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Carnival Cruise Line Dirty Needle during Shore Excursion in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
Najara Murati, a resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint alleges that Murati suffered serious injuries and emotional distress after stepping on a discarded hypodermic needle while participating in a Carnival-promoted beach excursion in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, on August 9, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Claims She Was Injured at “La Casa en la Playa – A Select Retreat” Beach Excursion
According to the lawsuit, Murati was a fare-paying passenger aboard the Carnival Horizon when she purchased tickets for the “La Casa en la Playa – A Select Retreat” excursion directly through Carnival’s website. The trip, promoted and sold under Carnival branding, was marketed as a safe and exclusive beach retreat. While walking barefoot on the sand near lounge chairs provided by excursion staff, Murati allegedly stepped on a dirty needle hidden beneath the sand, puncturing her right foot.
Complaint Alleges Carnival and Excursion Operator Failed to Inspect and Warn of Hazards
Murati’s complaint asserts that Carnival and its excursion partners failed to adequately inspect the beach for dangerous debris, failed to provide proper footwear guidance, and failed to warn guests of the risk of encountering medical waste. The filing claims that discarded syringes and similar hazards are a known risk in coastal areas of the Dominican Republic and that the defendants either knew or should have known of these dangers through prior passenger complaints, online reviews, and local environmental conditions.
Lawsuit Alleges Negligence, Apparent Agency, and Joint Venture Liability
The lawsuit brings multiple negligence-based counts against Carnival, including negligent selection and retention of the excursion operator, failure to warn, and negligent inspection and maintenance. It also alleges apparent agency, arguing that Carnival’s marketing, branding, and ticketing created the impression that the excursion was operated and controlled by Carnival personnel. Murati claims she reasonably relied on these representations when deciding to book the tour. The complaint further alleges that Carnival and the excursion operator were engaged in a joint venture for profit, sharing revenue and responsibilities for guest safety.
Plaintiff Claims Physical Injuries, Infection Risk, and Severe Emotional Distress
Murati alleges she sustained a puncture wound to her right foot, swelling, rashes, and a blood infection. She also claims significant emotional distress from fear of contracting serious diseases such as HIV or hepatitis, requiring medical testing, preventative treatment, and ongoing monitoring. The complaint asserts that her injuries disrupted her vacation, caused physical pain and suffering, and led to additional medical expenses and lost wages.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Medical Expenses, Lost Earnings, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Murati seeks damages exceeding $75,000 for past and future medical care, emotional distress, pain and suffering, disability, lost income, and diminished quality of life. She demands a jury trial on all triable issues.
Contact a Cruise Excursion Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt During a Cruise-Sponsored Shore Activity
Cruise passengers injured during shore excursions sold, promoted, or organized by a cruise line may have legal rights under maritime law. Cruise operators can be held liable for unsafe excursion conditions, inadequate inspections, and misleading marketing about the safety of third-party operators. If you or a loved one suffered a similar injury, our experienced maritime attorneys can help evaluate your case.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship excursion injury lawyer.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.