Georgia Man Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Brown Recluse Spider Bite Aboard Norwegian Joy Leads to Severe Infection and Medical Evacuation
A Georgia resident has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line in the Southern District of Florida, alleging he was bitten by a brown recluse spider while in his stateroom aboard the Norwegian Joy. The bite allegedly resulted in a severe infection that led to medical evacuation, multiple surgeries, and long-term complications. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24786, accuses NCL of negligence, inadequate pest control, and delay in providing medical care.
Passenger Alleges Brown Recluse Spider Bite in Stateroom Aboard Norwegian Joy Resulted in Serious Medical Crisis
According to the complaint, plaintiff Kenneth Mansfield boarded the Norwegian Joy on November 6, 2024, with his wife for a scheduled cruise. After returning from a visit to the ship’s spa, Mansfield took a nap in the couple’s stateroom. Upon waking, his wife discovered a red, swollen bite on his back with two puncture marks—classic signs of a spider bite. Although it was initially painless, the bite worsened overnight, becoming black in the center and accompanied by chills, fever, and pain.
Mansfield sought treatment at the ship’s medical center the following day, where he was diagnosed with cellulitis and given IV antibiotics and steroids. The infection rapidly progressed, and he was later diagnosed with a brown recluse spider bite and MRSA, requiring further IV medication, wound drainage, and eventual medical evacuation upon docking in Miami.
Lawsuit Claims Norwegian Joy Failed to Prevent Dangerous Pest Infestation in Passenger Cabin
The complaint alleges that Norwegian Cruise Line failed to maintain a safe and sanitary environment aboard the Norwegian Joy, particularly in passenger cabins. It claims NCL failed to inspect and exterminate pests, provide adequate warnings to passengers, and implement pest control protocols. Mansfield asserts that the spider bite and subsequent infection were preventable had NCL exercised reasonable care in cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining staterooms for dangerous conditions.
The lawsuit details that the bite led to severe complications, including hospitalization at the University of Miami Hospital and later at Wellstar Cobb Hospital in Georgia, where he underwent multiple wound treatments, debridement, and the application of a wound vac.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Negligent Medical Delays and Inadequate Crew Training
In addition to failing to prevent the spider bite, Mansfield alleges that NCL’s onboard medical personnel delayed appropriate treatment and that its security staff interfered with his emergency medical evacuation. The complaint states that a ship security guard attempted to block his departure on a stretcher due to an unpaid balance, despite his clearly deteriorating condition.
The lawsuit brings multiple counts against NCL, including general negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, fraudulent concealment, and negligent hiring and supervision. Mansfield claims the cruise line failed to train and supervise its medical and security personnel adequately, placing passengers’ health at risk for financial reasons.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Medical Bills, Emotional Distress, and Long-Term Impairment After Cruise Incident
Mansfield is seeking damages for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. He also alleges new-onset diabetes as a complication of the infection and related treatment. The lawsuit demands both compensatory and punitive damages and a jury trial to resolve the claims.
Contact a Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer If You Were Bitten or Injured in an Unsafe Cabin Aboard a Cruise
Cruise lines have a duty to provide safe, clean accommodations for passengers. When pest infestations or dangerous cabin conditions cause serious harm, cruise passengers may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury such as a spider bite, infection, or delay in medical evacuation aboard a cruise ship, legal remedies may be available.
Contact us today to speak with a cruise ship injury attorney experienced in shipboard pest and medical negligence cases.
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.
