Injured Man Winched off Princess Cruise Ship – Pursuing Jones Act Claims
On January 10, 2023, an accident involving a crew member occurred on a cruise ship, leaving them in serious condition. Let’s explore the details of the news with Ehline Law and our Princess Cruise personal injury attorneys.
Cruise Ship Calls for Medical Evacuation to Winch Injured Crew Member
On Tuesday, a cruise ship off the coast of Taranaki called for emergency help, requesting Westpac Auckland Rescue Helicopter to winch one of their crew members to a nearby hospital.
Records Show Crew Member Suffered Serious Injuries
The Written Rescue Log showed that the accident occurred 50 nautical miles offshore off the coast northwest of New Plymouth, New Zealand. A crew member fell a flight of stairs on the Coral Princess cruise ship, resulting in serious injuries.
Crew Member Winched and Taken to Hospital for Additional Support, Spokesperson Reports
According to the Princess Cruises spokesperson, the injured crew member was in critical condition and receiving medical care onboard before the rescue helicopter arrived to winch them in a stretcher. The injured crew member was transported ashore to Waikato Hospital for treatment.
Media groups reached out to the personnel at Waikato Hospital for updates on the male patient and their medical condition, but they did not provide any comments.
Are Cruise Lines Responsible for Employee Injuries?
Under the Jones Act, Cruise Lines are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for all the crew members on their cruise ships, and failing to do so can lead to cruise line liability.
If a crew member suffers injuries due to the Cruise Line’s negligence, they may be able to file a claim under Jones Act for compensation.
Is the Jones Act Different than Workers’ Compensation?
The Jones Act and Workers’ Compensation may seem similar, but they have their differences. Let’s look at the differences between the two.
Jones Act is for Seamen
Unlike Workers’ Compensation which aims to compensate injured workers on land for the damages incurred following a work-related accident, the Jones Act covers injured seamen and maritime workers.
Jones Act is a Fault-based Claim
Injured victims do not have to prove that their employer was negligent when filing a claim under Workers’ Compensation. Regardless of who is at fault, injured workers can recover compensation for their loss under the Workers’ Compensation claim.
On the other hand, compensation under the Jones Act is determined by fault and the degree of responsibility. In other words, injured seamen or maritime workers must provide evidence of negligence to pursue a claim under the Jones Act.
Injured Seamen Can Recover More Compensation under Jones Act
Unlike Workers’ Compensation which compensates victims for medical bills and disability benefits (partial lost wages under disability benefits), the Jones Act allows injured seamen to recover medical bills, disability benefits, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical costs.
Do You Need an Attorney to File Claims under Jones Act?
Whether you suffered injuries as a crew member on Coral Princess or any other cruise ship, it is essential to seek legal help from an experienced personal injury attorney. Unlike Workers’ Compensation, where victims do not have to prove negligence, filing claims under Jones Act requires injured workers to provide evidence of employer or other employee’s negligence.
Skilled cruise ship injury attorneys with experience handling Jones Act claim can help injured victims with the legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Ehline Law Princess Cruise Ship Lawyers
If you suffered injuries due to negligence while working on a cruise ship, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation, as you may be able to seek compensation.
