Texas Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Foot Entrapment on Dangerous Restaurant Ramp Aboard Carnival Sunrise
Charles Otis Herring, a resident of Texas, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Cruise Lines, LLC in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-22737-MFE, alleges that Herring suffered severe and permanent injuries after his foot became trapped in a defective ramp while he was exiting a dining facility aboard the Carnival Sunrise on October 3, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Sustains Facial Disfigurement and Knee Injury Due to Defective Restaurant Ramp Gap
According to the complaint, the incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. as Herring was exiting the Sunrise Restaurant. The plaintiff alleges that an accessible ramp installed at the entrance of the restaurant was defectively designed or maintained, resulting in a dangerous gap underneath the structure. As Herring attempted to leave the facility, his right foot became stuck in this crevice. When he tried to free himself, the force of the entrapment caused him to flip forward and land on his face. The impact with the metal edge of the ramp was so severe that it fractured his upper gumline and caused the loss of five facial teeth. In addition to the dental trauma, Herring sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee during the fall.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers of Non-Obvious Hazards in High Traffic Dining Areas
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival had a duty to maintain its vessel in a reasonably safe condition and to warn passengers of any dangers that were not open and obvious. Herring asserts that the gap under the ramp was a hidden hazard that passengers exercising reasonable care would not likely notice, particularly when focused on navigating the busy restaurant entrance. The complaint claims that Carnival knew or should have known of this dangerous condition through routine inspections but failed to remedy the gap or provide any cautionary signage. Furthermore, the plaintiff alleges that the cruise line failed to report the incident properly or refer him to medical staff immediately following the traumatic event.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Design and Maintenance of Accessible Walkways on Carnival Sunrise
In his legal filing, Herring brings a cause of action for negligence and premises liability under general maritime law. He argues that the cruise line breached its duty of care by allowing the dangerous space to exist underneath the ramp and by failing to implement adequate safety protocols to prevent such entrapments. The plaintiff contends that the defective installation of the accessible ramp created an unreasonable risk of harm to all passengers using the restaurant. The lawsuit emphasizes that the condition had existed for a sufficient period of time for the defendant to have discovered and repaired it, yet the ramp remained in a hazardous state at the time of the accident.
Plaintiff Seeks Significant Damages for Dental Reconstruction and Emotional Distress Following Disfiguring Injury
As a result of the incident, Herring claims he has undergone continuous medical treatment, including orthopedic evaluations for his knee and emergency dental care. He seeks total compensatory damages of $2,500,000 to cover past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent disability. A significant portion of the demand relates to the profound psychological impact of his injuries. Herring, who previously worked as an entertainer and musician, alleges that the loss of his front teeth has caused permanent facial disfigurement, leading to extreme embarrassment, social withdrawal, and a diminished quality of life. He asserts that he is unable to smile in social or professional settings without revealing the disfigurement, which has led to ongoing anxiety and depression.
Contact a Cruise Ship Personal Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Injured by Defective Equipment or Dangerous Premises
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to defective ramps, improperly maintained walkways, or hidden tripping hazards may be entitled to recover damages under maritime law. Cruise operators like Carnival are required to provide a safe environment for their guests and must address known physical defects that could cause harm. If you or a loved one has experienced a serious injury or permanent disfigurement while on a cruise, contacting an experienced maritime attorney is an essential step in protecting your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve for medical bills and suffering.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall 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.
