contamination between raw and cooked food, can increase the risk of Vibrio infections. Seafood markets that do not maintain clean, temperature-controlled environments can also expose customers to contaminated products.
• Lack of warning: Some individuals are more susceptible to severe Vibrio infections, including those with compromised immune systems or liver disease. Restaurants that serve raw oysters without warning customers of the potential health risks for these vulnerable individuals could be considered negligent.

Public Beach and Swimming Facility Negligence

Public beaches, marinas, and swimming pools in Florida can also be a source of Vibrio infections. Many people, including tourists from colder climates may not be aware of the high levels of vibrio in certain waters around Florida and the Caribbean, therefore, a duty exists to warn business invitees about this danger.  Negligent actions by facility owners or operators that might contribute to bacterial exposure include:

• Failure to monitor water quality: Public beaches and swimming facilities must regularly monitor the water quality to ensure it is safe for use. Failing to close the facility when bacterial levels are high can expose visitors to Vibrio, particularly if they have open cuts or wounds.
• Inadequate sanitation practices: Swimming pools and marinas need to be cleaned and treated properly to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. Negligence in maintaining the water quality or not adhering to sanitation protocols can increase the likelihood of infection.
• Lack of adequate signage or warnings: Property owners and operators have a duty to warn visitors of risks. Failing to post signs about the dangers of swimming with open wounds or the high risk for severe bacterial contamination can leave them liable if an infection occurs.

Negligence in Healthcare Settings

Vibrio infections require prompt medical attention, especially if symptoms progress quickly. Negligence in healthcare settings can exacerbate these infections and lead to serious complications. Examples of this negligence include:

• Delayed or incorrect diagnosis: Vibrio infections can progress rapidly, especially if the bacteria enter the bloodstream or cause necrotizing fasciitis. If a healthcare provider fails to recognize the infection or misdiagnoses it, the patient may suffer severe harm, leading to a worsened condition or even death.
• Improper wound care: If a patient presents with an open wound, particularly after exposure to coastal waters, medical professionals should take appropriate steps to clean and treat the wound to prevent bacterial infections. Failing to do so could be considered negligence, especially in high-risk areas known for Vibrio bacteria.
• Failure to administer proper treatment: Once a Vibrio infection is diagnosed, immediate treatment is necessary. Delayed administration of antibiotics or failure to refer the patient to a specialist can lead to the rapid deterioration of their health.

Negligence in Water-Based Excursions and Private Marinas

Private businesses offering water-based excursions, such as boating, snorkeling, or diving tours, are also responsible for ensuring the safety of participants. Examples of negligence in these cases may include:

• Failing to inspect water conditions: Tour operators and marina owners must ensure that the waters are safe for recreational use. If bacterial levels are high and the operator fails to warn or restrict access, they could be liable for any resulting infections.
• Inadequate safety briefings: Businesses offering water activities should provide thorough safety briefings, including information about bacterial risks and warnings to avoid swimming with open cuts or wounds. Failure to provide this information could result in a negligence claim.
• Lack of sanitation on vessels or equipment: Boats and snorkeling or diving equipment must be properly cleaned and sanitized. If these items are contaminated with bacteria, they can increase the risk of Vibrio infections for participants.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

Losing a loved one to a Vibrio Vulnificus or Vibrio Parahaemolyticus infection is a heartbreaking experience, especially when the death could have been prevented. If negligence by a restaurant, hotel, public facility, healthcare provider, or any other party contributed to the conditions that caused the infection, the family may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. These claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for various losses, including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional pain and suffering caused by their loved one’s untimely death.

In Florida, a wrongful death claim can only be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. The personal representative acts on behalf of the surviving family members, which typically includes the spouse, children, parents, and in some cases, other dependents or heirs. Florida’s Wrongful Death Act allows the personal representative to sue for both economic and non-economic damages, which can cover everything from the financial support the deceased would have provided to the emotional trauma experienced by the surviving family members. 

Navigating a wrongful death claim requires strong legal representation to demonstrate that negligence directly led to the death. Our Florida wrongful death lawyers are committed to helping families seek justice and compensation in the wake of a preventable tragedy caused by bacterial infections.

Why Choose Our Miami Vibrio Infection Lawyers?

When facing the devastating impact of a Vibrio infection, choosing the right legal representation is crucial. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we offer dedicated and personalized legal services to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Small caseload for personalized attention: We deliberately maintain a small caseload to provide each client with the focus and care their case deserves. You’ll work directly with an experienced attorney who will handle every aspect of your claim.
• Work on a contingency fee basis: You won’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our contingency fee arrangement ensures that you have access to justice without upfront costs.
• Free consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case, answer your questions, and provide guidance on your legal options. You can speak with our experienced attorneys without any obligation.
• Millions of dollars recovered for victims: Our track record speaks for itself. We have successfully secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, including those affected by severe infections and wrongful death.
• Exclusive focus on personal injury: Unlike firms that spread themselves thin across multiple practice areas, we focus exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases. This gives us the expertise and depth of knowledge necessary to handle even the most complex claims, including Vibrio infection cases.

Contact Our Miami Personal Injury Lawyers Today

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have recovered millions of dollars for victims of negligence, in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. We are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Whether your infection occurred on a cruise ship, at a restaurant, hotel, or other facility, our dedicated legal team will thoroughly investigate your case, determine liability, and pursue justice on your behalf.

Our law firm specializes in personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, cruise ship injuries, slip and fall accidents, negligent security, and wrongful death claims. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to serving clients throughout the state of Florida, including Miami, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, Coral Gables, Kendall, Hialeah, Homestead, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and other surrounding areas.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a Vibrio infection, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Florida personal injury lawyers for a free consultation. We offer virtual consultations and are ready to travel to meet with you if needed. Contact us today at 305-638-4143 to discuss your legal options during your free consultation.