Opinion ID: 689218
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: the punitive damages claim and the motion for attorney's fees

Text: 40 In addition to his wages claim, Flores argues that he should receive punitive damages because Carnival's refusal to pay him his unearned wages was willful and arbitrary. He has also filed a motion for attorney's fees related to this appeal. 41 Because this is a case of first impression, Carnival did not abrogate any established legal duty toward Flores, and therefore did not exhibit willful and wanton misconduct, which is the standard Flores must meet to recover punitive damages in admiralty law. Hines v. J.A. Laporte, Inc., 820 F.2d 1187, 1188 (11th Cir.1987). Furthermore, Carnival paid Flores more than $45 a month while he was incapacitated, and Flores apparently did not object to the sums he was receiving as unearned wages prior to the expiration of the second contract and the initiation of this suit. We do not think, under these circumstances, that Carnival acted in bad faith, callously, or unreasonably, which is the standard for award of attorney fees in admiralty law under Nichols v. Barwick, 792 F.2d 1520, 1524 (11th Cir.1986).