Former employee wins USD20 million in Royal Caribbean injury lawsuit
Royal Caribbean International is facing a $20 million compensation pay out after losing a case against a former employee’s injury lawsuit.
Lisa Spearman, a former marketing and revenue manager on Voyager of the Seas, was awarded $20.3 million after suffering a severe hand injury during a routine fire drill.
According to Spearman’s attorney Deborah Gander, the fire drill went awry as a ship nurse, who was unaware of the drill taking place, opened water tight doors.
Spearman was on the other side of the doors and tried to assist the nurse when she fell over.
At this point the powerful doors sprang back into the closed position, smashing against Spearman’s hand and breaking two fingers.
Gander said Royal Caribbean was negligent in its training and the injury was then misdiagnosed by a doctor after being referred by the cruise line, which worsened the injury.
The court heard that 12 other crew members suffered hand injuries in similar circumstances.
New Zealander Spearman was later diagnosed with a chronic pain syndrome and claimed she had post-traumatic stress disorder.
Two years after the accident, Spearman was dismissed as she was deemed unable to perform necessary duties.
The suit alleged negligence and failing to provide proper medical care, breach of contract and failure to pay full wages.
The cruise line said it ‘respectfully disagrees’ with the ruling and intends to appeal.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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