Missouri Resident Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Hot Liquid from Smokestack Causes Facial Burns on Carnival Radiance
Daniel Dunn, a resident of Missouri, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20038, alleges that Dunn suffered permanent and painful injuries after being struck by a hazardous substance while he was a passenger aboard the Carnival Radiance on December 5, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Burned by Caustic Liquid Falling from Carnival Radiance Smokestack on Deck Ten
According to the legal filing, the incident occurred while Dunn was lawfully present on Deck Ten of the vessel. The lawsuit alleges that a dark liquid substance suddenly fell from above, originating from the area of the ship’s smokestack or funnel. This substance struck Dunn directly in the face. The complaint describes the liquid as being hot or caustic in nature, resulting in immediate burn injuries to his face along with significant physical pain and emotional distress. At the time of the incident, Dunn asserts he was using the vessel in a reasonably foreseeable manner and was not engaged in any unsafe conduct that would have contributed to the injury.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Maintain Funnel Systems and Warning Passengers of Falling Soot and Oil
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival Corporation had actual or constructive knowledge that hazardous substances such as dark liquid, residue, oil, or soot could be expelled from the smokestack and related equipment. Despite this foreseeable risk to passengers on the decks below, the cruise line allegedly failed to properly inspect, maintain, or repair the funnel systems. Furthermore, the plaintiff claims that Carnival failed to implement necessary safety shields or containment measures to prevent liquids from dripping onto passenger areas. The complaint also highlights a failure to warn passengers about the potential for falling debris or liquids in that specific area of the ship, which created an unreasonable and dangerous condition for those using the deck.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Training and Failure to Implement Safety Procedures on Carnival Radiance
Dunn’s legal team argues that the cruise line breached its duty of reasonable care by failing to properly train crew members responsible for the maintenance and safety of the vessel’s exhaust systems. The lawsuit suggests that the dangerous condition was a result of inadequate safety policies and a lack of regular inspections that would have identified the leak or expulsion of the caustic material. By permitting a hazardous condition to exist in an area specifically intended for passenger use, the cruise line is accused of creating an environment that led directly to the plaintiff’s injuries.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Facial Disfigurement and Mental Anguish Following Cruise Ship Injury
The complaint brings a count of negligence against Carnival Corporation, seeking compensatory damages for the physical and emotional impact of the incident. Dunn alleges that as a direct result of the cruise line’s negligence, he sustained injuries to his body and extremities, suffered intense pain and mental anguish, and has incurred both past and future medical expenses. The lawsuit further states that the damages are permanent and continuing, impacting Dunn’s capacity to enjoy life and causing him to suffer shame and humiliation due to the nature of the facial burns. The plaintiff has demanded a trial by jury to resolve these issues.
Contact a Cruise Ship Burn Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt by Hazardous Substances on a Vessel
Cruise passengers who suffer burns or other injuries due to falling debris, caustic chemicals, or poorly maintained ship equipment may be entitled to financial compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators like Carnival have a strict legal obligation to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition and to warn guests of any hidden hazards that could cause harm. If you or a loved one experienced a similar injury while on a cruise, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today to discuss your legal rights and potential for recovery.
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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.
