Missouri Educator Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Tripping Over Camouflaged Electrical Cord on Carnival Magic
Stephanie P. Shumpert, a resident of Missouri, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-22970-JB, alleges that the fifty-four-year-old educator suffered severe and permanent injuries after tripping over an electrical cord while walking on Deck 12 of the Carnival Magic on December 27, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Carnival Magic Due to Raised Electrical Cord in Dimly Lit Game Area
According to the complaint, the incident occurred during a cruise that embarked from Miami, Florida. Shumpert was walking through the game and play accommodation area on Deck 12 near the pool tables when her foot caught on an electrical cord protruding from the floor. The cord was allegedly a structural component of the vessel used to power a light fixture or other equipment in the recreation space. The lawsuit claims the hazard was particularly dangerous because the cord was dark green and black, which effectively camouflaged it against the dark green flooring. This lack of visual contrast, combined with the dimly lit conditions of the area at night, made it nearly impossible for passengers to detect the obstruction in their walking path. Despite the presence of crew members facilitating games in the immediate vicinity, there were no caution signs, cones, or warnings placed to alert Shumpert to the hazard.
Carnival Accused of Violating Internal Safety Policies Regarding Visible Electrical Cords and Trip Hazards
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival had both actual and constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. Shumpert’s legal team asserts that the cruise line’s own internal safety manuals specifically recognize that electrical cords present significant tripping hazards. The complaint cites a Carnival policy requiring that all electrical cords used in passenger accommodation areas must be in a color that is easily visible to both passengers and crew. By utilizing a dark green and black cord that blended into the floor, Carnival allegedly ignored its own safety protocols. Furthermore, the complaint states that at least one crew member walked directly past the raised cord approximately five minutes before the incident occurred but failed to take any corrective action or provide a verbal warning. The plaintiff argues that this failure to follow established safety procedures demonstrates a lack of reasonable care for passenger safety.
Complaint References Prior Trip and Fall Incidents Involving Cords and Cables on Carnival Vessels
To establish notice of the dangerous condition, the lawsuit highlights several prior similar incidents involving passengers who were injured by unmarked floor hazards on Carnival ships. The complaint references the case of Angela Branyon, who tripped over a cable on the Carnival Freedom in 2022, as well as Shelly Wood, who was injured by an exposed wire on the Carnival Vista that same year. Additionally, the filing mentions a 2018 incident where Yasmin Mohammed fell due to an electrical cord on the Carnival Magic, the same vessel involved in Shumpert’s claim. These prior public court filings are offered as evidence that Carnival was well aware of the risks posed by unsecured or poorly marked cables running across passenger walkways but failed to implement adequate fleet-wide measures to prevent such accidents.
Lawsuit Alleges Negligent Design and Failure to Use Contrasting Safety Materials in High Traffic Areas
In addition to maintenance failures, Shumpert alleges that Carnival was negligent in the design and selection of materials for the Deck 12 recreation area. The complaint argues that the cruise line should have utilized recessed floor channels or cord management systems to ensure all wiring remained flush with the walking surface. By choosing a fastening system that allowed the cord to become raised and selecting a cord color that matched the flooring, Carnival allegedly created an unreasonably dangerous environment. The plaintiff asserts that the cruise line had ultimate control over the design and construction of the Carnival Magic and should have opted for industry-standard high-visibility coverings, such as bright yellow, to ensure passenger safety in the dimly lit game area.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Physical Injuries and Diminished Earning Capacity
Shumpert brings multiple counts of negligence against Carnival, including negligent maintenance, failure to warn, and negligent design. The lawsuit claims that as a direct result of the fall, the Missouri educator sustained severe and permanent injuries to her left foot and ankle, left shoulder, neck, and lower back. These injuries have allegedly hindered her ability to perform her work and carry out daily activities. Shumpert is seeking damages for medical expenses, orthopedic consultations, physical therapy, and lost income. She also seeks compensation for non-economic damages, including physical impairment, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. The complaint demands a jury trial and seeks judgment for all costs and interest due under general maritime law.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured by Unmarked Hazards on a Vessel
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to unmarked floor hazards, camouflaged electrical cords, or poorly lit walkways may be eligible for compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators have a legal duty to maintain all passenger areas in a reasonably safe condition and to provide adequate warnings of any hidden dangers. If you or a loved one was injured in a similar trip and fall accident while on vacation, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today. We are dedicated to helping victims understand their rights and pursue the justice they deserve.
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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.
