Kentucky Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Tripping Over Photographer’s Tripod on Carnival Dream
Raymond Peeler, a 72-year-old resident of Kentucky, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22675-JEM, the complaint alleges that Peeler suffered a serious arm fracture and other injuries after tripping over a cruise photographer’s unsecured tripod left in a passenger walkway on the Carnival Dream during a July 2024 voyage.
Passenger Allegedly Trips Over Unmarked Tripod in Busy Walkway on Deck 4 of Carnival Dream
According to the complaint, Peeler and his travel companions were on Deck 4 of the Carnival Dream on the evening of July 27, 2024. The group was walking from the Scarlet Restaurant toward the onboard theater for a scheduled show when they encountered a Carnival photographer operating a temporary photo station. The photographer had set up portable studio lights on metal tripods directly in the main walkway, a high-traffic area that passengers regularly use to access dining and entertainment venues.
The lawsuit claims that the tripod base was positioned in a way that created a hidden trip hazard. No barriers, ropes, or warning stanchions were placed around the equipment, nor were there any signs to alert passing passengers of its presence. Peeler, who is elderly and relies on clear, unobstructed walkways for safe mobility, was unaware of the hazard.
Photographer’s Instructions Allegedly Contributed to Passenger’s Trip and Fall
The complaint details that the Carnival photographer invited Peeler and his group to pose for a formal photo and directed them on where to stand and sit. While following the photographer’s instructions and stepping forward to sit on a stool for the group shot, Peeler’s foot struck the tripod’s metal base, causing him to lose balance and fall to the deck. He immediately experienced severe pain and was later diagnosed with a fractured left arm and other injuries.
Peeler asserts that he reasonably believed the photographer was a Carnival employee acting within the scope of employment and that he relied on the photographer’s guidance without any caution about the hazard. He argues that, had the area been safely arranged or clearly marked, the accident would have been prevented.
Carnival Dream Lawsuit Claims Company Knew of Risk but Failed to Take Precautions
Peeler’s lawsuit accuses Carnival Corporation of knowing that photographers routinely set up temporary studios in high-traffic passenger areas and that such setups frequently result in trip-and-fall accidents. The complaint references other lawsuits filed in the Southern District of Florida involving similar incidents, such as Navarro v. Carnival Corp., where a passenger tripped over a photographer’s leg, and Ortiz v. Carnival Corp., involving a passenger injured by an unsecured backdrop.
Despite these past incidents, Peeler alleges that Carnival failed to establish or enforce clear safety protocols requiring photo equipment to be cordoned off or placed outside passenger pathways. He contends that the cruise line ignored its own Safety Management System (SMS) and international maritime regulations mandating regular inspections and safe layouts in passenger-accessible areas.
Elderly Cruise Passenger Says Carnival Failed to Protect Guests with Mobility Risks
The complaint emphasizes that Carnival actively markets cruises to older passengers and is well aware that elderly guests may have diminished mobility, slower reaction times, or impaired vision, which heightens the risk of tripping over unexpected obstructions. Peeler argues that the cruise line breached its duty of care by failing to account for the specific needs of senior passengers when permitting temporary photo stations in busy hallways.
He also claims Carnival failed to adequately train and supervise photographers on safe equipment placement and failed to provide crew oversight to ensure high-traffic areas remained hazard-free during photo operations.
Lawsuit Brings Multiple Counts of Negligence and Vicarious Liability Against Carnival
Peeler brings four counts against Carnival: negligent failure to warn passengers of the hidden hazard, negligent failure to inspect and maintain the walkway, general negligence in setting up and supervising the photo studio, and vicarious liability for the negligent acts of the photographer. He asserts that under maritime law, Carnival has a non-delegable duty to provide reasonable care under the circumstances and is responsible for the actions of its employees and agents aboard the ship.
As a direct result of the accident, Peeler claims he suffered permanent injuries, significant pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and the lost value of his cruise vacation, which was irreparably disrupted by the incident.
Carnival Dream Lawsuit Seeks Damages for Permanent Injury, Medical Costs, and Disrupted Vacation
In addition to compensation for his medical treatment, Peeler seeks damages for ongoing physical limitations, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. He also demands recovery of the costs of his cruise and related travel expenses, arguing that the purpose and enjoyment of his vacation were lost due to Carnival’s alleged negligence.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Lawyer if You Were Injured by Unsafe Conditions on Board
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to hidden trip hazards, poorly supervised crew activities, or unsafe walkway conditions may have legal rights under maritime law to pursue compensation from the cruise line. Cruise operators like Carnival are required to design, inspect, and maintain all passenger areas — including temporary photo studios — to ensure they are free of foreseeable dangers.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a similar trip-and-fall accident on a cruise ship, contact our experienced maritime injury lawyers today. We can help you understand your rights and take legal action to secure the compensation you deserve.
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