Jamaican Passenger Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Wheelchair Tips Over on Steep Gangway at Port of Miami
Alton Rowe, a resident and citizen of Jamaica, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20466-JB, alleges that Rowe sustained severe injuries when his motorized wheelchair toppled forward on a steep and crowded gangway while disembarking the Carnival Sunrise on September 26, 2024.
Passenger Injured Disembarking Carnival Sunrise Alleges Steep Ramp Caused Wheelchair Accident
According to the lawsuit, the incident took place at the Port of Miami as Rowe was exiting the vessel. The plaintiff claims he was traveling in a motorized wheelchair down a gangway ramp designated for disembarking passengers. The complaint describes the gangway as very crowded, with other passengers walking immediately in front of and behind the plaintiff. As Rowe attempted to exit the passenger gangway, his wheelchair allegedly encountered a sudden drop on a very steep metal ramp without warning. The sudden change in elevation and steep incline caused the wheelchair to topple forward, flipping Rowe headfirst onto the ground.
The lawsuit asserts that the steep decline was not open or obvious to Rowe from his vantage point seated in the wheelchair behind other standing passengers. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that no crew members directed or cautioned him regarding the steep decline despite their close proximity and knowledge that he was using a wheelchair. Following the fall, Rowe was reportedly transported from the incident location to a hospital by ambulance. The plaintiff contends that there were no alternate paths available for him to take to safely exit the ship.
Lawsuit Claims Carnival Knew of Risks Citing Multiple Prior Scooter and Wheelchair Gangway Accidents
The legal filing accuses Carnival Corporation of having actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous conditions posed by its gangways for passengers using assistive devices. To support this claim, the complaint provides a detailed list of substantially similar prior incidents involving passengers injured while using wheelchairs or scooters on Carnival gangways.
The lawsuit cites specific cases to demonstrate a pattern of alleged negligence, including incidents involving passengers on the Carnival Freedom, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Glory, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Sensation, and Carnival Liberty. These prior lawsuits, occurring between 2013 and 2022, all involved passengers who were injured while utilizing scooters or wheelchairs during embarkation or disembarkation. The plaintiff argues that these recurring accidents should have alerted the cruise line to the need for corrective measures, such as adjusting the positioning of ramps or providing better warnings to disabled passengers.
Complaint Accuses Cruise Line of Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Provide Safe Egress for Disabled Passengers
Rowe brings three counts of negligence against Carnival: negligent inspection and maintenance of the ramp, negligent failure to warn, and general negligence. The lawsuit alleges that Carnival breached its non-delegable duty to provide passengers with safe ingress and egress. Specifically, the complaint argues that the cruise line failed to maintain the ramp in a level condition or use a transition plate to smooth out elevation changes.
The plaintiff further contends that Carnival failed to inspect the ramp for mis-leveled or uneven walking surfaces and did not warn passengers of the hazardous conditions. The filing states that the ramp was in a high-traffic area specifically designated for passengers entering and exiting the ship, yet the cruise line allegedly failed to manage the flow of traffic or assist passengers utilizing assistive devices like wheelchairs and walkers. By failing to analyze prior accidents or remedy known hazardous conditions, the lawsuit claims Carnival acted negligently and exposed the plaintiff to unreasonable risk.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Severe Injuries and Medical Expenses Resulting from Fall at Port of Miami
As a direct result of the fall, Rowe alleges he suffered severe injuries throughout his body and extremities. The damages claimed include physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and the inability to lead a normal life. The lawsuit also seeks recovery for medical and hospital expenses incurred due to the injuries, as well as compensation for the aggravation of preexisting conditions. The plaintiff asserts that these injuries are permanent and continuing in nature. Rowe has demanded a trial by jury for all issues triable by right.
Contact a Cruise Ship Gangway Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt Boarding a Vessel in Unsafe Conditions
Cruise lines have a responsibility to ensure that gangways are safe for all passengers, including those using wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility aids. If a cruise line fails to maintain proper ramp angles, provide transition plates, or warn of steep drops, they may be held liable for resulting injuries. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury while boarding or disembarking a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and suffering. Our team of experienced maritime attorneys is ready to evaluate your case and fight for your rights.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall 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.
