Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Worker Injury Lawyer

Given the complexity of cruise ship workplace injuries, seeking legal advice can be critical to recovering compensation if you were gravely hurt on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The team at Wolfson & Leon has decades of experience helping accident victims recover damages when they've been hurt. Injured cruise ship workers can contact us today for a free and confidential evaluation of their case by calling 305-285-1115.

With 24 ships currently in its fleet, Royal Caribbean employs thousands of crew members. People who enjoy the ocean's serenity and travel to new places may find working aboard a cruise ship appealing. Not only are your meals and lodging free, but you also receive medical care when working on a cruise ship.

The laws covering workplace injuries are different on cruise ships. Injured crew members don’t file a worker’s compensation claim; instead, there are provisions within maritime law that may cover their injuries. Since crew members sign a contract to work with the cruise line, there are often guidelines within the contract that workers must follow when they've been hurt.

Cruise ship workers can encounter a myriad of hazards while working. A crew member may be subject to head injuries or broken bones if they slip and fall on outdoor decks or staircases that are slick from spilled drinks, rain, or mist from the ocean. Cruise ship workers may be burned on faulty equipment or break bones if trapped by heavy equipment or doors.

If a ship doesn’t have the proper protocols or safety equipment in place, a cruise ship worker could be badly hurt in the event of any emergency. A crew member who falls overboard could drown.

Given the 24/7 nature of cruise ships, crew members face other hazards. The crew works around the schedule of the ship. Workers may get a longer break during the day, but they may not have a full day off, leaving them tired and exhausted.

Crew cabins typically have bunk beds and are smaller than guest cabins. Most cabins house two crew members. With tight living quarters, workers may be hurt as they move about the cabin or lose their balance due to a sudden navigational change. Sadly, cruise ship workers can fall victim to violent crimes like assault and rape.

Most cruise lines require employees to sign a contract when hired. Royal Caribbean employment contracts typically run from six to eight months. Not only does a contract spell out the terms of your employment, but it may also include stipulations about what to do if you are sick or hurt.

When you get hurt working on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, you should:

• The accident and injury should be reported to your direct supervisor. And you should request copies of any accident reports filled out.
• Seek medical care. Be sure to closely follow any instructions given to you by the medical team and ask for copies of any charts or forms completed.
• Be mindful of when you return to work. When you are not fully recovered, you could risk further injury if you go back to work too soon. If you are asked to return to work by your supervisor, explain why you can't start and ask for their acknowledgment in writing.

Worker's compensation laws do not cover cruise ship workers. Instead, the Jones Act usually protects crew members who work on cruise ships. Under the Jones Act, cruise lines must follow safety guidelines. If the cruise line doesn't do this and you are gravely hurt, you may be able to recover compensation under this act. You may be given compensation for current and future medical care, lost income, and such non-economic damages as pain, suffering, and mental anguish.

Other protections may be available to injured cruise ship workers under maritime law. Speaking with a Miami cruise ship worker injury lawyer can be critical to protecting your right to compensation when you've been badly injured.

The laws and rules that surround cruise ship worker injuries are complex. Seeking the help of an experienced Miami crew member accident law firm can be crucial when protecting your rights. Find out how Wolfson & Leon may be able to help you by calling 305-285-1115 today for a confidential and free consultation.