Nevada Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Suffering Severe Burn from ATV Exhaust on Cruise Excursion
Joshua Wynn, a resident of Nevada, 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-24282-AHS, alleges that Wynn suffered serious and permanent injuries after participating in an off-ship all-terrain vehicle (ATV) excursion promoted and sold by Carnival during a cruise vacation.
Cruise Passenger Suffers Burn Injury from Overheated and Unshielded ATV Surface on Carnival-Sponsored Excursion
According to the complaint, Wynn was a fare-paying passenger aboard a Carnival cruise ship when he participated in an off-ship ATV excursion arranged, marketed, and sold by Carnival. The excursion involved riding ATVs under the direction of a third-party operator who, according to the lawsuit, acted as Carnival’s apparent agent.
Wynn alleges that while operating the ATV as directed, his leg came into contact with an overheated and unshielded exhaust or exterior surface of the vehicle, causing severe burns and permanent injury. The lawsuit claims that the ATV lacked essential safety features—such as heat guards or shields—and that there were no warnings provided regarding the danger posed by the exposed hot surfaces.
Carnival Accused of Negligence in Vetting and Monitoring Excursion Operators and Failing to Warn Passengers of Hazards
Wynn asserts that Carnival owed him a duty of reasonable care that extended beyond the ship to off-ship excursions that it sold and promoted to passengers. The complaint alleges that Carnival breached that duty in multiple ways, including:
- Failing to properly vet or monitor the excursion operator
- Failing to ensure the ATVs were properly maintained and safe for use
- Failing to confirm the vehicles had heat shields or proper safety equipment
- Failing to provide warnings about the risk of burns from contact with the vehicle
The lawsuit also claims that Carnival knew or should have known about the risks associated with the ATV excursion, yet failed to take corrective actions or adequately warn passengers about potential injuries.
Lawsuit Seeks Damages for Severe Burns, Disfigurement, Pain and Suffering, and Lost Future Earnings
Wynn alleges that he suffered significant injuries, including severe burns to his leg, permanent disfigurement, ongoing pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. The lawsuit also states that Wynn incurred medical expenses and may suffer lost income and reduced future earning capacity as a result of the accident.
The complaint brings a single count of negligence and demands a jury trial on all triable issues. Wynn seeks compensatory damages exceeding $75,000, exclusive of interest and costs, as permitted under federal maritime and diversity jurisdiction.
Contact a Cruise Excursion Injury Attorney If You Were Hurt During a Shore Activity Promoted by the Cruise Line
Cruise passengers injured during excursions arranged or marketed by cruise lines may have legal recourse under maritime law. Cruise companies have a duty to reasonably vet third-party operators, warn of known dangers, and ensure excursions are conducted safely. If you or a loved one suffered an injury on a cruise excursion involving an ATV, zipline, snorkeling tour, or similar activity, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise excursion 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.