Alabama Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Tripping on Uneven Sidewalk at Private Island Half Moon Cay
Larry Locklear, a resident of Alabama, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24678-PCH, alleges that Locklear suffered serious injuries after tripping on a dangerously uneven section of sidewalk while visiting Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay, on November 13, 2024, during his cruise aboard the Carnival Conquest.
Cruise Passenger Trips on Uneven Sidewalk Between Beach and Dining Hall at Half Moon Cay
According to the complaint, Locklear was walking along a sidewalk between the beach and dining hall when he tripped on a large dip in the pavement. The lawsuit alleges that the sidewalk had an abrupt change in elevation, creating a concealed tripping hazard. Despite clear signs of long-term wear and tear, Carnival allegedly failed to repair the uneven surface, warn guests, or block access to the area. Locklear asserts that Carnival’s crew members witnessed the fall and responded by filling the crack with sand and placing a cone—actions he claims should have been taken proactively to prevent the incident in the first place.
Carnival Accused of Negligently Maintaining Sidewalk on Private Island Used Exclusively by Cruise Passengers
The complaint states that Carnival markets and operates Half Moon Cay as its private destination, bringing more than 350,000 cruise passengers there each year. The island is allegedly staffed and stocked by hundreds of Carnival crew members and functions exclusively for guests aboard Carnival Corporation brands. Locklear argues that this operational control gives Carnival a duty to inspect and maintain guest pathways, including the sidewalk where the incident occurred. The lawsuit accuses Carnival of failing to maintain the surface in a reasonably safe condition, despite foreseeable weather-related wear and repeated use.
Lawsuit Cites Prior Falls at Half Moon Cay as Evidence Carnival Was on Notice of Dangerous Conditions
Locklear’s legal team highlights several prior incidents involving tripping hazards on sidewalks at Half Moon Cay. The complaint references other lawsuits, including Larsen v. Carnival, Moseley v. Carnival, Ferebee v. Carnival, and Armbrust v. Carnival, each of which involved passengers allegedly injured after tripping on uneven walkways at the same location. These prior lawsuits are presented as evidence that Carnival was on notice of recurring safety issues with the island’s walkways but failed to implement meaningful preventative measures.
Complaint Alleges Dangerous Sidewalk Design, Improper Construction, and Inadequate Crew Training at Half Moon Cay
The lawsuit goes beyond maintenance concerns, alleging that Carnival was also negligent in the original design and construction of the sidewalk. It argues that the materials used were prone to cracking and lacked durability in the island’s weather conditions. The complaint also claims that Carnival failed to properly train its employees to inspect walking surfaces, post warnings, and report hazards. Despite having policies in place for regular inspections, Locklear alleges that Carnival’s crew failed to act on a dangerous condition that should have been obvious through reasonable care.
Alabama Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Shoulder Surgery, Pain and Suffering, and Lost Cruise Value
Locklear brings six counts of negligence against Carnival, including negligent maintenance, negligent failure to warn, negligent training, negligent design and construction, and vicarious liability for its crew members’ actions. He claims that the fall resulted in a torn right rotator cuff requiring surgery, as well as injuries to his hip, neck, and back. The injuries are alleged to be permanent and significantly impact his quality of life. He seeks damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and the diminished value of his cruise experience due to the incident.
Injured on a Cruise Line’s Private Island? Know Your Rights Under Maritime Law
Cruise lines have a duty under maritime law to maintain safe conditions not only aboard their ships but also at destinations they promote and control, such as private islands. If you were injured while visiting a cruise-operated island like Half Moon Cay due to an unsafe walking surface, uneven pavement, or failure to warn, you may have legal recourse. Our team of maritime injury attorneys can help you determine whether you have a claim and what compensation may be available.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced cruise ship 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.
