In 2011, while aboard the MS Amsterdam operated by Holland America, passenger James (“Jim”) Hausman was struck in the temple by an automatic sliding glass door.
He later alleged that the blow caused a traumatic brain injury, resulting in dizziness, memory loss, seizures, fatigue, and other cognitive issues.
After a nine-day federal trial in Seattle, a jury awarded Hausman $21.5 million — including $5 million in compensatory damages and $16.5 million in punitive damages — holding Holland America accountable for the defective sliding door and its consequences.
Holland America appealed, calling the verdict “excessive,” and later legal filings questioned the strength of some evidence (including testimony from a former assistant alleging fabrication).
The State Journal-Register
This video retells the dramatic courtroom battle, explores how Hamburg’s cruise line was found liable, and discusses what might happen next in appeals.
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