Crewmembers sustain accidents onboard cruise ships, cargo vessels, and boats regularly, but the cases that actually get documented are few and far between. Cases involving sicknesses - especially Norovirus and most recently bacterial Meningitis onboard an MSC cruise ship - slip and fall injuries, equipment-related accidents, violence, crime, and several other incidents rarely see the light of day because companies work diligently to keep them hidden from the public eye. Since vessel companies  are responsible for the safety of their crew and passengers, when that safety becomes compromised, the company may be held liable for any incidents that ensue –and they are not too keen on paying up.

If the cases involving  crewmembers are even documented at all, it can take weeks for victims to obtain the medical and legal help they need, and by that time, it may be too late. Although crewmembers do not always obtain justice for their injuries or illnesses, they are entitled to seek legal help with experienced maritime accident lawyers, like those of the Miami maritime law firm, Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A.

When dealing with crewmember claims, also referred to as seaman’s or seafarer’s claims, it is imperative that victims obtain legal representation from maritime attorneys who are experienced and know exactly what crewmembers are entitled to obtain after suffering an accident, illness or being the target of a crime on the high seas. The attorneys at Lipcon are an excellent choice for crewmembers who want to make sure their cases are resolved with the best possible outcome. Lipcon crew claims lawyers have been representing victims since 1971 and have been named Top Law Firm Protecting Seafarer Rights - with good reason.  Named as one of America's Best Lawyers, Lipcon is AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell, meaning the firm upholds the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, so clients never have to wonder who exactly they are working with. At Lipcon, each maritime lawyer prepares and tries their own cases, instead of outsourcing them, to ensure a level of personal attention is maintained between the attorneys and the clients.  Those who work with Lipcon maritime lawyers obtain a level of legal counsel and expertise they can trust will lead them to a positive verdict.

What Crewmembers are Entitled to and how Lipcon can Ensure the Maximum Recovery

Not many crewmembers are told exactly what their rights are. Seafarers who become injured or ill while on service of their vessel have a right under United States law to receive medical care, food and shelter, but their rights do not stop there. Seafarers also have a right to wages and tips and any lost wages from a leave of absence to recover from an injury can be contested. In addition, crewmembers are entitled to money damages for any injuries or losses as well as to work in an environment that is free of discrimination. If any of these rights are violated, the seafarer claims lawyers at Lipcon know exactly what to do in order to ensure that the maximum recovery is obtained for victims.

The lawyers at the firm have represented literally hundreds, if not thousands of crewmember injury claims.  These injuries range from slip and fall cases to rape and sexual assault cases.  No two cases are the same, and the lawyers at Lipcon give the time and attention each injured person deserves.  A few examples: the firm recently obtained a $4.4 million verdict on behalf of a longshoremen injured at the Port of Miami, and a $2.36 million dollar on behalf of a Chief Mate who suffered heart damage due to excessive working conditions.  Also, in one past case,  the law firm represented a stewardess who was employed by Oceanic Cruises. The plaintiff injured her back when lifting a full-size bed, which radiated to her left leg. The crewmember was soon diagnosed with two (2) lumbar disc fractures and the parties settled for an undisclosed amount. In another Lipcon seafarer case, the plaintiff was working as a pastry cook on a Norwegian Cruise Lines ship when the crewmember was burned while carrying a pan of hot caramelized sugar. One might think the actual crewmember might be blamed for their own mistake, but the parties were able to settle in this case as well for undisclosed amount because of the accomplished maritime lawyers at Lipcon.

In perhaps one of the law firm’s most memorable landmark cases, Lipcon was able to recover over $25 million in damages to a crewmember who suffered serious burn injuries after the engine on the cruise ship he was on exploded. The plaintiff, a then 27-year-old Mexican seaman, was employed by Defendant Tracey Navigation, a shipping company based in the Cayman Islands, and worked in the position of Oiler aboard the defendant's vessel. The seaman’s job was to monitor the engine room machines to ensure they were functioning properly.  Three months after being hired, the vessel’s engine exploded as the ship attempted to dock in Texas and diesel fuel spilled over the plaintiff and ignited. He sustained second and third degree burns over 80 percent of his body, which resulted in severe scarring. The victim lost the use of his hands, and is now visually and hearing impaired. The physical injures weren’t even close to what the plaintiff suffered mentally.

Before Lipcon stepped in, the defendant only paid $190,000 for plaintiff's medical expenses. When Lipcon took over, it was discovered that the defendant had prior knowledge of the faulty engine and the vessel was deemed unseaworthy and the company was held liable for the incident. Lipcon was able to recover $25,843,903 to the plaintiff.

National Recognition

Not only have the maritime attorneys at Lipcon been able to protect the rights of seafarers who have been injured and would have otherwise had their benefits sustained or revoked by cruise ship companies, boat operators or cargo vessel companies, but their expertise in the field of maritime and admiralty law precedes them. The firm’s lawyers have been featured on national television over 50 times, on shows including FOX News, Nightline, 20/20, America’s Newsroom, The Morning Show, and several others. With over 80 years of combined experience in admiralty and maritime law, the lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. are revered across the nation for their exceptional dedication to their field as well as to the rights of all maritime accident, injury and crime victims.

How You Can Seek Justice

Crewmembers who have been involved in an accident onboard a cruise ship, cargo ship, boat, or other vessel are encouraged to schedule a consultation with the Lipcon law firm immediately to file a seaman’s claim and make sure their rights are protected. The first consultation is free and lawyers are ready and waiting to help crewmembers obtain the benefits they deserve for their pain and suffering. Contact Lipcon today to get started on your case and protect your rights.

About Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A.

Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. is an award-winning Miami, FL law firm that focuses on maritime and admiralty claims against cruise lines, cargo vessels and boat companies. Representation may be available for anyone who has suffered an injury, illness, been the victim of a crime or lost someone they love. The cruise claims lawyers at Lipcon consistently receive the "AV" Preeminent rating of 5.0 out of 5.0 from their peers for their exceptional level of ethics and professional ability. Several of the firm's attorneys have also received the "SuperLawyers" Award, recognizing their exceptional degree of professional achievement in the field of maritime law.