Indian Seafarer Sues Disney Cruise Line for Spinal Injury Sustained While Working Aboard Disney Fantasy
Basavaraj Pasar, a citizen of India and a former crew member aboard the Disney Fantasy, has filed a Jones Act seaman’s injury lawsuit against Magical Cruise Company, Limited, doing business as Disney Cruise Line. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida under Case No. 6:25-cv-01610, alleges that Pasar sustained debilitating injuries to his cervical spine while performing physically demanding duties aboard the vessel.
Disney Crew Member Alleges Spinal Injury From Repetitive Heavy Lifting and Inadequate Medical Care
According to the lawsuit, Pasar was employed as an Able-Bodied Seaman on the Disney Fantasy when he began experiencing severe upper back, shoulder, and neck pain due to repetitive trauma from heavy lifting, awkward postures, and strenuous physical labor. The incident occurred on or about August 22, 2022, while Pasar was performing maintenance and deck operations, including rope handling, painting, cargo transfer, and rigging work.
The complaint alleges that Disney failed to provide ergonomic tools, proper lifting techniques, or sufficient crew support, leading to Pasar’s overexertion. After reporting his symptoms to the onboard medical facility, Pasar was allegedly given only anti-inflammatory medication and instructed to stretch. A subsequent evaluation at a shore-side clinic in Cozumel revealed cervical disc herniations at C5-C6 and C6-C7, along with radiculopathy.
Disney Accused of Failing to Provide a Safe Workplace and Proper Medical Treatment Under the Jones Act
Pasar brings a claim for Jones Act negligence, alleging that Disney breached its duty to provide a safe working environment and appropriate medical care. The lawsuit accuses Disney of multiple failures, including:
- Not enforcing safe work/rest hours
- Not following maritime ergonomics practices
- Not responding appropriately to reports of injury
- Employing improperly trained medical personnel
- Failing to follow safety procedures outlined by the ISM Code
The complaint asserts that Disney’s shipboard and shoreside medical staff failed to diagnose or treat the injury effectively, causing the condition to worsen and prolonging Pasar’s recovery. The plaintiff states he remains under medical care and has not reached maximum medical improvement, leaving him unable to return to work.
Seaman Claims Disney Fantasy Was Unseaworthy Due to Unsafe Conditions and Improper Staffing
Pasar also alleges that the Disney Fantasy was unseaworthy, a claim brought under general maritime law. The complaint states that the vessel lacked proper staffing, failed to provide mechanical aids for lifting, and failed to follow established safety standards. These alleged deficiencies created an unsafe working environment and contributed directly to the plaintiff’s injuries.
Pasar claims the crew was overworked, inadequately supervised, and not provided with proper lifting equipment or medical resources. He alleges that his injury resulted from systemic problems with vessel safety and crew management, not merely an isolated accident.
Disney Cruise Line Sued for Failing to Provide Maintenance, Cure, and Adequate Treatment After Injury
The complaint brings additional counts for failure to provide maintenance and cure and failure to treat, both of which are remedies available under U.S. maritime law to injured seafarers. Pasar claims that Disney prematurely discontinued his medical benefits and failed to authorize proper follow-up care, despite clear medical recommendations. He also alleges that Disney has not reimbursed out-of-pocket medical expenses and has acted willfully and arbitrarily in handling his post-injury care.
Because of these alleged failures, Pasar is seeking not only compensatory damages but also punitive damages and attorneys’ fees under the General Maritime Law. He claims ongoing pain, emotional distress, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, and the loss of employment-related benefits such as medical care, travel, and uniforms.
Contact a Cruise Ship Crew Injury Lawyer for Jones Act and Maritime Law Claims
Cruise ship workers injured while in service of the vessel are entitled to legal protections under the Jones Act and maritime law, including maintenance, cure, and a seaworthy vessel. If you are a seafarer or crew member who suffered injury aboard a cruise ship due to unsafe working conditions, lack of proper treatment, or repetitive trauma, you may have the right to compensation.
Contact us now to speak with an experienced cruise crew injury attorney.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
