Louisiana Family Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Child Thrown from Bunk Bed During Hurricane Conditions Aboard Carnival Valor
A Louisiana mother has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit on behalf of her minor son, J.H., against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24632, alleges that Carnival negligently sailed the Carnival Valor into Hurricane Milton’s path, causing violent ship movements that threw the child from his top bunk and left him with serious injuries, including a fractured clavicle.
Minor Passenger Injured Aboard Carnival Valor After Cruise Ship Sails Into Path of Hurricane Milton
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on the night of October 8, 2024, while J.H. was a paying passenger aboard the Carnival Valor with his family. During the voyage, Hurricane Milton intensified into a Category 5 storm with winds up to 180 mph. Despite forecasts and warnings from multiple sources, Carnival allegedly chose to continue sailing in areas directly affected by the hurricane. That night, while the vessel endured powerful winds and swells, J.H. was thrown from the top bunk of his cabin bed, landing hard on the floor.
The impact resulted in a fractured clavicle and other significant injuries. The lawsuit claims the ship’s violent movements were foreseeable and preventable, and that Carnival failed to reroute or modify its itinerary to protect passengers from known storm conditions.
Carnival Accused of Negligent Navigation and Failing to Take Proper Weather Precautions During Gulf Cruise
The complaint alleges that Carnival had ample notice of Hurricane Milton’s trajectory and intensity in the Gulf of Mexico yet failed to take reasonable steps to avoid the storm. Plaintiff’s attorneys cite public weather reports, internal ship forecasts, and advisories from Carnival’s Shoreside Navigation Center as evidence that the company knowingly navigated into hazardous conditions. The complaint also references Carnival’s own public statement on October 6, 2024, in which it acknowledged it was “monitoring” the storm but made “no changes” to its cruise itinerary.
J.H.’s legal team argues that Carnival’s decision to press forward placed all passengers at risk and violated industry standards regarding hurricane safety, including guidelines that caution against sailing within close proximity to storm systems.
Lawsuit Claims Bunk Bed Lacked Safety Features to Protect Child During Violent Ship Movements
Beyond its navigation decisions, Carnival is also accused of failing to equip passenger cabins with adequate safety features to prevent injuries caused by ship movement. The lawsuit claims that the bunk bed from which J.H. was thrown lacked guardrails or restraints appropriate for securing a child during turbulent conditions. The complaint argues that Carnival either knew or should have known that young passengers were vulnerable to such injuries and failed to implement reasonable safeguards despite its long history of sailing during hurricane season.
The family further alleges that Carnival failed to warn passengers about the severity of the weather or the potential for sudden, violent ship motion that evening, depriving them of the opportunity to take precautions.
Family Seeks Damages for Permanent Injury, Emotional Trauma, and Disrupted Cruise Due to Carnival’s Conduct
The lawsuit includes three counts against Carnival: negligent failure to safely navigate the ship, negligent failure to warn of a hazardous condition, and vicarious liability for the actions of crew and navigation staff. The family seeks damages for J.H.’s physical injuries, mental anguish, ongoing medical treatment, and the loss of enjoyment of the cruise.
According to the complaint, J.H.’s injuries are permanent and have impacted his daily life, independence, and emotional well-being. The family also requests compensation for the diminished value of the cruise, travel expenses, and future medical care resulting from the incident.
Cruise Lines Have a Legal Duty to Avoid Dangerous Weather and Warn Passengers of Known Risks
Cruise passengers, including children, are entitled to a safe environment aboard ship—even when storms are anticipated. Cruise lines like Carnival have a legal duty under maritime law to make reasonable decisions regarding weather navigation, warn passengers of foreseeable risks, and design onboard accommodations with safety in mind. If your child or loved one was injured due to a cruise line’s failure to avoid storm conditions or provide safe sleeping arrangements, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact our maritime injury attorneys today to learn more about your rights under cruise ship law.
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.
