A crew member has sued Holland America after he says he was left paralyzed after the bathroom of his cabin aboard the ship.
Rafael De Jesus Rincones Bohorquez, who is from Colombia, filed his complaint in federal court against Holland America Line, International Cruise Shops Ltd. and Starboard Cruise Services Inc.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff was working on the cruise ship Zuiderdam on August 18, 2022, when he entered the cabin bathroom after showering and dressing. When he did so, he slipped and fell because of water on the floor. He struck his lower back on the toilet and felt an immediate electric shock shoot up and down his spine and throughout his body. He lost consciousness, possible striking his head as well. His cabinmate later found him unconscious on the floor and called for medical attention.
Bohorquez says he and his cabinmate had reported the issue with the cabin restroom at least four times total. They say the bathroom failed to drain properly, causing water to pool in the floor. They say a persistent leak in the sink also exacerbated the issue, and the bathroom light didn't work properly, which made the room dark with limited visibility.
After he was taken the the ship's medical center, Bohorquez says the doctor failed to recognize an "obvious and significant" lumbar disc herniation resulting in Cauda Equina Syndrome. He says this failure led to likely permanent paraplegia and paralysis.
Bohorquez seeks compensatory damages, court costs, interest and other relief.