The Brais Law Firm has been retained to represent Hannah Smith, a 22-year-old summa cum laude graduate, who suffered severe injuries during a shore excursion in Nassau, Bahamas, booked through Carnival Cruise Line. The incident, which occurred on May 12, 2025, involved Smith being drawn into the propellers of a catamaran operated by Pearl Investment Management Group, Ltd. and Sun Cay Ltd., leading to multiple emergency surgeries and the amputation of her right leg.
The firm is preparing to file a lawsuit against Carnival Corporation and the excursion operators, alleging negligence for failing to ensure passenger safety and violating industry safety standards by allowing disembarkation while the vessel's engines were active. Carnival's expected defense, claiming the operators were independent contractors, will be challenged by highlighting the cruise line's role in marketing and selling the excursion, thereby establishing apparent agency under maritime law.
This case underscores the critical importance of maritime safety and the responsibilities of cruise lines to ensure the well-being of their passengers during excursions. The outcome could have significant implications for the cruise industry, potentially leading to stricter safety protocols and greater accountability for passenger injuries during shore excursions.
