Washington D.C. Woman Sues Cunard Line After Tripping on Wrinkled Rug While Boarding Queen Mary 2
Katherine Kingsland, a resident of Washington, D.C., has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation and Carnival PLC, doing business as Cunard Line, in the Southern District of Florida. The legal action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-22928-CMA, alleges that Kingsland suffered severe and permanent physical injuries after tripping over a hazardous temporary rug while boarding the Queen Mary 2 on December 3, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured Boarding Queen Mary 2 Due to Improperly Placed Rug on Gangway
According to the complaint, the incident occurred as Kingsland was in the process of embarking on the vessel. After she presented her boarding pass to a crew member, she attempted to walk across the gangway where a temporary rug had been placed. The lawsuit alleges that the rug contained a dangerous wrinkle that created an unexpected tripping hazard. As a result, Kingsland tripped and fell forcefully, suffering significant injuries to her head, ribs, shoulder, hip, and knee. The severity of these injuries eventually required surgical intervention. The plaintiff asserts that the cruise line failed to provide a reasonably safe means of ingress, transforming a routine boarding process into a source of life-altering physical trauma.
Cunard Line Accused of Failing to Maintain and Inspect Gangway for Tripping Hazards
The lawsuit alleges that the defendants had both actual and constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition on the gangway. The plaintiff’s legal team notes that crew members were stationed on both sides of the gangway and were actively monitoring passengers at the time of the fall. One crew member allegedly witnessed the incident and exclaimed that the plaintiff had hit her head. Furthermore, the complaint highlights that Cunard and Carnival maintain a general corrective action policy requiring crew members to inspect gangways for safety before allowing passengers to board. The plaintiff argues that had the crew reasonably carried out these inspections or followed their own internal safety protocols, the wrinkled rug would have been identified and smoothed out before any passengers were put at risk.
Complaint References Prior Carnival Gangway Injury Lawsuits to Establish Notice of Unsafe Conditions
To establish that the cruise line was aware of the recurring risks associated with gangway safety, the complaint cites several prior personal injury cases filed in the Southern District of Florida involving similar incidents on Carnival-operated vessels. These referenced cases include Macareno v. Carnival Corp., Pittmon v. Carnival Corp., Gilyard v. Carnival Corp., and Gaston v. Carnival Corp., all of which involved allegations of injuries sustained due to poorly maintained or defective gangway setups. By referencing these past legal actions, Kingsland’s attorneys argue that the defendants were well aware of the potential for gangway hazards but failed to implement effective preventative measures to protect passengers from foreseeable harm during the boarding and disembarkation process.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Surgery Permanent Disability and Lost Vacation Value Following Fall
Kingsland brings three counts against the defendants: negligent maintenance, negligent failure to warn, and general negligence. The lawsuit claims that the cruise line breached its non-delegable duty to provide safe passage and failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. The plaintiff alleges that the fall resulted in permanent and continuing injuries, leading to physical pain, mental anguish, disability, and a loss of the enjoyment of life. In addition to seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, the complaint seeks damages for the lost value of the cruise and related transportation costs. The lawsuit maintains that the plaintiff’s working ability has been impaired and that she will continue to suffer the effects of the negligence of the cruise line into the future.
Contact a Cruise Ship Gangway Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt Boarding a Vessel in Unsafe Conditions
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries while boarding or departing a ship due to improperly maintained rugs, slippery surfaces, or hidden tripping hazards may be eligible for financial compensation under federal maritime law. Companies like Cunard and Carnival have a strict legal responsibility to ensure that all walkways and gangways are kept in a safe condition for public use. If you or a loved one has experienced a similar boarding accident or a slip and fall on a cruise ship, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today. We are dedicated to helping victims understand their legal rights and pursuing the compensation they deserve for their medical bills and suffering.
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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.
