In a 2011 incident that shocked the world, Jim Hausman was hit on the head by a cruise ship’s door, leading to some complications. To compensate for his pain and suffering, his wife Carol Hausman has come forward to defend the $21 million payout that was awarded to them as a result of the incident.
The incident took place during a luxurious cruise when Jim Hausman was walking through a door on the ship. Unfortunately, the door malfunctioned and swung back, hitting him on the head. The aftermath of the incident was devastating for both Jim and Carol Hausman.
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Following a lengthy legal battle, the Hausmans were awarded a $21 million settlement in compensation for the pain, suffering, and medical expenses incurred as a result of the incident. Some may argue that the amount seems excessive, but Carol Hausman has been vocal in defending the payout, emphasizing the severity of her husband’s injuries and the long-term impact it has had on their lives.
Hausman was on a Holland America luxury cruise liner, the M.S. Amsterdam, in 2011 when he was hit in the head.
His wife Carol told INSIDE EDITION: “The doctor originally just thought that it was a bump on the head. There was a laceration, and that he would just recover.”
The family continued on their round-the-world cruise, but when the trip was over, his condition worsened. He says he suffered permanent brain damage.
His wife explained: “Fatigue, headaches, increased emotionality — he’s not logical anymore. Irritability, mood swings and then he actually developed having seizures as well.”
He says he sued after he discovered that at least 16 passengers had been injured in similar ways by electric sliding doors on Holland America ships.
The Hausman’s were also outraged that Holland America had hired a private detective to follow Jim around, secretly videotaping him to see if he was fibbing about his injuries. They apparently came up with nothing.
“I think they were trying to see him on a ladder changing a light bulb or something like that which he just doesn’t do anymore,” Carol said.
Last month, the jury awarded Jim $21.5 million. The internet lit up with commentary.
“This judgment is excessive and way out of line,” was one tweet.
Another was: “It truly is sickening.”
“I need to go ram my head into a cruise ship door,” wrote another.
Carol responded: “It’s unfortunate that what looks like a bump on the head has had such profound impact on our lives. He was full of life. He was funny. He was energetic. He was somebody who was a challenge to keep up with – that man’s gone.”
The $21 million payout may seem substantial, but it represents a form of justice for a family that has been profoundly affected by a preventable tragedy. Carol Hausman’s defense of the settlement underscores the significance of standing up for what is right and holding companies responsible for their actions, especially when lives are at stake.
Flip to the next page to watch the viral video of the cruise ship door hitting Jim Hausman’s head…
