TAKING A HIT Holland America will appeal massive settlement

Posted on 11/03/2015

Holland America will appeal a jury decision to award a cruise passenger a US $21.5 million settlement. James Hausman was hit by an automatic sliding door during a world cruise in 2011.

He was struck in the side of the head and diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury and post concussive syndrome.

A Seattle jury came up with the settlement amount.

Hausman's attorneys Rick Friedman and David Roosa said there had been about a dozen similar incidents involving automatic sliding doors on Holland America cruise ships where guests needed medical treatment.

"We're very happy for our clients and we believe that this is a just and a fair verdict. This lawsuit wasn't their first option; it was their last option, and unfortunately it was necessary," Roosa said.

In a statement, Holland America Line said the cruise line, “is committed to the safety and security of our guests and takes all incidents very seriously. We have no comment regarding the specifics of the lawsuit, other than we will be pursuing an appeal."