A cruise ship spa worker suffered permanent neurological injuries after slipping on a wet floor aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel, ultimately resulting in a $9.486 million jury verdict. Simpson was employed by Steiner Transocean Limited, which provided spa services aboard the ship. He alleged that a cruise line employee had mopped the floor but failed to dry it, while twice telling him she was “done,” implying the area was safe. Simpson slipped, landed on his back, and later presented evidence of permanent spinal nerve damage that caused urinary and bowel incontinence and sexual impotence. After a trial in which Steiner denied negligence and disputed whether his medical problems were caused by the fall, the jury deliberated for only 42 minutes before finding the defendant 100% negligent and awarding Simpson $9,486,000.
The case illustrates an important aspect of maritime injury law: an accident that initially appears to be a relatively ordinary workplace fall can result in catastrophic injuries and complicated questions involving employer negligence, medical causation, future care, and a maritime worker’s ability to continue earning a living.
The Jones Act Provides Important Protections for Seamen
Maritime workers can be subject to different laws than employees who work primarily on land. One of the most important federal protections for qualifying seamen is the Jones Act.
The Jones Act allows qualifying seamen who are injured in the course of their employment to bring negligence claims against their employers. This makes determining a worker’s employment relationship and status particularly important following a serious accident aboard a vessel.
In Simpson’s case, he pursued his employer, Steiner Transocean Limited, under the Jones Act and alleged that the company breached its nondelegable duty to maintain the spa in a reasonably safe condition for its employees.
A Wet Floor Can Cause a Catastrophic Injury
Slip-and-fall accidents are sometimes associated with relatively minor injuries, but the way someone falls and the part of the body that absorbs the impact can result in far more serious consequences.
Spinal and neurological injuries can affect much more than a person’s ability to walk or perform physical work. Depending on the location and severity of the damage, an injury can interfere with bladder and bowel function, sexual function, sensation, mobility, and other essential aspects of daily life.
Simpson’s physicians testified that he suffered permanent nerve damage to his spine. At 42 years old at the time of trial, he testified that he needed to self-catheterize to urinate and irrigate his bowels three times per week. He had also undergone two penile implant surgeries and faced the prospect of future spinal fusion surgery.
These consequences demonstrate why the severity of an injury cannot always be judged by how dramatic the original accident appeared.
Medical Causation Can Become a Major Issue
Showing that an accident occurred is only one part of a serious maritime injury claim. When an employer disputes whether the accident caused the worker’s medical condition, causation can become a central issue.
That happened in Simpson’s case. Steiner denied negligence and argued that Simpson’s symptoms were not causally related to his fall.
Medical records and testimony from treating physicians can therefore play an important role in litigation involving spinal and neurological injuries. Attorneys may need to establish the worker’s condition before the accident, document how symptoms developed afterward, and present medical evidence explaining the relationship between the accident and the claimed injuries.
The more complicated the medical condition, the more significant these disputes can become.
Serious Injuries Can Affect a Worker’s Future Earning Ability
A catastrophic injury can also fundamentally change someone’s ability to earn a living.
Before becoming a fitness instructor, Simpson had worked as a truck driver. His treating physician testified that following his injuries, Simpson was limited to sedentary employment.
For someone whose employment has historically depended on physical activity, permanent restrictions can significantly narrow future employment opportunities. A serious injury claim may therefore involve not only past losses, but also the effect that permanent physical limitations may have on the person’s ability to work in the future.
Future medical needs can also be important. When physicians anticipate additional surgeries, treatment, or long-term care, those expected needs may become part of evaluating the full consequences of an injury.
Maritime Injury Cases Can Extend Far Beyond the Initial Accident
Simpson’s case demonstrates why the circumstances following a maritime accident can be just as important as the accident itself. What began with an allegedly wet floor eventually involved permanent neurological injuries, invasive medical treatment, future surgery, employment limitations, and a dispute over whether those conditions were caused by the fall.
After hearing the evidence, the jury deliberated for just 42 minutes, found Steiner Transocean Limited 100% negligent, and awarded Simpson $9.486 million in damages.
For injured maritime workers, understanding which laws apply and identifying the full impact of an injury can be critical. BRILL & RINALDI, The Law Firm represents maritime workers and others who have suffered serious and catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured while working aboard a vessel, schedule a consultation today by calling (954) 876-4344 or filling out the online form. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.
Disclaimer: The information above is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and results are not guaranteed.