Carnival Cruises Ordered to Pay $300,000 for Over-Serving Passenger
A US court has ordered Carnival Cruises to pay $300,000 in damages to Diana Sanders, a 45-year-old passenger who suffered severe injuries after falling on board a cruise ship in 2024. The jury ruled that the cruise line was liable for serving Sanders at least 14 shots of tequila over an eight-and-a-half-hour period, leading to significant intoxication. As a result of the fall, Sanders sustained a concussion, potential traumatic brain injury, and injuries to her back and tailbone. Her legal team argued that crew members failed in their duty of care by continuing to serve alcohol despite visible signs of drunkenness. Carnival's defense contended that there was insufficient evidence that staff knew or should have known she was intoxicated. A company spokesperson stated they disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal for a new trial. This case is noted as exceptional for holding a cruise company directly responsible for the consequences of a passenger's excessive alcohol consumption, highlighting the legal obligations of hospitality providers to ensure passenger safety through responsible service practices.
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Carnival Cruises Ordered to Pay $300,000 for Over-Serving Passenger
A US court has ordered Carnival Cruises to pay $300,000 in damages to Diana Sanders, a 45-year-old passenger who suffered severe injuries after falling on board a cruise ship in 2024. The jury ruled that the cruise line was liable for serving Sanders at least 14 shots of tequila over an eight-and-a-half-hour period, leading to significant intoxication. As a result of the fall, Sanders sustained a concussion, potential traumatic brain injury, and injuries to her back and tailbone. Her legal team argued that crew members failed in their duty of care by continuing to serve alcohol despite visible signs of drunkenness. Carnival's defense contended that there was insufficient evidence that staff knew or should have known she was intoxicated. A company spokesperson stated they disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal for a new trial. This case is noted as exceptional for holding a cruise company directly responsible for the consequences of a passenger's excessive alcohol consumption, highlighting the legal obligations of hospitality providers to ensure passenger safety through responsible service practices.
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