Pennsylvania Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line and Ship Doctor After Stroke Misdiagnosis Aboard Carnival Pride
Michael Smith, a resident of Pennsylvania, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation and shipboard physician Dr. Nikhil Maharaj in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24611-DPG, alleges medical negligence following a stroke suffered by Smith aboard the Carnival Pride in October 2024. The suit claims that both the cruise line and the physician failed to diagnose and properly treat a serious medical condition, ultimately resulting in permanent and catastrophic injuries.
Carnival Passenger Alleges Stroke Was Misdiagnosed as Minor Illness Aboard Carnival Pride
According to the lawsuit, Smith visited the Carnival Pride’s medical center on October 18, 2024, complaining of severe body weakness, repeated vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues that had persisted for two days. Despite these symptoms, onboard physician Dr. Nikhil Maharaj allegedly diagnosed Smith with hyperglycemia and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). Smith was advised to return to his cabin, and no urgent action was taken to monitor or escalate his care.
The complaint alleges that Dr. Maharaj and the ship’s medical staff failed to recognize signs of an acute stroke, neglected to order appropriate diagnostic imaging or specialist consultations, and failed to take reasonable steps to transfer Smith to a shoreside medical facility in a timely manner.
Lawsuit Claims Carnival Failed to Evacuate Passenger or Alter Ship Course to Provide Urgent Care
Smith’s condition reportedly deteriorated during the remainder of the cruise. The lawsuit states that despite worsening symptoms, no evacuation or diversion was arranged. The ship did not modify its course or speed to allow for earlier medical intervention. When the Carnival Pride arrived in Baltimore on October 20, 2024, Smith was finally transported by ambulance to a hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a hemorrhagic stroke affecting the right cerebellum. He was admitted to the ICU in critical condition.
Plaintiff’s attorneys argue that Carnival had the authority and means to evacuate Smith or seek consultation with shoreside specialists but failed to do so, leading to a dangerous and avoidable delay in treatment.
Carnival Accused of Promoting Onboard Medical Capabilities It Could Not Deliver
The complaint asserts that Carnival markets its medical facilities and staff as trained and certified to handle serious medical emergencies, including strokes. Promotional materials referenced in the lawsuit highlight advanced training in cardiac life support, thrombolytic therapy, onboard imaging, and procedures for emergency evacuation. Smith claims he relied on these representations when seeking care aboard the Carnival Pride.
The lawsuit alleges that these representations created an expectation that onboard staff would be able to accurately diagnose and respond to emergent conditions. It also states that Carnival profited from charging passengers directly for medical services that did not meet reasonable standards of care.
Complaint Alleges Shipboard Doctor Was Incompetent and Carnival Failed to Screen or Train Staff
In addition to asserting medical malpractice against Dr. Maharaj, the lawsuit names Carnival as being directly liable for negligently hiring, training, and overseeing its medical personnel. It further claims that the cruise line’s medical department had the ability to monitor and direct treatment in real-time via telemedicine but failed to intervene appropriately.
Plaintiff argues that Carnival failed to implement adequate protocols for managing stroke symptoms, failed to supervise its physician, and failed to stock the necessary equipment and medications to treat neurological emergencies.
Pennsylvania Passenger Seeks Damages for Permanent Neurological Injuries and Medical Expenses
Smith’s lawsuit includes six counts: medical negligence against Dr. Maharaj, and five additional claims against Carnival for vicarious liability, negligent hiring and training, failure to evacuate, and negligent provisioning of its medical center. He seeks damages for permanent neurological injuries, past and future medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. The injuries, according to the complaint, are ongoing and life-altering.
Cruise Lines May Be Liable for Medical Malpractice and Failure to Evacuate During Emergencies
Cruise ship passengers who suffer from medical malpractice aboard a vessel may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. When cruise lines fail to train their medical staff, evacuate passengers in a timely manner, or misrepresent their medical capabilities, they may be held accountable. If you or a loved one experienced delayed treatment or improper medical care on a cruise ship, you may have legal options.
Contact our maritime medical negligence attorneys today to learn how we can help.
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.
