A Virginia woman has filed a lawsuit against Carnival Corporation following a serious incident that allegedly occurred on one of the waterslides aboard the Carnival Sunshine. Savannah Ward claims that she sustained severe injuries during a cruise in March 2025, attributing the incident to negligence on the part of the cruise line.
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The lawsuit was submitted to the U.S. Southern District Court of Florida, with Ward’s complaint detailing her experience on a waterslide located in the ship’s water park. According to the legal documentation, the injuries were sustained when Ward’s feet collided with a wall at the bottom of the slide, causing significant injuries to her right foot and left ankle.
Ward asserts that the injuries were a direct result of the slide’s water levels not meeting the necessary operational standards. The court filing highlights the crucial role that water levels play in ensuring rider safety. It claims that on the day of the accident, the water pressure and volume were below the established minimum level, which should have allowed for a safe exit from the slide.
The incident reportedly unfolded in the “run-out area” of the slide, a section designed to slow down riders by employing a shallow pool of water. Ward’s complaint further alleges that an employee at the bottom of the slide communicated with a crew member stationed at the top, giving her the go-ahead to commence her ride. The lawsuit argues that this signal was issued despite unsafe conditions, directly leading to Ward’s crash into the wall.
As a consequence of this collision, Ward claims she has suffered fractures in her right foot, sprains in her left ankle, and chronic pain. The complaint states that her injuries have resulted in permanent loss of mobility and range of motion, drastically affecting her quality of life. The exact slide involved in the incident has not been disclosed in the complaint.
Additionally, the suit accuses Carnival Corporation of multiple instances of negligence. These allegations include a failure to warn passengers of dangerous conditions, negligent design and installation of the waterslide, and insufficient training of staff in ensuring safety protocols. Spencer Aronfeld, Ward’s attorney, emphasised the importance of adhering to safety standards in the operation of such attractions, suggesting that Carnival did not meet both its own guidelines and industry regulations.
In his statement, Aronfeld expressed confidence in Ward’s pursuit of justice, suggesting a sympathetic view was likely from a jury should Carnival refuse to acknowledge corporate responsibility. He remarked, “The operation of these types of slides and other similar attractions on cruise ships must be inspected and conducted safely.”
Ward is now seeking an undefined amount of damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and legal costs associated with the incident.
In light of this lawsuit, PEOPLE have reached out to Carnival Corporation for their standpoint regarding the allegations, although responses aren’t yet available. The case has raised questions about safety measures on cruise ships, especially concerning attractions designed for passenger enjoyment.
The outcome of this legal battle may have implications beyond Ward’s individual case, potentially prompting scrutiny of safety standards across the cruise industry. This incident serves as a cautionary tale on the importance of adhering to safety procedures in recreational settings to prevent similar occurrences.