Florida Seaman Sues Crowley Maritime for Failing to Provide Maintenance and Adequate Medical Care After Onboard Knee Injury
Mauricio Fernandez, a 64-year-old resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Crowley Maritime Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22975-KMW, alleges that Crowley failed to provide maintenance payments and appropriate medical care after Fernandez re-injured his knee while working aboard the MV Garden State in late 2024.
Steward Assistant Claims Crowley Ignored Medical Needs and Refused Maintenance Following Onboard Re-Injury
According to the complaint, Fernandez was employed as a Steward Assistant aboard Crowley’s vessel and had previously sustained a right knee injury in 2023, which required arthroscopic surgery. After a brief recovery period involving physical therapy and injections, he returned to work in October 2024. Within one month, he allegedly re-injured the same knee, and has been under medical care since November 23, 2024.
Despite acknowledging his injury and covering related medical treatment (“cure”), Crowley has allegedly failed to provide any “maintenance”—the daily financial support maritime law requires shipowners to pay injured seamen unable to work. The complaint claims that Fernandez was forced to cover his own living expenses for over a year, despite being legally entitled to support from his employer.
Crowley Accused of Callous Disregard for Seaman’s Rights Under Jones Act and General Maritime Law
Fernandez’s legal team asserts that Crowley’s failure to pay maintenance or provide timely and adequate medical care constitutes a serious violation of its legal obligations under both the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. The complaint alleges Crowley acted in a willful and arbitrary manner by ignoring repeated requests for support and medical assistance, forcing Fernandez to seek legal representation to enforce his rights.
The lawsuit states that Crowley delayed diagnostic testing, specialist referrals, and appropriate treatment, which worsened Fernandez’s medical condition. A recent evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon recommended a second arthroscopy and an eventual full knee replacement. The plaintiff seeks both compensatory and punitive damages due to Crowley’s refusal to provide maintenance and for aggravating his existing medical condition.
Complaint Requests Bench Trial on Maintenance and Cure Issues, Plus Jury Trial for Broader Negligence Under Jones Act
Fernandez brings two counts against Crowley: failure to provide maintenance and cure, and failure to provide prompt and adequate medical treatment under the Jones Act. He requests an expedited bench trial on the maintenance and cure issue, citing his financial hardship and Crowley’s ongoing noncompliance with maritime law. The broader negligence claims under the Jones Act will be presented to a jury, as allowed under federal maritime law.
Fernandez alleges that Crowley wrongfully returned him to duty before he was fully healed, resulting in a reinjury with long-term consequences. He seeks damages for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of income, ongoing medical expenses, and reduced earning capacity.
Hurt While Working on a Vessel and Denied Maintenance and Cure? Protect Your Rights with an Experienced Maritime Lawyer
Seamen injured while working aboard ships are entitled to maintenance and cure under maritime law, including medical care and financial support while recovering. Employers who ignore these obligations can face severe legal consequences. If you or someone you know has been denied maintenance or received inadequate treatment after an onboard injury, you may be entitled to compensatory and punitive damages. Our team of maritime attorneys is ready to help you navigate your rights and pursue justice.
Contact us now to speak with a maritime maintenance and cure attorney.
