Michigan Passenger Sues Carnival After Suffering Severe Burns from Hot Soup in Buffet on Carnival Glory
Tatiana Grant, a resident of Michigan, 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-24822-JB, alleges that Grant suffered second- and third-degree burns to her chest after being scalded by unreasonably hot soup served in the buffet aboard the Carnival Glory on August 21, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Burned by Overheated Soup Served Without Warning in Carnival Glory Dining Hall
According to the complaint, Grant was dining with her daughter in the main buffet area aboard the Carnival Glory when she served herself a bowl of soup from the buffet line. While carrying the soup uncovered, her daughter attempted to taste it and reacted to the extreme heat, accidentally knocking the bowl off the tray and spilling the hot liquid onto Grant’s chest.
Grant alleges the soup was served at a dangerously high temperature, far exceeding industry guidelines for safe food service, and that the cruise line failed to provide any warnings, signage, or protective containers to mitigate the risk of burns. The complaint states that the soup caused immediate blistering and required medical treatment. However, the ship’s medical center was closed at the time of the incident, and when Grant was finally seen the following morning, she claims the onboard doctor worsened her condition by popping blisters and peeling skin prematurely.
Carnival Accused of Serving Overheated Soup Without Warnings or Safety Measures in Violation of Industry Standards
The lawsuit alleges Carnival acted negligently by serving soup at a temperature high enough to cause second- and third-degree burns. It claims the cruise line failed to implement basic food safety protocols, such as gauging soup temperature, using spill-resistant containers, and posting visible warnings. Grant’s attorneys argue that the temperature of the soup was not observable through ordinary senses and posed a hidden danger to passengers.
According to the complaint, Carnival crew members were responsible for preparing and placing the soup at the buffet and were allegedly in close proximity to the serving station, giving them ample opportunity to observe the excessive temperature. The lawsuit also claims that Carnival was aware of prior incidents involving hot food-related burns aboard its ships and failed to address this recurring risk across its fleet.
Complaint Alleges Onboard Medical Negligence Aggravated Burn Injuries Following Buffet Incident
In addition to negligence in food service, the complaint includes a count of vicarious liability for the actions of the ship’s medical staff. Grant claims that the ship’s physician improperly treated her burns by popping blisters and peeling skin within 24 hours of the incident—a practice that allegedly increased her risk of infection, scarring, and improper healing.
The lawsuit details how Carnival maintains direct control over its shipboard medical centers, hires and compensates medical staff, and profits from onboard medical services. It alleges that Carnival advertises its onboard medical care as meeting or exceeding standards set by the American College of Emergency Physicians, but in this case, the treatment provided was inadequate and negligent.
Passenger Seeks Damages for Pain, Scarring, and Lost Cruise Value from Carnival Glory Burn Incident
Grant brings multiple counts of negligence against Carnival, including general negligence, negligent failure to warn, vicarious liability for medical negligence, and vicarious liability for employee negligence. She alleges that Carnival’s actions caused severe physical pain, permanent scarring, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. She also seeks compensation for medical costs, cruise-related expenses, and the lost value of her vacation.
Contact a Cruise Ship Burn Injury Lawyer If You Were Injured by Hot Food or Improper Medical Care Aboard a Vessel
Passengers who suffer burns from excessively hot food or negligent medical treatment aboard cruise ships may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Carnival have a legal duty to serve food safely and ensure that onboard medical services meet reasonable care standards. If you or a loved one was injured under similar circumstances, contact a maritime personal injury attorney today.
Reach out now to speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer and learn your legal options.
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.
