For Maria Ana Reis Martins, it seemed like just another workday in 2013 on the Disney cruise ship where she worked as a dining room server. There was no way for her to foresee the turn of events that would lead to lost earnings and a lengthy legal battle.
How Did it Happen?
When the vessel docked on the pristine shores of the Bahamas, Martins disembarked, along with the other employees and guests. Unfortunately, while exploring the port that day, Martins was struck by a car. Miraculously, she managed to get back to the boat, where she sought care from the on-board medical team. They concluded she hadn’t sustained any major injuries and was cleared to return to work.
An Incorrect Diagnosis Leads to Litigation
Much later and still in pain, Martins consulted with a Florida doctor who determined that her injuries were more serious. It was determined that Martins had three broken ribs. Unable to work, Martins returned to her home country of Portugal for five months to recover.
In 2014, she returned to her job at Disney. Just a month later, however, she again had to leave because nerve damage had affected her ability to work.
Martins filed a personal injury lawsuit against the Disney Cruise Line, alleging that the company failed to provide adequate medical care after she was injured. A Brevard County jury agreed and awarded her $4 million as a result. While the panel of 12 decided that she bore some responsibility in the case, Disney shouldered most of the blame.
The court decided the hospitality worker should receive $1 million for pain and suffering, $1 million in punitive damages, and $2 million for lost wages. The victory for Martins marked the first time Disney Cruise Line ever lost a personal injury lawsuit that involved a ship worker and a jury trial.
How Lawsuit Funding Can Help Personal Injury Sufferers
If, like Maria Ana Reis Martins, you have suffered a personal injury caused by another’s negligence, and you have a legal claim, lawsuit funding is a great option to consider. Lawsuit funding can help you make ends meet while you wait for your legal case to be resolved. Otherwise, you might settle for less than you deserve because you feel pressure you pay the bills in your daily life while you are out of work.
Personal injury lawsuit funding is not the same as traditional financing. With traditional financing, you always have an obligation to repay the amount financed. Lawsuit financing is “non-recourse”—the lawsuit funding does not receive any money unless — and until — your legal case is resolved favorably through a settlement or trial. There are no credit checks or up-front fees with personal injury lawsuit funding.
LawCash provides personal injury lawsuit funding to plaintiffs who qualify. Contact us to learn more, calculate your estimated award amount, or apply online today.