Georgia Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Crew Member Pulls Chair During Dinner Aboard Carnival Glory
Garisha Bridges, a resident of Georgia, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-21863-JB, alleges that Bridges suffered serious and permanent back injuries due to the negligent actions of a crew member during a formal dinner aboard the Carnival Glory on March 22, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured Aboard Carnival Glory After Falling Due to Crew Member Negligence
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while Bridges and her husband were attending a late formal dinner at the Platinum Dining Room located on aft Deck 3 of the Carnival Glory. As Bridges stood in front of her assigned table preparing to sit down at approximately 8:30 pm, a crew member employed by Carnival allegedly pulled the chair from underneath her. This action caused Bridges to fall directly onto the deck with significant force. The plaintiff asserts that the crew member involved in the incident admitted to causing her fall immediately following the accident.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Supervise and Train Dining Room Staff on Passenger Safety Protocols
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival breached its non-delegable duty to exercise reasonable care by failing to properly train and supervise its shipboard staff. Bridges argues that the cruise line failed to implement and enforce a code of conduct or adequate safety protocols that would prevent crew members from engaging in dangerous behavior toward passengers. The complaint specifically points to a lack of supervision within the dining room, noting that if Carnival had properly trained its hosts and waiters on the correct methods for assisting passengers to their tables, the incident would not have occurred. Furthermore, the plaintiff alleges that Carnival encouraged or permitted activity that led to this type of foreseeable injury.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Retention of Crew Member with Propensity for Dangerous Conduct
In addition to training failures, Bridges alleges that Carnival was negligent in its decision to retain the crew member involved in the fall. The lawsuit claims that Carnival knew or should have known through adequate screening and performance evaluations that the employee was unfit for a position requiring direct passenger interaction. The complaint suggests that the cruise line had knowledge of prior incidents or conduct that demonstrated the crew member’s propensity for dangerous behavior but failed to take appropriate disciplinary action or discharge the employee before the incident occurred. Bridges contends that her injuries are a direct result of the cruise line allowing an unfit individual to remain in a service role.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Back Injuries and Medical Expenses Following Carnival Glory Fall
The legal action includes counts for negligent supervision and training, negligent retention, and breach of the duty to maintain safe premises. Bridges alleges that as a result of the fall, she sustained permanent and continuing injuries to her back, resulting in physical pain, mental anguish, and a loss of enjoyment of life. The complaint also seeks compensation for significant medical costs, lost wages, and a diminished earning capacity. Additionally, Bridges claims that Carnival failed to provide adequate medical treatment or an accurate diagnosis following the accident, which allegedly exacerbated her physical condition and caused her to lose the benefit of her vacation and transportation costs.
Contact a Cruise Ship Dining Room Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt Due to Crew Member Negligence
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to the reckless or negligent actions of shipboard staff, including falls in dining areas or incidents involving improper assistance, may be entitled to financial compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise operators like Carnival are legally required to maintain a safe environment and ensure their employees do not engage in conduct that jeopardizes passenger safety. If you or a loved one experienced a serious injury while traveling on a cruise ship, contact our team of experienced maritime attorneys today to discuss your rights and potential legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a Maritime attorney.
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.
