South Carolina Father Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Child Injured on Waterslide Aboard Carnival Sunshine
Jason Andrews, a resident of South Carolina, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida on behalf of his minor child, G.A. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24233-JB, alleges that G.A. suffered serious and permanent injuries while using a waterslide aboard the Carnival Sunshine during a family cruise on October 3, 2022.
Child Severely Injured at End of Carnival Sunshine Waterslide Due to Poor Design and Unsafe Run-Out Area
According to the complaint, G.A. was participating in a waterslide activity when they were injured during the final descent and landing. The lawsuit claims Carnival failed to provide a reasonably safe run-out or exit area at the bottom of the slide, resulting in the child being unable to stop or safely exit. Allegations include that the waterslide was not designed with adequate water pressure control, stopping mechanisms, or ergonomic considerations appropriate for cruise ship environments. The slide allegedly caused participants to enter the run-out zone at excessive speed without sufficient space or staff support to ensure safe disembarkation.
Carnival Accused of Ignoring Known Waterslide Hazards and Failing to Warn or Supervise Participants
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival was aware of prior waterslide-related injuries aboard its vessels, citing at least ten previous lawsuits filed in the Southern District of Florida involving similar incidents, including Riffle v. Carnival, Singleton v. Carnival, and Umlauf v. Carnival. Despite this alleged knowledge, Carnival failed to warn passengers, including the Andrews family, about the risks associated with the slide. The complaint also claims the cruise line failed to post warning signage, issue safety instructions, or provide trained crew to assist guests using the slide.
Carnival is further accused of not implementing industry-standard design and safety measures common in water parks, such as adequate run-out space, proper water flow control, and sufficient staffing to supervise children during slide activities.
Lawsuit Alleges Inadequate Maintenance, Failure to Warn, and Negligent Design of Waterslide on Carnival Sunshine
The complaint brings three counts of negligence against Carnival: general negligence, negligent failure to warn, and negligent failure to maintain. It alleges Carnival did not maintain the slide in a reasonably safe condition, failed to control water pressure, and neglected to repair or modify the slide despite a history of similar injuries on other Carnival vessels. The lawsuit asserts that Carnival’s failure to update slide safety protocols or improve the design resulted in a foreseeable and preventable injury to G.A.
Minor Child’s Injuries Include Long-Term Disability and Loss of Enjoyment of Life from Cruise Ship Slide Accident
The lawsuit seeks damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, physical impairment, and diminished future earnings. It also claims that G.A.’s injuries are permanent or continuing in nature. In addition to physical harm, the family is seeking damages for the loss of the cruise experience and associated travel costs.
The plaintiff’s legal team argues that Carnival failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances, particularly given the child’s age and vulnerability while participating in a high-speed waterslide activity aboard a moving vessel.
Contact a Cruise Ship Waterslide Injury Lawyer If You or Your Child Was Hurt on a Cruise Line Attraction
Cruise passengers, especially children, face serious risks on onboard waterslides if cruise lines fail to meet basic safety and supervision standards. Injuries due to poorly designed or negligently maintained waterslides can lead to permanent harm. If you or a loved one were injured while using a cruise ship slide, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you understand your rights.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship waterslide injury lawyer.
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.
