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Nicaraguan Crewmember Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Suffering Spinal Injuries Aboard Carnival Horizon
Edith Jasmina Valverde Herrera, a citizen of Nicaragua, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 2025-006672-CA-01, alleges that Valverde Herrera sustained permanent spinal injuries while working as a housekeeping attendant aboard the Carnival Horizon on April 12, 2024.
Carnival Horizon Crewmember Alleges Spinal Injury Due to Heavy Luggage Lifting Without Safety Equipment
According to the complaint, Valverde Herrera was assigned luggage-handling duties without access to trolleys, lifting devices, or back braces. She alleges she was required to lift unmarked pieces of passenger luggage that exceeded 100 pounds, well above the cruise line’s own stated 50-pound limit. During one such lift, she reportedly felt a sharp pulling sensation in her lower back, marking the onset of severe and escalating spinal pain. Despite seeking medical care onboard and at various ports, she claims Carnival failed to provide proper treatment, contributing to the progression of serious spinal conditions including disc herniation, discitis, and cauda equina syndrome.
The lawsuit alleges that the working conditions aboard the Carnival Horizon were dangerous and that Carnival did not adequately train or equip its crew to handle the heavy physical demands of baggage handling during embarkation and disembarkation.
Lawsuit Claims Unsafe Work Environment and Lack of Medical Care Led to Severe Long-Term Disability
Valverde Herrera alleges that Carnival failed in its duty under the Jones Act to provide a safe workplace and appropriate medical treatment. After her initial injury, she was treated onboard with painkillers and antibiotics, but the complaint claims there were critical delays in disembarkation and diagnosis. When she was eventually seen at a hospital in Aruba and then again in the Dominican Republic, she was still not given necessary spinal imaging such as an MRI.
Upon returning to her home country of Nicaragua, Valverde Herrera underwent further evaluations that revealed multiple spinal pathologies, including a disc extrusion at L5-S1, annular tear at L4-L5, and facet synovitis. Her treating physician has since recommended spinal surgery, which Carnival has not authorized or funded. The plaintiff continues to experience debilitating pain, loss of mobility, and is now permanently disabled from returning to work aboard a cruise ship.
Carnival Accused of Negligence, Unseaworthiness, and Failure to Provide Maintenance and Cure for Injured Seafarer
The complaint brings four counts against Carnival Corporation: Jones Act negligence, unseaworthiness, failure to provide maintenance and cure, and failure to provide prompt and adequate medical care. Valverde Herrera argues that Carnival was negligent in assigning her physically demanding tasks beyond her capabilities without necessary safety tools, supervision, or support. The unseaworthiness claim asserts that the vessel lacked adequate crew, equipment, and medical staffing to ensure safe conditions for its workers.
The complaint also alleges Carnival failed to meet its maritime obligation to provide maintenance and cure—a shipowner’s duty to care for ill or injured crewmembers—by prematurely ceasing medical support before Valverde Herrera reached maximum medical improvement. Her attorneys argue that Carnival’s shipboard and shoreside medical teams failed to properly assess, diagnose, and treat her injuries, exacerbating her condition and prolonging her suffering.
Lawsuit Highlights Broader Issues with Cruise Line Treatment of Injured Crewmembers
This case underscores ongoing concerns about the treatment of cruise ship workers injured on the job. Maritime law requires cruise companies to maintain a safe work environment and provide appropriate medical care for seafarers. Valverde Herrera’s case adds to a growing list of claims by injured crewmembers alleging substandard medical treatment, unsafe working conditions, and improper handling of injury claims by major cruise lines.
She seeks damages for medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and the long-term impact of her permanent disability. Her lawsuit serves as a reminder of the unique risks faced by cruise ship employees and the obligations cruise companies have to ensure their safety and well-being.
Contact a Maritime Injury Attorney if You Were Hurt Working Aboard a Cruise Ship
Cruise line employees injured while performing their job duties at sea may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act and general maritime law. If you or a loved one has been harmed while working on a vessel due to unsafe conditions or inadequate medical treatment, contact an experienced maritime injury attorney today to learn about your legal rights.
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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.