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North Carolina Passenger Sues Carnival Over Injuries from Defective Staircase Aboard Carnival Liberty
The case Harrison Moore v. Carnival Corporation (Case No. 1:25-cv-21202) involves a negligence lawsuit filed by Harrison Moore, a resident of North Carolina, against Carnival Corporation. The lawsuit alleges that Moore suffered serious injuries due to a defective staircase on the Lido Deck aboard the Carnival Liberty.
Background of the Case
On April 5, 2024, while aboard the Carnival Liberty, Moore was walking down a wooden staircase on the Lido Deck when he stepped on a damaged step in severe disrepair. The sealing on the back of the step was detached from the flooring, causing the step to tilt upwards, creating a hidden tripping hazard. As a result, Moore tripped and fell, injuring his knees.
According to the complaint:
- The hazard was not visible until stepped on, making it impossible for passengers to avoid.
- The step was in an advanced state of disrepair, indicating a failure to inspect and maintain the staircase.
- Carnival failed to place warning signs or block off the damaged step to prevent injuries.
- Moore suffered knee injuries requiring medical treatment both onboard and post-cruise.
Allegations Against Carnival Corporation
The lawsuit accuses Carnival Corporation of negligence in the following ways:
- Failure to Maintain Safe Walking Areas
- Carnival allegedly failed to properly inspect and repair the staircase.
- The cruise line did not ensure that stair materials were durable and properly secured.
- Failure to Warn Passengers of the Hazard
- Carnival did not place warning signs near the defective step.
- The deteriorated step was not an open and obvious hazard, meaning passengers could not reasonably anticipate the risk.
- Negligent Training and Supervision of Crew
- The lawsuit alleges that Carnival’s maintenance team failed to detect and repair the hazard despite regular inspections.
- Crew members allegedly failed to take appropriate action to prevent injuries.
- Prior Incidents of Similar Accidents
- The lawsuit references multiple past lawsuits involving dangerous staircases on Carnival’s fleet, including:
- Stidhum v. Carnival (Case No. 23-cv-24920) – Passenger injured after a step detached from the flooring aboard the Carnival Conquest.
- Kindel v. Carnival (Case No. 24-cv-20820) – Passenger injured due to a loose step aboard the Carnival Vista.
- Viera v. Carnival (Case No. 24-cv-22466) – Passenger fell because of a defective step aboard the Carnival Celebration.
- The lawsuit references multiple past lawsuits involving dangerous staircases on Carnival’s fleet, including:
Legal Implications for Cruise Ship Injury Lawsuits
This lawsuit raises important safety concerns regarding staircase maintenance and passenger protection aboard cruise ships. Key legal questions include:
- Should Carnival be held liable for failing to inspect and repair the staircase?
- Does Carnival’s history of similar incidents establish negligence?
- Should Carnival implement stricter safety protocols and routine inspections to prevent similar accidents?
What’s Next?
The case will likely focus on:
- Whether Carnival had prior knowledge of the hazard and failed to take corrective action.
- If the failure to warn passengers directly contributed to Moore’s injuries.
- Whether Carnival’s maintenance policies meet industry standards.
Seeking Legal Help After a Cruise Ship Injury
Passengers injured due to unsafe conditions aboard cruise ships may have legal options. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury on a cruise ship, consulting with an experienced cruise ship injury attorney can help you understand your rights and potential compensation.