WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) recently reintroduced Hammers’ Law, legislation that would hold the cruise industry accountable for the wrongful deaths of passengers who do not have dependents or income — including children, students, and retirees.

The bill is named for Larry and Christy Hammer of Omaha, who tragically lost their lives in a fire in their cabin onboard a Peruvian river cruise on April 10th, 2016. Next Monday marks the seven-year anniversary of the incident.

“The loss of a dear family member is already a difficult and tragic experience. Having to fight against an entire industry that’s not being held to account is simply unacceptable. As we approach the seven-year anniversary of Larry and Christy Hammer’s passing, I’m reintroducing Hammers’ Law with Senator Blumenthal to ensure the cruise industry is held to the same standard as the airline industry, which will help families like the Hammers pursue fairer compensation,” said Senator Fischer. 

“This measure will enable families to hold cruise lines accountable for needless deaths and injuries. All too often, these corporate giants disregard imminent dangers that turn vacations into tragedies. Victims’ loved ones deserve justice,”said Senator Blumenthal.

"Hammers' Law will protect all American cruise passengers by finally holding the cruise industry to the same standard of accountability as that of the airline industry. In honor of our parents and all those who have lost loved ones on cruise ships, we hope that this law will help prevent future tragedies from devastating more families. We are grateful to Senators Fischer and Blumenthal for their commitment to safeguarding the millions of Americans who cruise each year,"said the Hammers’ daughters, Jill Hammer Malott and Kelly Hammer Lankford.

More information:

Hammers’ Law would amend an over 100-year-old law, known as the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). Today, the cruise industry uses DOHSA to avoid financial accountability for the wrongful deaths of passengers who do not have dependents or income. These passengers — including children, students, and retirees — account for a significant portion of the 12 million Americans who cruise each year. 

As retirees, Larry and Christy Hammer did not have financial dependents or wages, so antiquated DOHSA rules restricted the Hammer family from pursuing the accountability that would likely be available for wrongful deaths occurring on dry land. DOHSA was amended in 2000 to allow the same kind of compensation for victims of major airline accidents.

Passing Hammers’ Law will enable future families to pursue fairer compensation when similar tragedies strike, and it will hold the responsible cruise line accountable by allowing for compensation that more fully reflects the company’s negligence.

Hammers’ Law was first introduced in 2019. Sens. Fischer and Blumenthal reintroduced the legislation last Congress. 

Click here to read the full text of the bill.

 

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