Florida Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Sustaining Mouth Injury from Metal Object in Food Aboard Carnival Horizon
Keyshia Curry, a resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-27878-EAL, alleges that Curry suffered painful dental and oral injuries after biting into a cheesecake that contained a concealed metal object while sailing as a passenger aboard the Carnival Horizon in November 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured by Foreign Metal Object in Cheesecake Served on Carnival Horizon
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on November 11, 2025, when Carnival personnel served Curry a portion of cheesecake intended for human consumption. While eating the dessert in an ordinary and foreseeable manner, she unexpectedly encountered a sharp foreign metal object hidden within the food. The lawsuit states that the metal object lacerated her gum near her canine tooth and partial dental work, causing immediate pain and physical trauma. Cruise ship passengers reasonably expect the meals prepared and supplied by the cruise line to be safe and free from dangerous contaminants. The complaint contends that serving food concealing a metal object creates an unreasonable risk of physical harm and highlights a severe failure in shipboard food safety protocols.
Carnival Accused of Maritime Negligence and Vicarious Liability in Cruise Ship Food Safety Lawsuit
The lawsuit brings forward legal claims of maritime negligence and vicarious liability against the cruise operator. Under general maritime law, cruise lines owe their passengers a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances. This legal duty extends to the careful preparation, handling, inspection, storage, and service of all food provided to guests. The plaintiff alleges that Carnival breached this obligation when its food service personnel failed to identify and remove the dangerous metal object before the dessert was served. Because the kitchen staff and crew members were acting within the course and scope of their employment, the plaintiff seeks to hold Carnival vicariously liable for their negligent acts and omissions in failing to ensure the safety of passenger meals.
Complaint Alleges Delayed Medical Response and Inadequate Care for Passenger Oral Injury
In addition to the initial injury sustained in the dining area, the complaint outlines allegations of negligence relating to the post incident response by shipboard personnel. After the incident occurred and Carnival personnel took possession of the foreign metal object, the plaintiff alleges that access to appropriate onboard medical attention was significantly delayed and inadequate given the circumstances. Prompt and competent medical care is crucial when a passenger sustains an open wound or dental trauma at sea to prevent infection and manage pain. The plaintiff subsequently required medical treatment that included a course of antibiotics. The lawsuit argues that the negligent response by the cruise line aggravated her pain, suffering, and medical complications beyond the initial injury. The complaint also notes that Carnival investigated the claim and offered a two thousand dollar settlement, which the plaintiff rejected as insufficient for her damages.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Dental Expenses and Pain and Suffering in Maritime Personal Injury Claim
Curry is seeking comprehensive damages for the physical injury, past and future physical pain and suffering, and the emotional distress associated with the sudden oral trauma. The lawsuit demands compensation for past and future medical and dental expenses required to properly treat the lacerated gum and affected dental work. Maritime injury claims often encompass a wide range of compensatory damages when a passenger suffers harm due to a cruise line failing to maintain safe conditions, which can also include the loss of enjoyment of life during what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation.
Contact a Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt on a Cruise Ship
Passengers who suffer injuries aboard cruise ships due to unsafe food, hazardous premises conditions, or inadequate medical care may be entitled to pursue financial compensation under general maritime law. Cruise lines have a strict legal obligation to exercise reasonable care to protect their guests from foreseeable harm, whether they are eating in the main dining room or seeking help at the onboard medical center.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries during a voyage due to cruise line negligence, it is vital to understand your rights and explore your legal options. Reach out to our team of experienced maritime injury attorneys today to discuss your potential claim.https://holzberglegal.com/contact-us/
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.
