Panama Crew Member Sues MSC Cruises in Florida Over Back Injury Sustained While Lifting Heavy Garbage Bins on MSC Fantasia
Leonardo Henry Brown Chavez, a citizen of Panama, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises and affiliated entities in Broward County Circuit Court, Florida. The complaint, filed on July 11, 2025, alleges that Chavez, a kitchen utility worker aboard the MSC Fantasia, suffered serious and permanent back injuries while performing strenuous lifting duties without proper equipment or support.
Crew Member Alleges Unsafe Working Conditions Aboard MSC Fantasia Led to Back and Hip Injury
According to the lawsuit, Chavez was hired by MSC Malta Seafarers Co. Ltd. on January 21, 2022, to work as a kitchen utility crewmember. He was assigned to the MSC Fantasia and alleges that once onboard, he came under the control of MSC Cruise Management (UK) Ltd. and MSC Cruises S.A., which acted as his borrowing employers. On July 12, 2022, while lifting heavy garbage bins filled with wet food waste as part of his regular duties, Chavez experienced a sharp pain in his lower back that radiated into his left leg. He promptly reported the injury to his supervisor and later received treatment at the ship’s infirmary, where he was diagnosed with lumbosacral syndrome with ischialgia and declared unfit for duty.
MSC Accused of Failing to Provide Medical Care and Basic Safety Equipment to Injured Crew Member
The lawsuit asserts that after being signed off the ship on July 26, 2022, Chavez was not provided any referral for further medical care in his home country and had to seek treatment independently. Medical examinations, including X-rays and an MRI, revealed disc bulging at L4-L5 and L5-S1, with associated nerve compression and chronic pain. Despite these findings, MSC allegedly denied recommended therapies including physical therapy, ozone treatment, and therapeutic blocks. Chavez claims he has never been declared to be at maximum medical improvement (MMI) and continues to suffer from constant pain, functional limitations, and emotional distress.
The complaint further contends that MSC failed to provide required maintenance and cure—basic food, lodging, and medical care obligations owed to injured seamen under maritime law. Chavez alleges that MSC failed to compensate him for lost wages and provided no assistance while he recovered at home, forcing him to cover his own treatment expenses.
Plaintiff Alleges Unseaworthiness of Vessel and Overwork Without Adequate Safety Protocols
Chavez alleges that the MSC Fantasia was unseaworthy at the time of the incident. The complaint claims the vessel lacked adequate equipment, such as trolleys and back braces, to safely perform repetitive lifting tasks. It also asserts that kitchen crew were not properly trained or supervised and were required to work excessive hours—often 15 to 16 hours per day—without adequate rest. The complaint highlights that the methods used to handle food waste and other heavy materials were unsafe and unreasonably dangerous, putting crewmembers like Chavez at risk for injury.
Multiple MSC Entities Named as Defendants for Failing to Provide a Safe Workplace and Adequate Medical Treatment
The lawsuit names four MSC entities as defendants: MSC Malta Seafarers Co. Ltd., MSC Cruise Management (UK) Ltd., MSC Cruises S.A., and Fantasia Cruise Ltd. Chavez alleges that each played a role in his hiring, supervision, or medical care. The legal complaint brings six counts: general maritime negligence against MSC Malta, MSC UK, and MSC Cruises S.A.; unseaworthiness claims against MSC Cruises S.A. and Fantasia Cruise Ltd.; and a claim for maintenance and cure. The lawsuit argues that the defendants had both actual and constructive knowledge of the unsafe working conditions and failed to take corrective action.
Injured Crew Member Seeks Damages for Lost Wages, Medical Expenses, and Long-Term Disability from MSC Cruises
Chavez seeks compensatory damages for his medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. He also seeks an award of maintenance and cure and alleges that his injuries are permanent and continuing. The complaint states that despite being a ward of the court under admiralty law, Chavez has received no financial or medical assistance from MSC since disembarking the vessel.
Contact a Florida Maritime Injury Lawyer if You Were Injured While Working on a Cruise Ship
Crewmembers injured while working aboard cruise ships may be entitled to maintenance and cure, medical care, and compensation under maritime law. Cruise companies have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their vessels and provide proper treatment for injured employees. If you or someone you know was injured while working aboard a cruise ship such as the MSC Fantasia, contact our experienced maritime injury attorneys today to learn about your rights.
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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.
