Connecticut Passenger Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Tripping on Unsecured Metal Threshold Aboard Carnival Sunrise
Venus Shields, a resident of Connecticut, 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-24847-BB, alleges that Shields sustained serious injuries—including a fractured patella—after tripping over an unstable metal threshold while walking toward a restaurant on Deck 4 of the Carnival Sunrise.
Cruise Passenger Trips on Loose Metal Threshold Near Restaurant Walkway on Carnival Sunrise
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on October 24, 2024, while Shields was walking along a general passenger corridor toward a dining venue on Deck 4 of the Carnival Sunrise. As she passed through a doorway, her foot allegedly caught on a metal threshold that was not securely affixed to the deck and did not sit flush with the surrounding floor.
The threshold reportedly created an abrupt change in elevation, forming a concealed tripping hazard. The lawsuit claims that this condition was not open and obvious to passengers, especially given the lack of visual cues or warnings. Shields fell forward and sustained significant injuries, including a fractured kneecap, leading to long-term pain, disability, and ongoing medical care.
Lawsuit Claims Carnival Had Prior Knowledge of Similar Tripping Hazards on Other Ships
The complaint asserts that Carnival had both actual and constructive notice of the risk posed by raised, uneven, or poorly maintained metal thresholds. Shields’ legal team cites at least seven prior lawsuits involving nearly identical trip-and-fall incidents aboard other Carnival ships—Carnival Dream, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Vista.
Each of the referenced cases involved passengers tripping over transition strips or thresholds that were improperly maintained, elevated, or not flush with the adjacent flooring—often near dining areas or high-traffic walkways. These prior incidents, the complaint argues, put Carnival on notice of the need to regularly inspect, maintain, and repair thresholds and similar design features throughout its fleet.
Carnival Accused of Violating Industry Standards and Failing to Maintain Safe Walkways
The lawsuit alleges that the metal threshold on Deck 4 failed to meet widely recognized safety standards for flooring transitions. Specifically, it cites provisions from ASTM F1637-13 and the National Fire Protection Association’s Life Safety Code, which require changes in floor elevation to be beveled or ramped to minimize tripping hazards. Shields asserts that Carnival was non-compliant with these standards and failed to detect or repair the condition despite having ample time and opportunity to do so.
In addition to general negligence, Shields brings counts for negligent maintenance and negligent failure to warn. She claims that Carnival failed to post signage, provide verbal warnings, or cordon off the unsafe area despite knowing of the risk. The complaint emphasizes that the defect was not obvious and that passengers would not reasonably anticipate a sudden, hazardous floor elevation change in a common passageway.
Passenger Seeks Compensation for Medical Costs, Lost Wages, and Permanent Disability
As a result of the fall, Shields alleges she suffered not only immediate physical injuries, but also emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and diminished earning capacity. Her injuries are described as permanent and ongoing. The complaint seeks compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic and non-economic damages stemming from the incident.
Contact a Cruise Ship Threshold Injury Attorney if You Were Hurt Due to Raised or Unsafe Walkways
Cruise passengers who suffer trip-and-fall injuries due to unsafe metal thresholds, transition strips, or other walkway defects aboard vessels may have a claim under maritime law. Cruise lines have a duty to inspect and maintain passenger walkways and to warn of hidden hazards. If you or someone you know has been injured by an improperly secured threshold aboard a Carnival ship, our experienced maritime injury attorneys are here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Florida 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.
