Tennessee Man Sues Carnival Corporation After Automatic Door Strikes Him Onboard Carnival Celebration
Thomas Staggs, a resident of Tennessee, has initiated a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The legal action, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25882-KMM, alleges that Staggs suffered permanent and serious injuries when an automatic door malfunctioned and struck him while he was a passenger on the Carnival Celebration. The incident took place on December 22, 2024, as the vessel was navigating international waters.
Cruise Passenger Sustains Head and Ear Injuries Near Red Frog Tiki Bar Due to Malfunctioning Automatic Door
The complaint states that the incident occurred on Deck 17 of the Carnival Celebration at the exterior second-floor entrance near the Red Frog Tiki Bar. This area is described as a high-traffic location where passengers frequently move between the ship’s interior and the outdoor deck. Staggs was reportedly walking through the doorway when the sensor-controlled automatic door suddenly and unexpectedly slammed shut. The forceful impact struck the right side of his head and his right ear, leading to what the filing describes as permanent physical and psychological injuries. The plaintiff asserts that as a paying passenger and invitee, he was entitled to a reasonably safe environment, which the cruise line failed to provide.
Carnival Corporation Accused of Failing to Maintain and Recalibrate Door Sensors in High-Traffic Areas
The lawsuit details the technical requirements for automatic doors, noting that they rely on microwave, infrared, or laser sensors that require constant maintenance. According to the plaintiff’s legal team, environmental factors common at sea—such as salt residue, humidity, dust, and sunlight—can easily obstruct or distort a sensor’s lens. This often leads to sensor misalignment, causing doors to behave unpredictably by closing abruptly on passengers. The complaint alleges that Carnival failed to regularly test, adjust, or clean these sensors despite knowing that the high volume of foot traffic at the Red Frog Tiki Bar necessitated frequent inspections. The lawsuit further claims that Carnival’s internal policies regarding the use of caution signs and physical barriers were not followed at the time of the accident.
Plaintiff Cites Prior Malfunctioning Door Lawsuits as Evidence of Actual and Constructive Notice Across Carnival Fleet
To establish that the cruise line was aware of the risks posed by these doorway systems, the complaint references a series of prior similar incidents and lawsuits involving automatic doors on various Carnival ships. These include cases such as Eissa v. Carnival Corporation involving the Carnival Firenze, Mattingly v. Carnival on the Mardi Gras, and Fox v. Carnival on the Carnival Vista. By citing these past occurrences, the plaintiff argues that Carnival had long-standing notice of a repetitive and ongoing problem with its automatic doors. The legal filing suggests that the dangerous condition existed for a sufficient period of time—days or even weeks—prior to Staggs’ injury, and that the cruise line’s failure to address the defect constitutes a breach of maritime safety standards.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Design and Selection of Automatic Doors Not Suited for Marine Environments
Beyond maintenance failures, the lawsuit targets the original design and construction of the Excel-class vessels, which include the Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, and Jubilee. Staggs alleges that Carnival’s shoreside New Build Department maintains ultimate control over the selection of materials and hardware used on the ships. The complaint argues that the cruise line was negligent in choosing automatic door systems that were not designed for the heavy traffic or the specific environmental challenges found on an outdoor cruise deck. The plaintiff asserts that Carnival violated several industry benchmarks, including ANSI and AADM standards, which govern the activation zones, closing speeds, and safety signage required for automatic doorway systems in public spaces.
Tennessee Resident Seeks Damages for Medical Expenses and Lost Earning Capacity Following Cruise Ship Accident
The lawsuit brings six distinct counts against Carnival Corporation, including negligent failure to maintain, negligent failure to warn, negligent training of personnel, and negligent design and construction. Staggs is seeking compensation for a wide range of damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and a diminished capacity to earn a living. The complaint also seeks non-economic damages for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and the loss of enjoyment of life. The plaintiff has demanded a trial by jury to resolve the matter and hold the cruise line accountable for the alleged safety lapses that led to his permanent impairment.
Contact a Cruise Ship Automatic Door Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt Due to a Malfunctioning Sensor or Door
Cruise ship passengers who are injured by malfunctioning automatic doors, defective sensors, or poorly maintained entryways may be eligible for compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise operators have a non-delegable duty to ensure that all common areas and escape routes are free from foreseeable hazards. If you or a loved one suffered a head injury, fracture, or other trauma due to a door closing unexpectedly on a vessel, it is important to consult with legal professionals who understand the complexities of maritime litigation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury attorney.
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.
