A former passenger is taking action against Carnival following a serious accident.
Carnival Corporation is defending a personal injury lawsuit filed by a former passenger who suffered a broken ankle during a dune buggy shore excursion in the Dominican Republic. This raises fresh questions about cruise line liability for third-party tours.
Karisha McClinton lodged the complaint in the Southern District of Florida on 3rd July 2026. She is seeking damages for an accident that occurred during a port call at Amber Cove while sailing aboard Mardi Gras in July 2025.
The case joins a growing number of legal challenges facing cruise operators over injuries sustained during shore activities marketed and sold through cruise line websites. This highlights the complex relationship between cruise companies and independent tour operators.
Passenger Suffers Multiple Fractures During Buggy Excursion
The day was filled with excitement that turned to tragedy for the McClinton family.
The incident took place on 6th July 2025, when McClinton and her family visited Amber Cove as part of a weeklong Caribbean sailing. According to court documents, McClinton was participating in the “Waterfalls, Buggies & Monkeys” excursion.
This popular shore activity combines off-road driving with nature experiences when her dune buggy overturned on challenging terrain.
McClinton was operating the vehicle with her six-year-old child seated in the front when the buggy flipped on what the lawsuit describes as “dangerous muddy, rocky terrain.” The vehicle landed on her left ankle, trapping her beneath it.
The complaint notes that no injury to the child occurred during the incident. Her husband was forced to physically lift the buggy off his wife, as excursion staff and safety personnel did not immediately respond to provide assistance, according to the legal filing.
Local medical professionals at the scene recommended immediate surgery, but McClinton initially declined treatment in favour of receiving care aboard the cruise ship.
Extensive Medical Treatment Required Following Return Home
The journey back home revealed the true extent of McClinton’s injuries.
Upon returning to her home in San Antonio, Texas, McClinton sought comprehensive medical evaluation that revealed the full extent of her injuries. Doctors determined that her ankle had been broken in three places, necessitating surgical intervention to repair the damage.
The procedure required the implantation of multiple screws and plates to stabilise the fractures and restore function to her ankle.
The lawsuit does not specify the total medical costs incurred or detail any ongoing treatment requirements, though such injuries typically involve lengthy rehabilitation periods and potential long-term mobility impacts.
The severity of the injury and subsequent medical intervention form the basis of McClinton’s claim for damages against Carnival Corporation. Her legal rep
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