Michigan Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line and PortMiami After Scooter Overturns on Misaligned Gangway at Debarkation
Arthur Murray, a Michigan resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation and Miami-Dade County (d/b/a PortMiami) in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, Case No. 1:25-cv-24998-BB, alleges that Murray suffered significant injuries when his mobility scooter overturned while he attempted to exit the Carnival Glory via a gangway that was improperly placed and not flush with the ship’s deck.
Cruise Passenger Injured at PortMiami While Debarking Carnival Glory on Ramp for Disabled Guests
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on November 1, 2024, while Murray was disembarking from the Carnival Glory at PortMiami. He was directed by Carnival personnel to use a ramp and gangway designated for passengers with mobility impairments, including those using power scooters. The lawsuit alleges that the gangway was not properly aligned or placed flush with the ship’s deck, creating a concealed drop or lip that caused the front of Murray’s scooter to flip forward, throwing him violently to the ground.
The complaint states that Murray sustained injuries to his neck, left ribs, and right lower extremities, requiring ongoing medical treatment. He also alleges that both Carnival and Miami-Dade County failed in their responsibilities to maintain a safe debarkation process for disabled passengers.
Carnival and PortMiami Accused of Failing to Maintain and Inspect Gangway Used by Mobility-Impaired Passengers
The lawsuit brings negligence claims against both Carnival and Miami-Dade County, alleging that:
- The gangway was specifically designed for disabled passengers but was not installed in a safe or stable manner
- Neither Carnival nor PortMiami properly inspected or secured the ramp before allowing passengers to use it
- No warnings or visual cues were provided to indicate the hazardous gap or lip
- The danger was not open or obvious to the plaintiff
- There was no staff assistance present during the incident, despite the area being designated for passengers with limited mobility
Murray asserts that Carnival breached its duty to provide a safe and supervised debarkation process, while PortMiami, which allegedly placed the ramp, failed in its obligations under the Florida Tort Claims Act to maintain port facilities in a reasonably safe condition.
Lawsuit Cites Multiple Failures in Ramp Placement, Lack of Warning, and Inadequate Safety Protocols
The complaint brings four separate negligence counts:
- General Negligence (Against Carnival) for failing to maintain a safe deck and ramp area
- Negligent Failure to Warn (Against Carnival) for not alerting passengers to the raised ramp edge
- General Negligence (Against Miami-Dade County) for improper ramp placement and failure to inspect
- Negligent Failure to Warn (Against Miami-Dade County) for not posting signage or giving verbal warnings
Murray’s attorneys argue that both defendants failed to comply with industry safety standards and that Carnival did not follow its own internal protocols for assisting disabled guests during the debarkation process. The hazard created by the uneven threshold was allegedly not visible from a seated position on a mobility scooter, and no effort was made to flag or correct the issue prior to use.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Physical Injury, Loss of Mobility, and Pain and Suffering
Murray is seeking damages for:
- Physical injuries to his neck, ribs, and leg
- Ongoing pain, discomfort, and emotional distress
- Medical expenses and long-term treatment
- Loss of mobility and diminished quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of the cruise and related travel expenses
His injuries are described as having long-lasting impacts, and the complaint alleges that the incident could have been avoided had proper safety procedures and inspections been followed.
Cruise Line and Port Authority May Be Liable for Unsafe Debarkation Procedures and Ramp Hazards
When cruise lines or port authorities fail to maintain safe boarding or debarkation procedures—especially for guests with mobility challenges—they may be held liable under maritime law or state tort law. Cruise passengers using scooters or wheelchairs rely on well-maintained, properly installed ramps to navigate the ship and port facilities safely. If you or a loved one were injured while boarding or exiting a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
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.
