Virginia Man Sues Margaritaville at Sea After “Santa Claus” Gift Event Leads to Severe Degloving Injury
Daniel Campbell, a resident of Virginia, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Classica Cruise Operator Ltd. Inc., doing business as Margaritaville at Sea, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25991-PCH, alleges that Campbell suffered a severe and life-altering injury during a disorganized Christmas Day event aboard the vessel Islander.
Christmas Day “Santa Claus” Event on Margaritaville at Sea Islander Allegedly Leads to Crowding and Injury
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on December 25, 2024, during a gift-giving activity organized by the cruise line’s crew. Passengers were instructed to gather in the Flip Flop Atrium on Deck 2 to wait for a crew member portraying Santa Claus, who was scheduled to appear at the Stars on the Water Theater at the opposite end of the ship. When Santa arrived, crew members reportedly instructed the large crowd of children and adults to run toward the theater to receive gifts. This sudden instruction allegedly triggered a “mad rush” through a narrow passageway. During the ensuing “free-for-all,” Campbell was knocked or pushed into a wall where a large metal casino sign was mounted. The lawsuit claims the sign had very sharp edges and protruding designs that were not flush with the wall, creating a foreseeable hazard in a crowded environment.
Lawsuit Alleges Margaritaville at Sea Failed to Properly Manage Crowds and Maintain Safe Passageways
The legal filing asserts that the cruise line was negligent in the planning and operation of the onboard event. The plaintiff argues that Margaritaville at Sea had a duty to take reasonable measures to supervise crowds and prevent participants from running freely through the vessel. The complaint alleges that the cruise line had actual or constructive notice of the dangers associated with gathering large groups and lacked an appropriate plan for their safe movement. Furthermore, the lawsuit includes counts of negligent maintenance, alleging the metal sign was a hazardous fixture that should have been identified and remedied prior to the event, especially given the anticipated use of the passageway by a large, moving crowd.
Plaintiff Sustained Severe “Degloving” Injury and Massive Blood Loss Requiring Emergency Intervention
As a result of being forced into the sharp edges of the metal sign, Campbell allegedly sustained a severe “degloving” injury to his left arm, which left muscle and underlying tissue exposed. The injury was so critical that it required the immediate application of a tourniquet to control severe blood loss. The complaint further states that Campbell suffered subsequent infection, pain, and mental anguish. The lawsuit claims these injuries are permanent and continuing in nature, having resulted in physical impairment, disability, and the loss of capacity to enjoy life.
Complaint Seeks Damages for Medical Expenses, Lost Wages, and Permanent Disability Due to Negligence
Campbell brings several counts of negligence against Classica Cruise Operator Ltd. Inc., including direct and vicarious liability for the actions of the crew. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages in excess of $75,000 for past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and a diminished capacity to earn money in the future. The plaintiff claims the cruise line breached its duty of reasonable care by creating a “free-for-all” atmosphere and failing to provide a safe, unobstructed route for passengers during the scheduled holiday event.
Contact a Cruise Ship Crowd Control Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt During an Onboard Event
Cruise lines have a legal obligation to ensure that onboard events and high-traffic passageways are managed safely to protect passengers from foreseeable harm. If you or someone you care about was injured due to poor crowd management, sharp protrusions, or hazardous decorations during a cruise ship event, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today. We are here to help you understand your legal rights and explore your options for compensation.
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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.
