Served 14 tequila shots on a cruise, what happened next shocked the court, Rs 3 crore compensation awarded

A jury in the US has awarded $300,000 (around ₹2.79 crore) to a cruise passenger who claimed she was served excessive alcohol onboard, leading to a fall and possible brain injury. The case centres on Diana Sanders, who accused Carnival Corp of negligence during a voyage, according to People.

What went wrong on cruise ride?

Court filings reviewed by People said Sanders consumed 14 shots of tequila over several hours during the cruise. The lawsuit claimed bartenders continued serving her drinks despite clear signs of intoxication.

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The filings described Sanders as “visibly intoxicated” while she was still being served alcohol, a key point in her argument that staff failed to act responsibly.

The incident and medical concerns

According to the lawsuit, Sanders later fell on the ship and hit her head. Medical evaluations raised concerns about a possible traumatic brain injury.

The filings said the injury was serious and could have long-term effects. It also noted that Sanders experienced ongoing physical and neurological symptoms that disrupted her daily life.

Compensation of Rs 3 crore

After reviewing the evidence, the jury ruled in Sanders’ favour and awarded $300,000 in damages. The compensation is meant to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and potential long-term impact.

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The lawsuit argued that cruise staff are trained to monitor alcohol consumption and step in when necessary, but alleged that these safeguards were not followed in this case.

What the company said

As reported by USA Today, Carnival acknowledged the jury’s decision but did not admit liability. The company said it has policies in place for alcohol service and reviews safety-related incidents involving passengers.

The verdict has put a spotlight on how alcohol is served on cruise ships, especially with drink packages that allow passengers to order multiple rounds in a short time.

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While cruises often promote unlimited drinks as part of the holiday experience, this case raises questions about where hospitality ends and responsibility begins, and whether onboard staff are doing enough to prevent situations from spiralling out of control.