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Carnival Gift Shop Worker Sues Cruise Line and Retail Operator for Back Injuries Caused by Heavy Lifting Aboard Carnival Sunshine
A crew member from the Dominican Republic has filed a Jones Act lawsuit against Carnival Corporation, Starboard Holdings, and International Cruise Shops, alleging that unsafe working conditions and repeated heavy lifting caused serious spinal injuries during his contract aboard the Carnival Sunshine. The case, Paul Alexander Santana Noel v. Carnival Corporation et al. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21365-DPG), seeks damages for negligence, unseaworthiness, and failure to provide medical care.
Gift Shop Crew Member Claims Repetitive Lifting Injuries on Carnival Sunshine
According to the complaint, between April and August 2022, Paul Noel was employed as a Gift Shop Staff member aboard the Carnival Sunshine. He alleges that he was required to perform physically demanding labor well beyond his job description, including lifting and transporting heavy boxes of liquor, jewelry, and perfume without proper tools or assistance.
Noel claims he sustained back and arm injuries while carrying merchandise downstairs without an elevator, trolley, or lifting belt. Despite reporting his injuries, shipboard medical staff allegedly returned him to work under painkillers—causing further damage.
Lawsuit Alleges Unsafe Working Conditions, Inadequate Medical Care, and Employer Negligence
The lawsuit details numerous failures by the defendants, including:
- Overworking the plaintiff and ignoring ergonomic industry standards
- Failing to provide lifting aids or assign sufficient personnel to assist with cargo
- Returning Noel to duty while on painkillers, exacerbating his condition
- Neglecting to provide prompt, adequate medical care and refusing to approve surgery
The plaintiff claims the injuries have resulted in long-term disability, and he has not reached maximum medical improvement due to the defendants’ refusal to authorize surgery.
Plaintiff Sues Under Jones Act and Maritime Law for Negligence and Maintenance & Cure Violations
The complaint brings five counts under the Jones Act, general maritime law, and general negligence, alleging that:
- Carnival Corporation, as the vessel operator, failed to provide a safe work environment
- Starboard Holdings, which managed the onboard retail operations, directed and controlled the plaintiff’s work
- International Cruise Shops acted as the plaintiff’s nominal employer but failed in its duty of care
- All defendants breached their duty to provide maintenance and cure following the injury
Noel seeks damages for medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, mental anguish, and the loss of cruise-related fringe benefits such as free travel, food, and housing.
Lawsuit Highlights Growing Trend of Seafarer Injury Claims in Retail and Hospitality Roles
This case adds to a series of recent lawsuits filed by shipboard retail workers and gift shop staff alleging:
- Unsafe manual handling expectations
- Poor training and supervision
- Return-to-work practices that ignore underlying injuries
Past cases cited in the complaint include Jojic v. International Cruise Shops, Foster v. Starboard Cruise Services, and Fuentes Estrada v. Carnival Corp., each involving repetitive lifting injuries and alleged failures in shipboard medical response.
Injured While Working on a Cruise Ship? Maritime Law Protects Seafarers’ Rights
Under U.S. maritime law and the Jones Act, seafarers are entitled to a safe working environment and proper medical care if injured. If you’ve been hurt during your shipboard duties—especially in retail, housekeeping, or food service roles—you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact a maritime injury attorney to evaluate your rights and secure the treatment and damages you deserve.