Crewmember Maintenance And Cure

Clifford Williams vs. Royal Caribbean Cruises – Stateroom attendant was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease during his employment with cruise line.  Cruise line refused to provide maintenance and cure to seaman for his condition, arguing that the maintenance and cure obligation did not apply to “chronic conditions” such as polycystic kidney disease, for which there is no “cure.”  Following an extensive arbitration on the issue including expert testimony concerning the treatments for polycystic kidney disease, the (retired judge acting as) arbitrator awarded a total of $970,230.00 to the seaman plus obligated the cruise line to provide “all of the maintenance and cure required” for the seaman’s condition, including dialysis.  The arbitration award was confirmed by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and Final Judgment was entered in favor of the seaman.