Samuel Ali, a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and former crew member aboard the Disney Wish, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Magical Cruise Company, Limited, doing business as Disney Cruise Line, in the Middle District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 25-cv-00451-JSS-DCI, alleges that Ali sustained serious and permanent back and shoulder injuries due to unsafe working conditions and inadequate medical care while employed aboard the vessel.

Crew Member Injured While Performing Repetitive Heavy Lifting Aboard Disney Wish Without Proper Safety Equipment or Assistance

According to the complaint, Ali served as a Second Steward and was regularly required to perform repetitive heavy lifting, including transporting boxes of cutlery and supplies, without adequate equipment, staffing, or protective gear. On July 26, 2022, Ali allegedly sustained a severe spinal injury while working on uneven surfaces and inclines aboard the Disney Wish. He reported his symptoms to the ship’s medical facility on multiple occasions but was repeatedly given pain medication and returned to duty—exacerbating his condition. The lawsuit asserts that Disney Cruise Line failed to provide a safe work environment or proper lifting protocols, resulting in a permanent and disabling injury.

Disney Accused of Negligent Medical Care and Failing to Disembark Injured Crew Member Promptly for Proper Treatment

The lawsuit alleges that after Ali’s initial injury, Disney failed to arrange for timely shore-side medical evaluation or treatment, instead keeping him onboard with only minimal care. Ali claims that Disney’s shipboard medical personnel negligently delayed his disembarkation, failed to accurately diagnose his injuries, and returned him to work before he had recovered—decisions that worsened his condition. He was eventually medically disembarked, but only after the damage had significantly progressed. The complaint brings a claim under the Jones Act for negligence, as well as under General Maritime Law for failure to treat and failure to provide maintenance and cure.

Disney Wish Allegedly Unseaworthy Due to Unsafe Work Environment and Unqualified Medical Staff

Ali further contends that the Disney Wish was unseaworthy due to unsafe working conditions and unqualified crew. The lawsuit claims the vessel lacked proper lifting devices, adequate medical facilities, and a fit medical staff trained to handle serious crew injuries. It also alleges that Disney failed to implement or enforce appropriate health and safety protocols, violating the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and the Maritime Labour Convention. According to the complaint, Disney’s failure to train supervisors, evaluate crew injuries properly, and carry out adequate risk assessments contributed to Ali’s injuries and their subsequent aggravation.

Crew Member Seeks Compensation for Ongoing Disability, Lost Wages, and Emotional and Physical Suffering

Ali seeks damages under four counts: Jones Act negligence, unseaworthiness, failure to provide maintenance and cure, and failure to provide prompt medical treatment. He alleges his injuries are permanent and continuing, resulting in lost wages, diminished future earning capacity, physical disability, and emotional distress. The complaint also states that Disney’s delay in providing full maintenance and cure entitles Ali to punitive damages and attorneys’ fees due to alleged willful and arbitrary conduct.

Injured Cruise Ship Crew Members Have Legal Rights Under Maritime Law—Speak With a Jones Act Attorney Today

Maritime workers injured aboard cruise ships may be entitled to significant compensation under the Jones Act and other maritime protections. Employers like Disney Cruise Line are required to provide safe working conditions, prompt medical care, and compensation through maintenance and cure. If you or someone you know suffered an injury while working on a cruise ship, contact an experienced maritime injury attorney today to explore your legal rights.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise crew injury lawyer.

Brazilian Crew Member Sues Disney Cruise Line After Back and Knee Injuries While Working on Disney Fantasy

Marcus Da Silva, a citizen of Brazil and a former crew member aboard the Disney Fantasy, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Magical Cruise Company, Limited, doing business as Disney Cruise Line, in the Middle District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 25-cv-00474-JA-RMN, alleges that Da Silva sustained permanent and disabling injuries due to unsafe working conditions and delayed medical care while performing physically demanding duties as a shipboard chef.

Disney Fantasy Crew Member Injured During Heavy Lifting Without Equipment or Support in Cabanas Restaurant Area

According to the complaint, Da Silva was employed as a chef and was assigned to work in the buffet and Cabanas Restaurant aboard the Disney Fantasy. On March 30, 2022, while the ship was in Port Canaveral, Da Silva allegedly sustained serious injuries to his back and knee while lifting and transporting heavy boxes of food and supplies without sufficient assistance, proper equipment, or protective gear. The work was reportedly performed on uneven surfaces, under time pressure, and without regard to ergonomic safety. Despite experiencing severe pain, Da Silva claims he was given only painkillers and was ordered to return to work, exacerbating his condition.

Disney Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Provide Safe Work Conditions and Delaying Shore-Side Medical Care

The lawsuit asserts that Disney failed to offer a reasonably safe working environment and did not implement or enforce proper safety protocols for manual handling. After reporting his injuries to the onboard medical team multiple times, Da Silva alleges he was sent back to work with minimal treatment and without adequate medical evaluation. Only after repeated complaints was he medically disembarked for continued care. His attorneys argue that this failure to provide prompt and adequate medical attention constituted both negligence under the Jones Act and a violation of Disney’s non-delegable duty to provide maintenance and cure.

Disney Fantasy Allegedly Unseaworthy Due to Inadequate Medical Care and Unsafe Working Environment for Crew

Da Silva further claims the Disney Fantasy was unseaworthy, citing the cruise line’s alleged failure to provide trained medical staff, sufficient lifting equipment, proper training, and effective supervision. The lawsuit outlines how Disney’s shipboard doctors, supervisors, and crew were not properly trained or monitored, and how crew members were routinely returned to duty without a full assessment of their injuries. The suit also alleges violations of international maritime safety standards, including the Maritime Labour Convention and the ISM Code, which require safe working conditions and adequate onboard medical care for seafarers.

Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Injuries, Lost Income, and Disney’s Alleged Neglect of Maritime Duties

Da Silva brings four counts against Disney: Jones Act negligence, unseaworthiness, failure to provide maintenance and cure, and failure to treat. He is seeking compensation for ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, diminished future earning capacity, physical and emotional suffering, and the loss of employment-related benefits such as food, lodging, uniforms, and free travel. The complaint claims that Disney’s actions aggravated his injuries and delayed his recovery, resulting in permanent disability and significant career disruption.

Injured Cruise Ship Crew Members May Be Entitled to Compensation Under Maritime Law

Cruise line crew members who are injured on the job may have legal claims under the Jones Act and general maritime law, including the right to maintenance, cure, and a seaworthy work environment. If you or someone you know was injured while working aboard a cruise ship and denied proper medical care or safe working conditions, you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship crew injury attorney.