Washington Seaman Sues NCL and Pride of America After Hazardous Fall in Crew Walkway Aboard M/S Pride of America
Cheryl Vaughn, a resident of Washington, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas), Ltd. and Pride of America Ship Holding, LLC in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20470-BB, alleges that Vaughn suffered severe and permanent injuries after tripping over an obstructed walkway while working as a waitress aboard the M/S Pride of America on March 20, 2023.
Waitress Injured Aboard M/S Pride of America Due to Hidden Hazard in Designated Crew Walkway
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while the M/S Pride of America was engaged in cruise operations at sea. Vaughn was acting within the course and scope of her employment as a seaman and waitress when the accident took place. While she was carrying a tray of dishware through a designated employee walkway, she tripped and fell over a chair that had been placed behind a corner. The lawsuit asserts that the placement of the furniture created a hazardous condition that was not readily visible to crew members performing their duties. As a direct result of this fall, Vaughn sustained severe injuries to both of her knees and her left ankle, all of which required surgical intervention and ongoing medical treatment.
NCL Accused of Jones Act Negligence for Failing to Maintain Safe Working Conditions and Proper Training
The lawsuit brings a claim of Jones Act negligence against NCL (Bahamas), Ltd., which served as Vaughn’s employer at the time of the incident. The complaint alleges that NCL breached its duty to provide a safe place to work and failed to implement adequate operational procedures. Specific allegations include the failure to keep designated crew walkways clear of obstructions and the failure to properly supervise and train crew members regarding the safe placement of equipment and furniture. Vaughn further contends that the cruise line failed to warn her of the specific hazard or communicate operational changes that led to the obstruction. The complaint suggests that these failures represent a breach of the Safety Management System required under maritime regulations to address known risks to shipboard personnel.
Pride of America Ship Holding Faces Unseaworthiness Claims Over Hazardous Vessel Conditions and Procedures
In addition to the negligence claims, Vaughn asserts counts of unseaworthiness against both Pride of America Ship Holding, LLC, as the titled owner of the vessel, and NCL as the operator. The legal theory of unseaworthiness holds that a vessel owner has a non-delegable duty to provide a ship that is reasonably fit for its intended purpose. The complaint argues that the M/S Pride of America was unseaworthy because the presence of a chair in a high-traffic waiter walkway constituted a failure in the vessel’s methods of operation. By allowing a hazardous condition to exist in a workspace, the defendants allegedly failed to provide a competent and properly supervised crew or a vessel that was safe for its employees to navigate.
Seaman Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries and Maintenance and Cure Benefits Following Shipboard Accident
Vaughn is seeking compensatory damages for a wide range of losses, including medical expenses, loss of earnings, and diminished earning capacity. The lawsuit emphasizes that the injuries to her knees and ankle are permanent and continue to cause pain, suffering, and mental anguish. Furthermore, the complaint includes a count for failure to pay maintenance and cure against NCL. Under general maritime law, an employer is required to provide an injured seaman with medical care and basic living expenses until they reach maximum medical improvement. Vaughn alleges that NCL has willfully and arbitrarily failed to provide these benefits despite her ongoing need for treatment, prompting her to seek attorney fees and additional interest alongside her primary damages.
Contact a Cruise Ship Crew Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Injured Working Aboard a Vessel
Crew members and seamen who are injured due to unsafe working conditions, obstructed walkways, or lack of proper training may be entitled to significant compensation under the Jones Act and general maritime law. Ship owners and operators have a legal responsibility to maintain a seaworthy vessel and provide a safe environment for their staff to perform their duties. If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace injury while employed on a cruise ship or commercial vessel, it is essential to speak with an experienced maritime attorney to protect your rights. Our legal team is dedicated to helping injured maritime workers navigate the complexities of maintenance and cure claims and negligence litigation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall 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.
