Pennsylvania Passenger Sues Royal Caribbean and Tram Operator After Fall at CocoCay While Boarding Transportation to Independence of the Seas
Teresa Cuciarone-Focht, a resident of Pennsylvania, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., doing business as Royal Caribbean Group, and Admiral Management International, Inc., in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit alleges that Cuciarone-Focht suffered severe and permanent injuries when a tram at Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, CocoCay in the Bahamas, unexpectedly moved while she was boarding on August 25, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Claims Tram Moved Without Warning, Causing Boarding Accident at CocoCay
According to the complaint, Cuciarone-Focht was a fare-paying passenger aboard the Independence of the Seas and was returning from CocoCay via a complimentary ground tram provided for passengers. While boarding the tram, the parking brake allegedly was not engaged, causing the vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly. The sudden movement allegedly threw her to the ground, resulting in significant injuries. The lawsuit states that there were no warnings provided and that the hazard was not open and obvious to passengers.
Royal Caribbean and Admiral Management Accused of Negligence in Tram Safety and Operation
Cuciarone-Focht’s lawsuit alleges that both Royal Caribbean and Admiral Management had actual and constructive knowledge of the risks associated with improperly secured trams at CocoCay due to prior similar incidents. She claims the defendants failed to properly inspect, maintain, and operate the tram, failed to engage the parking brake during passenger boarding, and failed to provide adequate supervision or crew assistance to ensure safe embarkation. The complaint further contends that the defendants failed to warn passengers of the potential for unexpected tram movement.
Complaint Includes Negligent Maintenance, Failure to Warn, and Vicarious Liability Claims
The plaintiff brings eight counts in total—negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, general negligence, and vicarious liability—against both Royal Caribbean and Admiral Management. She alleges that both entities are liable for the acts of their employees and agents who were operating the tram at the time of the incident. The complaint claims that reasonable safety protocols, such as securing the tram before boarding and monitoring the boarding process, were not followed.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Expenses, and Loss of Cruise Value
Cuciarone-Focht seeks damages exceeding $75,000 for permanent bodily injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. She also claims damages for the lost value of her cruise and related travel due to the disruption caused by the accident. The lawsuit demands a jury trial on all triable issues.
Contact a Cruise Excursion Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt During Shore Transportation or Activities
Cruise passengers injured during shore excursions or ground transportation—such as trams, tenders, or buses—may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines and their contractors have a duty to ensure that all passenger transportation is operated safely, maintained properly, and supervised to prevent foreseeable harm. If you or a loved one were injured in a similar tram or boarding accident, contact our experienced maritime injury attorneys today.
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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.
