Trial Magazine

John Elardi, a 65-year-old retiree with a history of spinal surgery, was on a sofa in a concierge lounge on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The sofa seat partially collapsed underneath him, causing him to suffer a protruding disk at C7-T1. He required fusion surgery two months later. Elardi now has difficulty walking and experiences pain from his injuries.

Elardi sued Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., alleging negligence. The plaintiff asserted that the screws holding the sofa seat in place had been placed incorrectly. Suit did not claim past medical expenses or lost income.

The jury awarded $2.2 million, finding the plaintiff 15% at fault.

Citation: Elardi v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., No. 19-25035-CIV-GRAHAM (S.D. Fla. Mar. 22, 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Michael D. Eriksen, Lantana, Fla.