A Florida resident, Jorge Luis Alverio Nunez, has initiated legal action against Carnival Cruise Line, seeking $5 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Florida, alleges that Nunez sustained severe second-degree burns on his feet while walking barefoot on the deck of the Carnival Magic cruise ship in May last year.

Details of the Incident

According to the lawsuit, Nunez was walking between the pool and deck chairs, a distance of approximately 20 steps, when he suffered the burns. The legal complaint argues that while passengers might expect deck surfaces exposed to sunlight to be warm, they would not anticipate temperatures capable of causing such severe injuries within seconds of contact.

The lawsuit accuses Carnival Cruise Line of negligence for failing to provide adequate warnings about the hot deck, not posting signs or notices, neglecting to monitor deck temperatures, and not requiring footwear or using safer deck materials.

Impact and Legal Claims

Nunez claims that the injury has been severe and life-changing, necessitating extensive ongoing medical treatment. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, disfigurement, mental anguish, and other related impacts.

The legal filing also highlights that Carnival had received at least 25 similar injury reports and 42 other complaints regarding hot deck surfaces over the past six years, suggesting a pattern of negligence.

Carnival’s Response

As of now, Carnival Corp., the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, has not issued a public comment on the lawsuit. A spokesperson informed USA Today that the company does not comment on pending litigation.

The Cleveland Clinic describes second-degree burns as a common type of burn that can cause blistering, shiny skin, pain, and discoloration. While often treatable at home if small, they can result from contact with hot objects, sunburns, or steam scalding.

Original reporting: WQAD (Quad Cities) — read the source article.