Pain and Pirates: An Oregon Jones Act Case that Reads like Fiction

Our client, a seasoned Cruise Director, experienced multiple on-the-job injuries requiring significant legal and medical attention. Initially injured while performing duties outside his typical role as Cruise Director, our client suffered a workplace injury that would have been challenging enough on its own. However, his ordeal took a turn for the worse when he was caught in the crossfire of a pirate attack.

The Incidents

The first incident occurred on April 28, 2024, at the shipyard in Astoria, Oregon. While performing duties outside of his typical job description, our client was injured when a dresser fell on him from the fourth-floor deck. The accident resulted in a significant neck strain and nerve damage in his hands, causing persistent pain and tingling. He remained on the ship throughout the voyage, seeking medical attention at hospitals in various ports.

Subsequently, on May 23, 2024, while employed on a different vessel for the same cruise line in Richland, Washington, our client was involved in a physical altercation with pirates attempting to rob the ship. This incident exacerbated the client’s previous injuries, causing increased pain in his neck and hands, as well as developing back pain and difficulty with mobility. The client now experiences numbness in his fingers and struggles with basic motor functions.

The Aftermath

Our client has undergone medical treatment, including physical therapy, and is awaiting the results of an MRI and EMG to assess the extent of the nerve damage. While the cruise line has covered medical expenses, they have refused to provide maintenance and cure benefits, a crucial form of compensation for injured maritime workers under the Jones Act.

VB Attorneys: Experienced in Maritime Injury Law

We understand the complexities of maritime injury law, including the Jones Act and its application to cruise ship workers. We have extensive experience representing maritime workers who have been injured on the job, including those involved in incidents like pirate attacks.

One notable case involved Captain Richard Phillips, whose crew was taken hostage by Somali pirates in 2009. We had the privilege of representing 9 of the brave Alabama crew members in order to expose the inaccuracies of the Hollywood portrayal. While we can't reveal the specifics of the case, the company was found guilty of actively endangering its employees. We intend to take a similar approach in this case.

At VB Attorneys, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of maritime workers. If you or someone you know has been injured while working on a vessel, please contact us for a free consultation.