Maryland Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Lounge Chair Collapse Aboard Carnival Sunrise
A Maryland resident has filed a personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Carnival Corporation, alleging negligence after a defective chair collapsed beneath him while seated in the Liquid Lounge aboard the Carnival Sunrise. The complaint, filed on October 12, 2025, under Case No. 1:25-cv-24696, seeks damages exceeding $75,000 for injuries sustained during the July 2024 cruise.
Passenger Injured When Chair Collapsed Inside Carnival Sunrise’s Liquid Lounge
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on July 12, 2024, while plaintiff Michael Rush was lawfully onboard the Carnival Sunrise as a fare-paying passenger. While seated inside the ship’s Liquid Lounge, a multipurpose entertainment venue, the chair Rush was using suddenly gave way without warning. The collapse caused him to fall and suffer serious injuries.
The lawsuit alleges the chair was defective, unstable, and unreasonably dangerous, and claims Carnival either knew or should have known of the condition through regular inspection and maintenance protocols. Rush contends that Carnival failed to correct the hazard or warn passengers about the defective chair prior to the incident.
Lawsuit Alleges Carnival Negligently Maintained Lounge Seating, Failed to Warn or Repair Unsafe Furniture
The complaint outlines several breaches of duty by Carnival, including failure to inspect, maintain, or replace unsafe lounge furniture; allowing a hazardous chair to remain in use; and failing to train crew members to conduct adequate safety inspections. The plaintiff alleges that these failures constitute negligence under general maritime law.
Rush further contends that the dangerous condition of the chair had existed for a sufficient amount of time that Carnival either knew or should have known about the risk and failed to take appropriate action to prevent injuries. The lawsuit states that the cruise line had a legal duty to maintain its vessel in a reasonably safe condition and failed to uphold that obligation.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Serious Injuries, Medical Costs, Lost Wages, and Long-Term Pain
As a result of the collapse, Rush claims he sustained bodily injuries leading to physical impairment, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disability. He also alleges that the fall resulted in past and future medical expenses and loss of earning capacity. The full extent of his injuries is not specified in the complaint but is described as serious and ongoing.
The lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks compensatory damages for medical bills, loss of enjoyment of life, and other economic and non-economic harms related to the incident. The case was filed in accordance with Carnival’s forum selection clause, which requires litigation to be brought in the Southern District of Florida.
Contact a Cruise Ship Injury Attorney If You Were Hurt by Unsafe Furniture or Equipment Onboard
Passengers injured aboard cruise ships due to defective or poorly maintained furniture, such as lounge chairs or stools, may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Carnival have a legal obligation to ensure public spaces and furnishings are regularly inspected, maintained, and safe for guest use.
If you or a loved one has been injured by unsafe equipment or conditions aboard a cruise vessel, reach out to a Florida-based maritime injury attorney to discuss your rights and legal options.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced cruise ship injury lawyer.
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.
