If you were injured while working on a cruise ship, your rights are very different from a passenger’s.
Cruise ship employees are protected under maritime law. In many cases, they are protected by the Jones Act. That law allows injured crew members to bring claims against their employer for unsafe conditions.
Passengers are treated differently.
At VB Attorneys, we represent seriously injured cruise ship employees. We do not typically handle passenger injury cases unless the injury is catastrophic.
Here is what cruise ship workers need to know.
Who Counts as a Cruise Ship Employee?
You may qualify as a crew member if you worked onboard the vessel and contributed to its mission.
This can include:
• Deck crew
• Engineers
• Hospitality staff
• Housekeeping
• Kitchen staff
• Entertainers
• Medical personnel
• Security staff
If you worked on the ship and were injured while performing your duties, you may have legal protections under maritime law.
What Law Protects Cruise Ship Employees?
Cruise ship workers are often covered under the Jones Act and other maritime laws.
The Jones Act allows injured maritime workers to sue their employer if negligence played any role in causing the injury.
Negligence can include:
• Unsafe working conditions
• Poor training
• Broken equipment
• Slippery decks
• Failure to follow safety rules
• Understaffing
• Excessive work hours
Unlike many land-based workers, crew members are not limited to basic workers’ compensation benefits.
They may be entitled to:
• Lost wages
• Future lost earning capacity
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Maintenance and cure
Each case depends on the specific facts.
What Is Maintenance and Cure?
Under maritime law, injured cruise ship employees are entitled to maintenance and cure.
Maintenance covers daily living expenses while you recover.
Cure covers medical treatment until you reach maximum improvement.
This right exists regardless of fault.
But cruise lines often dispute or delay these payments.
That is when legal guidance matters.
Passenger Claims Are Different
Passengers are not protected by the Jones Act.
Passenger claims are governed by cruise ticket contracts and maritime negligence standards. These cases often involve strict notice deadlines and forum selection clauses.
VB Attorneys does not typically represent cruise ship passengers unless the injury is catastrophic.
We focus on serious injury cases involving crew members.
If you are a passenger with a minor injury, we may not be the right firm for your case.
Common Cruise Ship Employee Injuries
Cruise ship workers face unique risks.
Common injuries include:
• Slip and fall injuries on wet decks
• Back injuries from lifting
• Equipment-related injuries
• Head injuries
• Crush injuries
• Exposure to hazardous substances
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Assault or unsafe security conditions
Ships operate around the clock. Long shifts and demanding conditions increase the risk of injury.
Important Deadlines for Cruise Ship Workers
Cruise ship employment contracts often contain time limits and arbitration provisions.
You may be required to:
• Provide notice within a specific time
• File suit in a specific location
• Arbitrate your claim
Waiting too long can hurt your case.
If you are injured, speak with a maritime injury lawyer early.
How VB Attorneys Helps Injured Cruise Ship Employees
VB Attorneys represents seriously injured maritime workers, including cruise ship employees.
We prepare cases for trial. We understand the Jones Act. We understand maritime law.
We do not typically handle passenger claims unless the injury is catastrophic.
If you were injured while working aboard a cruise ship, we can review your situation and explain your options.
Start a Case
If you are a cruise ship employee who suffered a serious injury, contact VB Attorneys for a confidential consultation.
There is no fee unless we win your case.
.svg)