California Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Being Thrown Across Cabin During Storm Aboard Carnival Panorama
Rholand Allen, a resident of California, 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-25317, alleges that Allen suffered multiple leg fractures after being thrown across his stateroom during a violent lurch of the Carnival Panorama on November 22, 2024.
Passenger Alleges Carnival Panorama Rocked Suddenly During Storm Without Warning or Safety Measures
According to the lawsuit, Allen was inside his stateroom aboard the Carnival Panorama when the ship encountered storm conditions near the Pacific coast. While the vessel was underway, it allegedly made a sudden and forceful lurch, causing Allen to be thrown from his position and violently pinned between the bed and the wall.
The complaint states that Allen sustained a spiral fracture of his tibia, along with fractures to his fibula and ankle. His injuries required surgical intervention, and he continues to suffer from non-healing wounds, reduced mobility, and chronic pain. The lawsuit asserts that Allen received no warning about the ship’s movement, and that no crew announcements were made advising passengers to remain seated or secure themselves in anticipation of the sudden shift.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Avoid Storm or Warn Passengers of Hazardous Conditions on Carnival Panorama
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival knew or should have known about the rough sea conditions in advance and failed to take appropriate precautions. Allen claims the cruise line ignored available weather forecasts and monitoring tools that indicated dangerous swells and continued on course despite the foreseeable risk of injury.
He also asserts that the ship’s stabilizers were not adequately engaged or adjusted, and that Carnival failed to warn guests of the vessel’s instability. According to the complaint, no public address announcements were made, nor were safety measures enacted, despite the rough seas leading to what Allen describes as “a violent rocking and pitching” of the vessel.
Complaint References Similar Incidents on Carnival Vessels Due to Rough Sea Conditions
To support his claims, Allen’s lawsuit cites several prior storm-related injury cases involving Carnival ships, including:
- Carnival Sunshine passengers injured during rough seas in 2023
- Carnival Valor sudden roll incident
- Carnival Venezia instability during high winds
These cases are presented as evidence that Carnival was on notice of the risk that stormy conditions can pose to passengers when reasonable warnings and safety actions are not taken. The lawsuit argues that the cruise line failed to implement fleet-wide policies to minimize passenger injury under such conditions.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Leg Fractures, Surgery, and Permanent Disability Caused by Cruise Line’s Negligence
Allen brings multiple counts of negligence against Carnival, including:
- Negligent failure to warn of foreseeable hazardous weather conditions
- Negligent navigation through known storm activity
- Negligent failure to stabilize the vessel
- General negligence and breach of duty of care under maritime law
He alleges the injuries have left him with permanent damage, pain, lost wages, and diminished enjoyment of life. The complaint seeks damages in excess of $75,000 and demands a jury trial.
Hurt During Rough Seas or Sudden Ship Movement? Cruise Lines May Be Liable for Failing to Warn or Reroute
Cruise lines like Carnival are legally required to act reasonably when navigating through storms and to warn passengers of foreseeable dangers aboard the vessel. When a ship fails to adjust course or implement safety procedures, serious injuries can result—even inside private staterooms.
If you or someone you care about suffered injuries during rough seas, sudden ship movement, or negligent navigation, our maritime attorneys can help you understand your rights.
Contact us today to speak with a 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.
