New York Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Slipping on Wet Ramp While Disembarking Tender at Half Moon Cay
Latoya Starks, a resident of New York, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The case, docketed as Case No. 1:25-cv-22980, stems from a May 11, 2024, slip and fall accident that occurred while Starks was disembarking from a tender boat to the dock at Half Moon Cay during her cruise aboard the Carnival Sunrise.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Slippery Disembarkation Ramp at Half Moon Cay Without Crew Assistance or Warnings
According to the complaint, Starks was transitioning from the tender boat onto the island when she slipped on a wet area of the ramp. She alleges the ramp surface was unreasonably slippery and lacked anti-slip material or adequate safety features. Despite the presence of Carnival crewmembers within feet of the hazard, no one warned her of the condition or blocked off the area. The lawsuit states that no verbal warnings were issued, nor were any caution signs or slip-resistant surfaces in place. After returning to the ship, medical staff confirmed a fractured left foot. She later received a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), with persistent symptoms including pain, swelling, limited motion, and sensitivity.
Carnival Accused of Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Warn of Wet Ramp Conditions at Private Island Port
Starks alleges that Carnival failed to inspect, maintain, and remedy the dangerous ramp surface, in violation of its own safety protocols. The complaint claims that Carnival knew or should have known of the hazard due to the presence of nearby staff, prior slip-and-fall incidents across its fleet, and internal safety standards that require regular inspection and maintenance of embarkation and disembarkation points. The ramp’s condition was not open or obvious to passengers, and Carnival did not provide ice or assistance at the Half Moon Cay medical station following the fall.
Lawsuit Claims Ramp Was Improperly Designed and Unreasonably Dangerous for Cruise Passenger Tender Operations
The complaint includes counts for negligent inspection, failure to maintain, failure to warn, failure to remedy, and negligent design and installation of the ramp. Starks claims Carnival actively participated in designing or approving the ramp setup used at Half Moon Cay, and that the surface material lacked essential slip resistance. The lawsuit also argues the ramp was not equipped with visual cues, handrails, or other safety features necessary to assist passengers disembarking from tenders in wet conditions. Carnival is further accused of ignoring design deficiencies that were evident at the time of vessel construction or refurbishment.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Chronic Foot Injury, Loss of Independence, and Medical Costs Stemming from Carnival’s Negligence
Starks seeks damages for pain and suffering, disfigurement, permanent disability, medical care, lost income, and diminished enjoyment of life. Her injury has reportedly caused long-term impairment, requiring ongoing treatment and assistance. The complaint also seeks recovery for the lost value of her cruise and related travel expenses. Starks alleges that the injuries and losses she sustained were a direct and foreseeable result of Carnival’s failure to provide safe conditions and reasonable care during the disembarkation process at Half Moon Cay.
Contact a Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer Today if You Slipped While Disembarking at a Cruise Port or Tender Ramp
Slip and fall accidents while disembarking cruise tenders or walking on wet port surfaces can result in serious, lasting injuries. Cruise lines like Carnival are obligated under maritime law to provide safe conditions for all passengers, including properly maintained surfaces and effective warnings at gangways, ramps, and docks. If you or a loved one has been injured during a cruise disembarkation due to unsafe conditions or poor crew response, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak with our experienced maritime injury attorneys today to learn your legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall lawyer.
