Crew members are often subject to hazardous conditions when working on cruise ships. Walking on slippery decks or wet surfaces or lifting heavy equipment or luggage may lead to severe injury. Crew members may become sick on meals that are not prepared or stored correctly. Workers may even be tossed overboard if unexpected changes in navigation or speed cause them to lose their footing.
The safety of workers may also be at risk if the ship is short-staffed or the cruise line does not provide adequate training. Crew members may also find themselves victims of criminal activity from other workers or passengers, such as assault and battery.
As an injured crew member, you may have rights when your accident results from the negligence of the ship owner or your employer. However, the rules and laws work differently for workers on cruise ships than if you are hurt on land. To best protect your rights when injured on a cruise ship or another vessel, you should speak with a Miami maritime lawyer about your accident.
For nearly 60 years, the Miami maritime attorneys at Wolfson & Leon have fought for the rights of people hurt in accidents. We help crew members and passengers injured on cruise ships recover damages. If you are a cruise ship worker severely hurt on the job, we invite you to reach out today for a confidential case evaluation. You could ask questions and find out what legal options may be available if you were gravely injured while working on a cruise ship. Call Wolfson & Leon today at 305-285-1115.
Crew Member Injuries and ArbitrationAs a condition of employment, cruise ship workers must typically sign legally binding contracts with the cruise line. You will generally find a voluntary arbitration clause among the written terms of the agreement. Arbitration is an alternative means to resolve legal disputes.
Arbitration clauses limit where an injured crew member can file a legal claim. By signing their employment contract, a crew member may unknowingly waive their right to file a civil claim in court or have their case tried before a jury. Instead of litigating a case, a third party conducts a hearing whereby both sides present evidence and testimony. The arbitrator's decision is usually final.
Cruise lines typically have the advantage in an arbitration setting. The cruise line is typically involved in deciding who will hear the case. Chances are, they will choose an arbitrator with a history of siding with cruise lines.
Cruise lines also have an advantage as different rules apply in arbitration. You will not find the legal protections of the U.S. court system, which can work to the detriment of injured crew members. Arbitration can severely limit the rights of crew members and their families who are seeking damages when a cruise ship accident results in severe injury or death.
If you were gravely injured while working on a cruise ship, you should seek legal help from a skilled maritime lawyer who can help protect your rights in arbitration proceedings. You can speak with a Miami crew member accident attorney at Wolfson & Leon today by calling 305-285-1115.
Call a Miami Cruise Ship Accident LawyerWhen you work on a cruise ship, different laws apply if you get hurt. Workers' compensation laws don't cover crew members; they may find relief under maritime laws and the Jones Act. To best protect your financial interests, it is a good idea to consult an attorney with experience with these laws and regulations.
The Miami personal injury lawyers at Wolfson & Leon defend the rights of injured crew members. Our attorneys review the nature and circumstances of the accident and the applicable laws and regulations to help you decide if you have a claim against the ship owner or your employer. You can contact us today for a free and confidential analysis of your case by calling 305-285-1115.