Trial Magazine

Doe, 21, was traveling aboard a Carnival Cruise Line passenger ship with a friend. Late one night, Doe walked up a stairwell and encountered a Carnival employee, who lured her into a closet. There, he raped her before unlocking the door and allowing her to leave.

Doe was taken to the ship’s medical facility, where she was treated and questioned by ship personnel and FBI employees. Following the medical examination, Doe, who was wearing only a T-shirt, walked through a crowd of fellow passengers waiting to disembark.

Doe sued Carnival Corp., alleging false imprisonment and sexual assault. The court granted Doe partial summary judgment on her false imprisonment claim.

The jury awarded more than $10.24 million, including $10 million for pain and suffering.

Citation: Doe v. Carnival Corp., No. 1:19-cv-24766 (S.D. Fla. July 19, 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: Daniel W. Courtney, Miami.

Plaintiff experts: Lance Foster, security, Clearwater, Fla.; Ross Klein, cruise industry, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Can.; and Cheri Surloff, neuropsychology, Miami Beach, Fla.

Defense experts: Corey Ranslem, maritime security, Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Kaia Calbeck, neuropsychology, Miami Beach.