Brais Law Firm Represents Hannah Smith in Maritime Injury Case Against Carnival Cruise Line

Hannah Smith, a 22-year-old summa cum laude graduate of Miles College, experienced life-altering injuries during a shore excursion in Nassau, Bahamas, which was booked through Carnival Cruise Line's 'Pearl Island Beach Escape with Lunch.' The incident occurred on May 12, 2025, when Smith was drawn into the propellers of a catamaran operated by Pearl Investment Management Group, Ltd. and Sun Cay Ltd., resulting in the amputation of both her legs. Brais Law Firm has been retained to represent Smith in what is shaping up to be a significant legal battle against Carnival Corporation and the excursion operators.

Preliminary investigations by Brais Law Firm suggest potential lawsuits against Carnival Cruise Line for its role in promoting and selling the excursion, and against the excursion operators for negligence. The firm is examining claims of direct negligence and vicarious liability against Carnival, arguing that the cruise line failed to ensure the safety of third-party excursions sold under its brand. The excursion operators are accused of unsafe practices, including allowing passenger disembarkation while the vessel's engines were running, possibly in reverse.

Carnival Cruise Line is expected to dispute liability, claiming the excursion operators were independent contractors and that it had no knowledge of unsafe practices. However, Brais Law Firm intends to challenge these defenses by emphasizing Carnival's involvement in marketing the excursion and the apparent agency relationship under maritime law. The firm asserts that adhering to industry safety standards could have prevented Smith's injuries.

In the wake of the tragedy, Smith's family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her extensive medical and rehabilitation expenses. This case highlights critical safety concerns within the cruise industry and the potential legal ramifications for cruise lines and their third-party excursion providers.