North Carolina Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Tripping on Drainage Platform Near Elevator on Carnival Sunshine
Brenda Sizemore, a resident and citizen of North Carolina, 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-22903-KMM, alleges that Sizemore suffered serious bodily injuries after encountering a hazardous drainage platform while exiting an elevator aboard the Carnival Sunshine on April 30, 2025. The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $75,000 for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and physical disability resulting from the incident.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Carnival Sunshine After Tripping on Raised Metal Drainage Grate
According to the legal filing, the incident occurred while the vessel was in open waters. Sizemore was a fare paying passenger lawfully aboard the ship and was in the process of exiting one of the vessel’s elevators. As she stepped out of the elevator car, she immediately encountered a raised metal grated drainage platform. This platform featured a beveled edge and was positioned directly in the path of egress, creating an unexpected change in elevation. The complaint asserts that the hazardous condition was not readily apparent to passengers because their attention is naturally directed forward as they exit an elevator. Because the platform had a raised lip and was placed where passengers were required to traverse it, Sizemore’s foot caught on the edge, causing her to trip and fall violently to the ground.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers of Hazardous Elevator Exit Conditions and Hidden Trip Hazards
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival Corporation breached its duty of reasonable care by failing to maintain the premises in a safe condition for its passengers. Sizemore’s legal team argues that the cruise line failed to provide any adequate markings, visual cues, or highlights to warn passengers of the sudden change in elevation at the elevator exit. Despite the platform being located in a high traffic area where passengers are expected to step immediately upon leaving the elevator, there were no safeguards in place to prevent such a fall. The plaintiff contends that she had no reason to anticipate the risk and that the cruise line’s failure to warn of the hazardous condition led directly to her sustaining serious and permanent injuries.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Design and Maintenance of Metal Grated Platforms on Carnival Cruise Ships
In addition to the failure to warn, the complaint focuses on the negligent design and placement of the drainage structure itself. Sizemore alleges that Carnival was negligent in creating or allowing a dangerous tripping hazard to exist at a primary point of ingress and egress. The lawsuit suggests that the cruise line failed to properly design the area to ensure safe passage and did not take steps to eliminate or correct the dangerous change in elevation. Furthermore, the plaintiff asserts that Carnival failed to adequately inspect the area to identify such hazards. The complaint argues that Carnival knew or should have known about the danger through routine inspections, the inherent nature of the design and installation of the structure, or the length of time the condition had been present on the Carnival Sunshine.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensatory Damages for Serious Bodily Injury and Mental Anguish Following Shipboard Fall
Sizemore brings a count of negligence against Carnival Corporation, asserting that the cruise line’s failures were the direct and proximate cause of her injuries. As a result of the fall, the plaintiff claims she sustained serious bodily injuries, physical disability, disfigurement, and mental anguish. The lawsuit further seeks compensation for medical expenses and a permanent loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. Sizemore has demanded a trial by jury to resolve all issues triable as of right, seeking a judgment for compensatory damages plus interest and the costs of the legal action.
Contact a Cruise Ship Elevator Trip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured Aboard a Vessel
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to hidden trip hazards, improper flooring transitions, or poorly marked drainage platforms may be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators have a non-delegable duty to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition and to warn travelers of any dangers that are not open and obvious. If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident while on a cruise, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today to discuss your case. 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.
