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Texas Man Sues Princess Cruises for Life-Altering Brain Injury Following Misdiagnosed Illness Aboard Majestic Princess
Gary Simonton, a resident of Texas, has filed a federal maritime lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. and the ship’s doctor, Dr. Dusan Sekulic, alleging grossly negligent medical care aboard the Majestic Princess that ultimately resulted in a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22502-JEM, claims Simonton suffered catastrophic injuries after receiving improper treatment while under the care of Princess’ onboard medical team during an August 2024 cruise.
Cruise Passenger Alleges Medical Malpractice on Majestic Princess After Doctor Prescribes Dangerous Drug Combination
According to the complaint, on August 14, 2024, Simonton reported to the medical center aboard the Majestic Princess with symptoms of illness, weakness, and a fever. Simonton informed the medical staff of his significant medical history, including a prior aortic aneurysm and the presence of an artificial heart valve, for which he was taking the blood thinner Warfarin. The ship’s doctor, Dr. Sekulic, diagnosed Simonton with a urinary tract infection and pneumonia, and prescribed a cocktail of three medications: Levofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, and Dexamethasone.
The lawsuit contends that all three medications are known to dangerously enhance the effects of Warfarin, significantly increasing the risk of over-anticoagulation and internal bleeding. Despite Simonton and his wife explicitly warning the doctor about his medical history and concerns regarding drug interactions, Dr. Sekulic allegedly assured them the medications were safe. Within hours, Simonton began to experience severe leg pain, a symptom the complaint says was ignored and misdiagnosed as cellulitis over multiple visits to the ship’s medical center.
Princess Cruise Medical Team Allegedly Ignored Signs of Bleeding, Leading to Cerebellar Hemorrhage and Emergency Brain Surgery
By the end of the cruise on August 18, 2024, Simonton was in a wheelchair and severely disoriented. Upon returning home to Texas, he was rushed to the emergency room, where doctors diagnosed him with a cerebellar hemorrhage, brainstem compression, and acute respiratory failure. He underwent an emergency decompressive craniotomy and the placement of a brain drain to relieve intracranial pressure.
The lawsuit alleges that Simonton’s condition was the direct result of negligent treatment aboard the Majestic Princess. Among the failures cited are the administration of contraindicated medications, failure to monitor his INR (a key indicator of blood-thinning levels), and a complete lack of appropriate diagnostic testing or medical evacuation. The complaint claims that if Simonton had received timely and competent care, the life-altering brain injury and resulting permanent deficits could have been avoided.
Princess Accused of Vicarious Liability for Negligent Shipboard Medical Care and Misrepresenting Medical Staff as Cruise Line Employees
Simonton’s legal team argues that Princess is vicariously liable for the negligence of its onboard medical personnel under multiple legal theories, including respondeat superior, actual agency, and apparent agency, citing the Eleventh Circuit’s landmark decision in Franza v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. The complaint outlines Princess’ full control over the hiring, supervision, training, and conduct of the ship’s medical staff, and points to marketing and onboard representations that the medical team is employed by the cruise line.
The lawsuit also accuses Princess of failing to properly warn passengers that its onboard doctors may lack the training or awareness to handle complex medical cases, including contraindicated drug interactions. Princess allegedly advertises “full-time, professional emergency medical attention” in its promotional materials and Cruise Passenger Bill of Rights, but according to the plaintiff, the actual care delivered aboard the Majestic Princess was dangerously substandard.
Lawsuit Claims Permanent Brain Damage and Cognitive Deficits Caused by Cruise Ship Doctor’s Medical Negligence
Simonton’s injuries, as outlined in the complaint, are described as permanent and catastrophic. He now faces long-term cognitive and physical impairments, disfigurement, emotional trauma, and a diminished ability to work and enjoy life. The lawsuit seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of the cruise. The complaint further argues that Simonton and his wife relied on Princess’ representations about the availability of competent shipboard medical care in deciding to book the cruise.
Contact a Cruise Ship Medical Malpractice Attorney if You Were Injured Due to Inadequate Onboard Medical Care
Cruise lines like Princess have a legal duty to provide reasonable medical care aboard their vessels and ensure their staff is properly trained to recognize and treat serious conditions. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to negligent shipboard medical care, misdiagnosis, or improper medication administration while cruising, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Our legal team is experienced in handling cruise ship medical malpractice claims and is here to help.
Contact us now to speak with a maritime medical negligence lawyer.