- Contact Us for a Free Consultation 305-668-6410
Florida Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Passenger Assault on Carnival Paradise Despite Security Escort
Monica Wilson, a resident of Washington County, Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24240-AHS, alleges that Wilson suffered head trauma and emotional distress after she was violently assaulted by another passenger aboard the Carnival Paradise—despite being under the escort of a cruise ship security officer at the time of the attack.
Carnival Passenger Claims She Was Assaulted on Deck 9 After Seeking Help from Security Crew
According to the lawsuit, the incident occurred on the evening of September 15, 2024, while the Carnival Paradise was in navigable waters. Wilson and a friend had been walking near the Lido Deck, taking photos, when they encountered a group of female passengers who became aggressive, accusing them of taking unauthorized photographs. After threats and verbal harassment, Wilson sought protection from a Carnival security crewmember.
The security officer began escorting Wilson and her friend through the vessel’s casino area. Despite being under security supervision, a member of the threatening group allegedly ran up from behind and struck Wilson violently on the right side of her head. The attack occurred without warning and while Wilson was actively seeking safety, exposing what the complaint describes as a breakdown in Carnival’s security procedures.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Prevent Assaults by Intoxicated Passengers in High-Risk Nighttime Settings
Wilson’s lawsuit accuses Carnival of failing to provide reasonably safe conditions for passengers and of failing to protect guests from foreseeable acts of violence. The complaint asserts that Carnival has long been aware of a pattern of violent passenger-on-passenger incidents aboard its ships, particularly at night and in areas where alcohol is heavily consumed, such as the casino and nightclubs.
According to the plaintiff, Carnival profits substantially from alcohol sales—one of the top sources of onboard revenue—and has created an atmosphere that encourages heavy drinking while failing to implement adequate security measures in response. The complaint argues that Carnival knew or should have known that intoxicated passengers present a heightened risk of aggression, especially in the late-night hours, yet failed to increase staffing or enact preventive policies.
Lawsuit Cites Lack of Adequate Security, Failure to De-Escalate Conflict, and Inability to Protect Passenger
The complaint brings a single count of negligent security against Carnival, alleging the cruise line failed to monitor intoxicated guests, respond effectively to threats, or provide sufficient security coverage to prevent passenger assaults. Wilson claims that the Carnival security officer failed to de-escalate the situation or protect her, despite clear warning signs and the opportunity to intervene before the assault occurred.
Among the specific allegations are Carnival’s failure to control visibly intoxicated passengers, to enforce anti-violence policies, to monitor passenger behavior in common areas, and to adequately train crew members in conflict resolution and physical protection protocols.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Head Injury, Facial Contusions, Emotional Distress, and Ongoing Disability
As a result of the assault, Wilson claims she suffered injuries including a head trauma, facial contusions, headaches, and ear ringing. She further alleges ongoing physical and emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and diminished earning capacity. The lawsuit seeks damages for past and future medical care, pain and suffering, lost wages, physical impairment, and mental anguish. Wilson’s injuries are described as permanent or continuing in nature, and she seeks a jury trial on all claims.
Contact a Cruise Ship Assault Lawyer if You Were Attacked or Injured Aboard a Carnival Vessel
Cruise lines are required by maritime law to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable assaults and violent conduct aboard their vessels. If you were injured due to an attack or altercation at sea, especially one that occurred after requesting help from crew or security, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced maritime injury lawyers are here to help protect your rights and pursue justice on your behalf.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship assault and negligent security 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.