In brief
Diana Sanders, a 45-year-old nurse, was awarded $300,000 by a federal jury after they found Carnival Cruise Line negligent in serving her excessive amounts of tequila, leading to a fall that caused severe injuries, including a possible traumatic brain injury. The company plans to appeal the verdict amid ongoing discussions regarding policies around alcohol service on cruises.
MIAMI (AP) — Carnival Cruise Line has been ordered by a federal jury in South Florida to pay $300,000 to Diana Sanders, a former passenger who suffered serious injuries after being served over a dozen shots of tequila on the Carnival Radiance. The jury's decision came after they determined the cruise line was negligent in their alcohol service. Sanders, a 45-year-old nurse from Vacaville, California, brought the lawsuit following her fall after consuming at least 14 shots between 2:58 p.m. and 11:37 p.m. on January 5, 2024. She experienced a fall shortly thereafter, resulting in a concussion, ongoing headaches, a possible traumatic brain injury, and various other injuries.Spencer Aronfeld, Sanders’ attorney, emphasized the challenges faced when litigating against a major corporation like Carnival. He highlighted the dangers associated with all-inclusive drink packages that encourage excessive consumption while placing pressure on servers to prioritize tips over safety.Carnival Corporation has expressed its disagreement with the verdict and stated intentions to seek a new trial and pursue an appeal. Additionally, concerns about alcohol-serving practices on cruises are underscored by another ongoing case, in which a man’s fiancée filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, alleging liability due to excessive alcohol service leading to a tragic outcome.
