Texas Passenger Sues Carnival Cruise Line Over Elevator Door Injury on Carnival Jubilee
A Texas woman has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Carnival Corporation, doing business as Carnival Cruise Lines, after she was injured when elevator doors closed suddenly on her while using a medical scooter aboard the Carnival Jubilee. The case is styled Shirley Barton v. Carnival Corporation, Case No. 1:25-cv-22163-JEM, and was filed on May 10, 2025.
Passenger Injured by Malfunctioning Elevator Doors on Carnival Jubilee
According to the complaint, on January 17, 2024, Shirley Barton was a fare-paying passenger on the Carnival Jubilee when she exited an elevator while riding her electric medical scooter. The elevator doors suddenly and without warning closed on her, causing injuries to her arm and knee. Barton alleges she had relied on Carnival’s assurances regarding accessibility and safety for passengers with mobility needs.
Serious Injuries, Disability, and Ongoing Medical Care
Barton claims the incident caused significant injuries to her arm and knee, including pain, physical handicap, aggravation of pre-existing conditions, permanent disability, and disfigurement. She alleges she has suffered loss of earnings and impairment of earning capacity, as well as substantial medical expenses for the treatment of her injuries. According to the complaint, these injuries are permanent or continuing, requiring ongoing care and resulting in loss of enjoyment of life and ongoing physical and mental pain.
Negligence Claims Against Carnival Cruise Line for Elevator Maintenance
Barton’s lawsuit asserts that Carnival owed her a duty of reasonable care as a fare-paying passenger, specifically including the duty to maintain and inspect its vessel elevators to ensure they were in a safe condition. The complaint alleges that Carnival breached this duty by failing to inspect and maintain the elevator doors. Barton asserts that proper maintenance and inspection would have identified and corrected the dangerous condition that caused her injuries.arton seeks compensatory damages, costs, interest, and demands a jury trial.
Implications for Passenger Safety and Accessibility on Cruise Ships
This lawsuit highlights the heightened responsibility of cruise lines to maintain safe and accessible conditions for passengers with mobility devices. Elevator malfunctions and maintenance failures are a recurring issue in the cruise industry, and this case underscores the need for rigorous inspection and maintenance protocols, especially for accessibility features. The outcome may influence how cruise lines address elevator safety and accessibility standards for passengers with disabilities.
Injured on a Cruise Ship?
If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions on a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Protect your legal rights—contact us today for a free consultation.
