Sacramento woman wins $300K after being overserved alcohol on cruise before fall. Legal expert weighs in.
CBS News • • business
Key Points:
- A Florida jury ordered Carnival Cruise Line to pay $300,000 to Diana Sanders, a Sacramento woman who was overserved 14 tequila shots by crewmembers before falling down a stairwell and sustaining injuries aboard the Carnival Radiance in January 2024.
- The jury found Carnival 60% liable for failing to exercise reasonable care, while Sanders was deemed 40% negligent for her own alcohol consumption; the lawsuit alleges systemic safety failures and that Carnival deliberately designs ships to maximize alcohol sales.
- Sanders claims she was visibly intoxicated, blacked out, and suffered severe injuries including a head injury and unexplained bruises, but the cruise line refused to provide video footage of the incident, prompting the lawsuit.
- Legal experts emphasize that cruise lines bear responsibility for not over-serving passengers, even in international waters, and highlight the risks associated with all-inclusive drink packages that encourage excessive drinking.
- Carnival disagrees with the verdict and announced plans to appeal and seek a new trial.
