Alabama Passenger Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Second-Degree Burns and Toe Amputation on Hot Deck of Carnival Horizon
Brandon E. Drummonds, a resident of Alabama, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, under Case No. 1:25-cv-22700, alleges that Drummonds suffered severe burns to his foot, developed an infection, and ultimately required amputation of two toes after walking barefoot on an unreasonably hot deck aboard the Carnival Horizon.
Cruise Passenger Burned by Scalding Hot Deck on Promenade Near Havana Pool on Carnival Horizon
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on August 4, 2024, while Drummonds was a passenger relaxing at the Havana Pool area on Deck 5 of the Carnival Horizon. The floor in the open deck area, constructed with Bolidt Future Teak flooring, allegedly reached temperatures high enough to cause second-degree burns. Drummonds walked barefoot between his lounge chair and the pool several times, unaware of the extreme heat of the deck surface due to the lack of any posted warnings or protective mats.
The next morning, Drummonds discovered a large blister on the bottom of his right foot. By August 8, he developed a fever and sought medical treatment at the ship’s infirmary, where a doctor diagnosed him with a second-degree burn. The wound became infected with strep bacteria, which ultimately led to the surgical amputation of two toes.
Lawsuit Claims Carnival Knew Decks Could Reach Dangerous Temperatures Yet Failed to Warn or Protect Passengers
Drummonds asserts that Carnival was fully aware of the risk posed by overheated deck surfaces, citing numerous prior similar burn incidents on other Carnival ships—including the Carnival Sunshine, Mardi Gras, and previous cases aboard the Horizon itself. The lawsuit claims Carnival failed to comply with international safety standards and its own policies for monitoring deck conditions, placing protective coverings, and warning passengers about walking barefoot on dangerously hot surfaces.
Despite this known hazard, Carnival allegedly took no reasonable steps to inspect or mitigate the unsafe temperatures on the Promenade Deck near the Havana Pool. The complaint argues that Carnival’s failure to act directly caused Drummonds’ injuries and the loss of his toes.
Plaintiff Alleges Negligent Design, Maintenance, and Failure to Warn About Hazardous Deck Surfaces
Drummonds brings five counts against Carnival: negligent maintenance, negligent failure to warn, vicarious liability for crew negligence, negligent training of personnel, and negligent design, construction, and selection of flooring materials. He argues that Carnival custom-designed its fleet, selected flooring materials known to overheat, and continued using them fleetwide despite repeated incidents. Additionally, he claims Carnival failed to train its crew to inspect deck temperatures and failed to implement protective measures during hot weather.
The lawsuit states that Carnival violated both general maritime law and international maritime safety standards requiring safe walking surfaces and proper escape routes. As a result of these breaches, Drummonds alleges he has suffered permanent disability, disfigurement, loss of earning capacity, and ongoing physical and psychological pain.
Injured by Burned Feet on a Hot Cruise Ship Deck? You May Be Entitled to Compensation
Cruise passengers who suffer burns, slip and fall injuries, or other harm due to unsafe deck conditions have legal rights under maritime law. Cruise lines like Carnival have a non-delegable duty to design, maintain, and inspect vessel surfaces to protect guests from foreseeable hazards, including dangerously hot decks. If you or a loved one sustained burns or other injuries on a cruise ship deck, you may be entitled to significant compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact our cruise ship injury attorneys today to discuss your legal options and hold negligent cruise lines accountable.
