California Resident Sues Princess Cruise Lines After Being Struck in the Head by Crewmember on Sapphire Princess
Paul Bunnell, a resident of California, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-22234-BB, alleges that Bunnell suffered significant and permanent ocular injuries after being forcefully struck by a hostess while dining aboard the Sapphire Princess on April 10, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Sapphire Princess Following Negligent Conduct by Dining Room Hostess
According to the complaint, the incident occurred during breakfast while Bunnell was seated in the vessel’s main dining room with his wife. Without warning, a female crewmember, believed to be a hostess or server, forcefully struck Bunnell in the head with her forearm or elbow. The plaintiff alleges that the hostess was acting within the course and scope of her employment at the time of the incident but failed to pay attention to her surroundings or work in a safe manner while navigating the dining area. Bunnell asserts that he had no way to avoid the impact and did not invite or consent to the physical contact that led to his injuries.
Princess Cruise Lines Accused of Maintaining Overcrowded and Dangerous Dining Room Layout
The lawsuit details a dangerous condition involving the physical layout of the Sapphire Princess dining room. Bunnell alleges that the area was overcrowded, with tables and chairs arranged too closely together for the available space. This congested configuration allegedly created an environment where it was foreseeable that crewmembers would strike seated passengers while attempting to perform their duties, such as seating guests or manipulating furniture. The complaint states that Princess Cruise Lines designed, approved, and accepted this furniture layout through its ship architects and managers, yet failed to ensure adequate clearance for safe movement in high-traffic passenger areas.
Lawsuit Alleges Failure to Warn and Inadequate Training Led to Serious Eye Injuries
Bunnell claims that Princess Cruise Lines had a duty to warn passengers of the hazards posed by the cramped seating and the resulting risk of being struck by staff. Because the plaintiff was seated and facing away from the hostess, he argues the danger was not open or obvious. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that the cruise line failed to properly train its crewmembers on how to safely manage passenger occupancy and navigate confined spaces. The plaintiff’s legal team suggests that the cruise line may be concealing similar prior incidents through confidential settlement agreements, which prevents passengers from understanding the true extent of the risks present in the ship’s dining facilities.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Torn Retina and Permanent Vision Loss Due to Cruise Line Negligence
The complaint brings four counts against Princess Cruise Lines: vicarious liability, general negligence, failure to warn, and failure to maintain. Bunnell alleges that as a direct result of the hostess’s negligence and the ship’s unsafe layout, he suffered a torn retina in his dominant right eye. This initial trauma required surgical intervention and led to the development of a cataract, which necessitated a secondary surgical repair. The lawsuit seeks compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, and the loss of enjoyment of life. Additionally, Bunnell seeks to recover the lost value of his vacation and transportation costs, noting that his injuries are permanent and continuing in nature.
Contact a Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt Due to Crewmember Negligence or Unsafe Ship Conditions
Cruise passengers who sustain injuries due to the negligent actions of crewmembers or hazardous conditions aboard a vessel may be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law. International cruise lines have a strict legal obligation to maintain safe environments and ensure their staff conducts business with reasonable care. If you or a loved one suffered a physical injury while on a cruise, such as being struck by staff or falling due to overcrowded spaces, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today. We are dedicated to helping victims navigate the complexities of federal maritime litigation and holding cruise lines accountable for safety failures.
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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.
