Brais Law Firm Investigates Catastrophic Maritime Injury Involving Carnival Cruise Line Excursion
The Brais Law Firm is investigating a catastrophic injury case involving Hannah Smith, who lost both legs after an accident during a Carnival Cruise Line shore excursion in the Bahamas, highlighting potential negligence by Carnival and the excursion operators.
The Brais Law Firm has been retained to represent Hannah Smith, a 22-year-old summa cum laude graduate, who suffered catastrophic injuries during a shore excursion in Nassau, Bahamas, booked through Carnival Cruise Line. The incident, which occurred on May 12, 2025, involved Ms. Smith being drawn into the propellers of a catamaran operated by Pearl Investment Management Group, Ltd. and Sun Cay Ltd., leading to severe injuries and the loss of both her legs.
Preliminary findings from the Brais Law Firm's investigation suggest potential lawsuits against Carnival Corporation for its role in promoting and selling the excursion, and against the excursion operators for negligence. The firm argues that Carnival failed to ensure the safety of third-party excursions sold under its brand and that the operators violated basic safety standards by allowing passenger disembarkation while the vessel's engines were running.
Carnival is expected to deny liability, claiming the excursion operators were independent contractors. However, Brais Law Firm plans to challenge this by emphasizing Carnival's involvement in marketing the excursion and the apparent agency under maritime law. The firm contends that adhering to industry standards could have prevented the accident.
Ms. Smith's family has initiated a GoFundMe Campaign to assist with her medical and rehabilitation expenses. The case underscores the critical importance of safety standards in maritime excursions and the potential legal implications for cruise lines and their third-party operators.