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Widow Sues Carnival Cruise Line for Wrongful Death and Racial Discrimination After Husband Dies Following Onboard Medical Emergency
Teresa Williams has filed a high-profile lawsuit against Carnival Corporation and its affiliates after her husband, Kevin Williams, suffered a fatal medical emergency while aboard the Carnival Venezia. The lawsuit, brought in federal court, alleges medical negligence, racial discrimination, and wrongful death, claiming that Carnival failed to provide timely care, refused to arrange an airlift, and pressured the family for immediate payment while the passenger was in critical condition.
Carnival Passenger’s Widow Files Wrongful Death and Civil Rights Lawsuit Over Husband’s Death After Medical Negligence on Venezia Cruise Ship
Case Title: Teresa Williams, individually and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Kevin Williams v. Carnival Corporation, Carnival Corporation & PLC, Carnival Cruise Line
Case Number: 1:25-cv-21514
Filing Date: April 1, 2025
Court: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida (Miami Division)
Plaintiff: Teresa Williams, widow and personal representative
Decedent: Kevin Williams, New York resident
Defendants: Carnival Corporation, Carnival Corporation & PLC, Carnival Cruise Line
Vessel Involved: Carnival Venezia
Incident Date: April 1–2, 2024
Lawsuit Claims Carnival Denied Black Passengers Critical Medical Transport While Requiring Upfront Payment During Medical Crisis
Medical Emergency Mishandled Onboard and at Port
According to the complaint:
- At 3:00 a.m. on April 1, 2024, Kevin Williams awoke in medical distress—shaking, sweating, and struggling to breathe.
- He was brought to the ship’s medical center, where only one doctor was initially present.
- After he was intubated, additional medical staff arrived—but the condition worsened.
- Carnival allegedly failed to inform the family of the possibility of an airlift, instead arranging disembarkation in the Dominican Republic.
Once ashore:
- A private hospital demanded $10,000 upfront, leading the family to seek treatment at a public hospital with substandard conditions.
- Kevin Williams died the following morning, before any airlift or U.S. Embassy intervention could occur.
- Carnival allegedly never contacted the family until after the death and continued to demand payment for the shipboard invoice.
Racial Discrimination Claims Under Federal and State Law
The lawsuit asserts violations of 42 U.S.C. § 1981 and Florida’s Civil Rights Act, stating:
- The couple, who are Black, were not informed of medical transport options that were offered to other (non-Black) passengers in similar conditions on the Venezia and other Carnival vessels.
- Public reports cited several previous airlift rescues for white passengers—which were not extended to the Williams family.
These allegations form the basis for the civil rights counts under both federal and Florida law, accusing Carnival of denying equal services and benefits due to race.
Legal Ramifications for Cruise Lines in Wrongful Death and Racial Discrimination Cases at Sea
Count III – Wrongful Death Under Florida Law
The plaintiff also brings a wrongful death claim under Fla. Stat. § 768.19, alleging:
- Carnival failed to arrange an airlift or emergency treatment when it was reasonably available.
- The cruise line’s refusal to coordinate critical care and demand for immediate payment contributed directly to Kevin Williams’s death.
- Teresa Williams seeks compensation for:
- Loss of companionship and support
- Medical and funeral costs
- Mental anguish
- Net accumulations to the estate
Count IV – General Negligence and Count V – Conscious Pain and Suffering
Additional claims include:
- Failure to inform next of kin of death in a timely manner
- Failure to act reasonably under the circumstances
- Kevin Williams allegedly suffered conscious pain before his death, observed by his wife and son, adding to their emotional trauma.
What This Lawsuit Means for the Cruise Industry and Passenger Protections
This case may set legal precedent in several critical areas:
- Duty to provide or coordinate emergency care for seriously ill passengers
- Racial equity in emergency response protocols
- Obligations related to timely next-of-kin communication and support
- Wrongful death damages under both maritime and Florida state law
If successful, the lawsuit could reshape cruise industry practices for handling onboard medical emergencies and increase scrutiny of passenger treatment disparities.
If a Loved One Died Due to Cruise Ship Negligence, You May Have Legal Recourse
If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one due to inadequate medical care, lack of emergency transport, or discriminatory treatment aboard a cruise, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime wrongful death and civil rights laws.
📞 Speak with a cruise injury and wrongful death attorney to explore your legal options and seek justice for the loss and emotional trauma your family has endured.