Cozumel Cruise Terminal Crew Injury Attorney

Joining the crew on a Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, or any other cruise ship may be a life-long dream for some of us. Cruise ship workers can travel to new places while enjoying the open seas and fresh air along the way.

Yet working on a cruise ship can be risky. While some on-the-job hazards, such as slips and falls, may be common whether you work on land or sea, crew members often face unique dangers. A cruise ship worker could be seriously injured by faulty equipment, fires, or if they fall off a deck or flight of stairs.

Different laws apply to crew members who are injured while working on cruise ships. Injured cruise ship workers may be able to seek damages under maritime law. These are complex laws, so it's a good idea to seek legal assistance when you are seriously injured at work. At Wolfson & Leon, our team of maritime lawyers defends the rights of injured crew members. Call Wolfson & Leon today at 305-285-1115 for a free and confidential analysis of your case.

Cruise ship workers can get hurt in many ways. Decks, stairs, and common areas that are slick from splashing water or spilled beverages may cause a crew member to slip and fall. Broken handrails, uneven stairs, and changes in flooring may lead to a trip and fall accident. Crew members could also be hurt if they lift or move heavy objects without help or the proper safety equipment. Some of the most common injuries crew members experience while working on a cruise ship include:

• Broken bones
• Burns from fire or chemicals
• Deep cuts and lacerations
• Damage to the neck or back
• Torn or sprained ligaments in the wrists or ankles
• Pulled muscles
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Eye and ear injuries

Cruise ship workers who are badly hurt should seek medical help immediately. While your injuries may seem minor, it is vital to see the ship's doctor or medical staff quickly to avoid making your injury worse. Seeking medical care also provides essential written documentation should you need this in the future.

Crew members injured while working on a cruise ship can recover maintenance and cure benefits under maritime law and the Jones Act. This compensation covers your living expenses and medical care.

To qualify for benefits, the injured crew member must be considered a "seaman" and work on a qualified vessel. A crew member meets the definition of a "seaman" if they contribute to the function or the mission of the ship, the type and extent of their work prove they are a crew member, and at least 30% of their time is spent working on the ship while it is in navigation.

If you meet these requirements but your employer or the ship owner fails to provide maintenance and cure benefits, you could recover the compensation by filing a legal claim. An injured crew member should follow these key steps to protect their interests when hurt on the job.

• Report the accident at once – Cruise ship workers should report the accident and injuries to their supervisor or the proper crew member. You should do this immediately. And be sure that the staff member documents your accident.
• Get contact information – If other crew members or passengers saw the accident, get their contact information. Write down the names of any crew members you spoke with or helped you.
• Documentation – Write down the time and location where the accident happened. If any circumstances may have contributed to the accident or your injury, it is helpful to document them as soon as you can. Use your cell phone to take pictures and videos of the accident and your injuries. Be sure to get photos or videos of anything that may have contributed to the accident, such as debris in the walkway, broken steps, or missing warning signs. You should also take pictures or videos of your injuries.
• Seek medical treatment – Visit the ship’s doctor as soon as possible to start treatment for your injuries. Be sure to follow their care instructions closely. Request copies of your medical records from any doctor that you see.
• Avoid returning to work if you are not fully recovered – If you return to work before recovering from your injuries, you could worsen the damage. Let your supervisor know you don’t want to risk aggravating your injuries by returning to work. You should ask them to document your refusal in writing and provide you with a copy.

Crew members need to protect their financial interests when badly hurt while working on a cruise ship. Speaking with a Miami maritime lawyer can help you better understand your rights to compensation when injured on the job.

If you are a crew member severely hurt while working on a Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, or any other cruise ship, you can find out what rights you may have to compensation when you call Wolfson & Leon today. Our free consultation lets our Miami maritime attorneys review your claim and talk you through available legal options. Injured crew members can find out their rights when hurt on a cruise ship by calling 305-285-1115 today.