Texas Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Mobility Scooter Flips on Steep Gangway During Disembarkation from Carnival Breeze
William Benton, a disabled passenger and Texas resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. Filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25285, the lawsuit alleges that Benton suffered serious injuries when his mobility scooter flipped while disembarking from the Carnival Breeze on September 14, 2024, due to a dangerously steep gangway.
Disabled Passenger Alleges Dangerous Gangway Slope Caused Scooter to Flip During Carnival Breeze Disembarkation
According to the complaint, Benton was traveling aboard the Carnival Breeze and was known to Carnival as a mobility-impaired guest who relied on a scooter for movement around the ship. On the day of disembarkation, he was directed to use a gangway that allegedly exceeded safe incline standards, particularly those established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which limits ramp slopes to a maximum of 1:12.
While attempting to exit the vessel using the designated gangway, Benton’s mobility scooter overturned, allegedly due to the unreasonably steep incline and lack of assistance or safety measures. The lawsuit claims that Carnival failed to adjust or block access to the gangway despite being aware of its unsafe condition and the foreseeable danger it posed to mobility-impaired passengers.
Carnival Accused of Violating ADA Guidelines and Failing to Warn of Unsafe Disembarkation Conditions
The complaint asserts that Carnival had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous gangway slope and failed to take action to warn passengers or offer alternative means of safe disembarkation. Benton alleges that no signs, barriers, or crew assistance were in place to help mitigate the hazard, even though Carnival had advance notice of his disability and scooter use.
Further, the gangway was allegedly installed or approved by Carnival in a manner that disregarded established safety regulations for accessible design. The lawsuit argues that Carnival failed to ensure compliance with ADA standards, maritime safety protocols, and its own internal policies related to gangway configuration and passenger disembarkation procedures.
Lawsuit Alleges Negligent Gangway Design, Installation, and Crew Inaction Led to Fall on Carnival Breeze
Benton brings multiple negligence claims against Carnival, including negligent failure to maintain, negligent failure to warn, and negligent design and approval of the disembarkation gangway. He also claims vicarious liability, asserting that Carnival’s crew and design personnel acted within the scope of their employment when they failed to supervise the disembarkation or address the hazard.
The complaint highlights that crew members were present and failed to act or intervene during the disembarkation process, even though they were in a position to prevent the incident. Benton contends that Carnival had a non-delegable duty to provide safe egress from the ship and failed to meet the reasonable standard of care owed to a passenger with known accessibility needs.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injury, Disability, and Loss of Cruise Value Due to Carnival’s Negligence
Benton alleges that the incident caused severe injuries, including physical pain, emotional distress, disability, and disfigurement. He also claims to have suffered lost wages, reduced future earning capacity, and substantial medical expenses as a result of the fall. The injuries, according to the lawsuit, are permanent in nature and have significantly impacted his quality of life and mobility.
In addition to compensation for his injuries, Benton seeks damages for the lost value of his cruise and associated travel arrangements, arguing that his vacation was irreparably disrupted due to Carnival’s failure to provide a safe disembarkation process for disabled passengers.
Injured During Disembarkation from a Cruise Ship? Know Your Rights as a Mobility-Impaired Passenger
Cruise passengers using mobility aids such as scooters or wheelchairs have legal protections under maritime law and the ADA. When cruise lines like Carnival fail to ensure safe gangway design, accessible routes, or proper assistance during disembarkation, they may be held liable for resulting injuries. If you or a loved one were injured due to unsafe conditions during boarding or disembarking, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury attorney experienced in accessibility and gangway fall cases.
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.
