Louisiana Woman Sues Carnival After Being Injured by Glassware Cart at Guest Services on Carnival Valor
Erica White, a resident of Louisiana, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24978-RAR, alleges that White was struck by a service cart stacked with glassware while standing in line at Guest Services aboard the Carnival Valor, resulting in a painful and potentially permanent elbow injury.
Cruise Passenger Injured by Crew-Operated Cart Carrying Glassware in Guest Services Area
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on November 7, 2024, during a Western Caribbean sailing from New Orleans aboard the Carnival Valor. While White, age 53, was waiting in line at Guest Services, Carnival dining or housekeeping employees pushed a glass-laden service cart through the congested passenger area. Without warning, the cart was allegedly maneuvered too closely and struck White’s right elbow against a nearby pole.
The onboard physician diagnosed injuries consistent with compartment syndrome, and follow-up medical evaluation ashore revealed lateral epicondylitis (commonly known as tennis elbow). The complaint states that the injury has caused ongoing pain, disability, and emotional distress, with some effects likely to be permanent.
Carnival Accused of Negligent Cart Operation, Inadequate Crew Training, and Failure to Warn Passengers
The complaint outlines four separate counts of negligence against Carnival, including:
- Vicarious liability for the crew members who were operating the service cart in a hazardous way
- Negligent training, alleging the crew was not properly taught how to navigate crowded guest areas with carts
- Negligent supervision, for failing to assign spotters or restrict cart usage during peak hours
- Negligent failure to warn, for not alerting passengers to the risk of carts being used in the Guest Services area
White alleges that no verbal warning, barriers, or lookout was used, and the movement of the cart through a high-traffic space was unreasonable. She also argues that the danger of injury from this practice was not open or obvious to passengers, who reasonably expected the Guest Services line to be safe.
Lawsuit Cites Lack of Safety Policies for Service Cart Use Near Passengers
The complaint faults Carnival for failing to implement proper policies for the movement of service carts in guest-accessible areas. White’s attorneys claim the cruise line should have established:
- Rules requiring spotters or escorts when carts are moved through passenger lines
- Verbal warnings or signage when service carts are in operation
- Alternative routes or scheduling protocols to avoid guest congestion
Carnival is also alleged to have actual and constructive knowledge of the risks involved, given that crew routinely operate carts in narrow or high-traffic areas across its fleet. The complaint argues that the lack of any structured safety system or staff awareness training represents a broader failure of policy implementation.
Passenger Seeks Damages for Physical Injury, Pain, and Economic Loss From Cruise Incident
White is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 for her injuries, including:
- Medical expenses and continuing treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement and permanent physical impairment
- Loss of the value of the cruise experience
The lawsuit notes that her injury interfered not only with the rest of her cruise but with her long-term physical well-being, including her ability to engage in daily activities.
Cruise Line May Be Held Liable for Unsafe Cart Operation and Crew Negligence
When cruise line crew members operate service carts or transport equipment in passenger areas, the cruise line can be held liable if guests are injured as a result of poor training, supervision, or unsafe practices. Maritime law imposes a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances, including avoiding foreseeable risks in crowded public areas. If you were injured in a similar incident involving cruise ship service equipment or crew negligence, you may have grounds to pursue legal action.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury 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.
