Brassea appeals the grant of summary judgment in favor of Person. Cure' is the right to necessary medical services. First is the general social interest in protecting sailors. It has few exceptions or conditions to stir contentions, cause delays, and invite litigations. On the other hand, the Master knew he must maintain and care for even the erring and careless seaman, much as a parent would a child.
Causation is irrelevant in maintenance and cure analysis.
As suggested by the language of Farrell, supra, requiring a showing of causation for maintenance and cure claims misapplies the law. The injury or illness need not result from or be in any way causally related to his shipboard duties. This rule can be traced to Calmar Steamship Corp. v. Taylor. The Court held the seaman entitled to maintenance and cure, even though the disease was unrelated to his foot injury. Although the seaman has the burden of proof in a case for maintenance and cure, the burden itself is light.