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Georgia Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Slip and Fall on Wet Lido Deck Near Buffet on Carnival Horizon
LeClaire Nelson, a Georgia resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23146-JEM, alleges that Nelson suffered severe injuries after slipping on a wet and slippery floor near the buffet area of the Carnival Horizon on June 2, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Carnival Horizon Lido Deck After Crew Failed to Place Wet Floor Warnings
According to the lawsuit, Nelson was lawfully aboard the Carnival Horizon as a fare-paying passenger when the incident occurred. She claims that crew members were actively cleaning and mopping near the buffet area of the Lido Deck but failed to post any wet floor signs, cones, or other warnings. Nelson was directed by crew members to walk through this area to access another food station, unaware that the floor was still wet and hazardous. The substance on the floor allegedly blended with the surface and was not visible to passengers exercising ordinary care.
Nelson asserts that Carnival’s crew failed to follow the company’s own safety procedures, which require the placement of caution signs and alternative routes for guests during wet floor maintenance. She further alleges that Carnival failed to provide adequate verbal warnings or block access to the area despite knowing the increased risk of slips and falls near buffet and self-service food stations.
Carnival Accused of Negligence for Repeated Slip and Fall Hazards on Cruise Ship Lido Decks
The lawsuit claims that Carnival had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition due to the presence of crew members in the area and because similar incidents have occurred across its fleet. Nelson’s attorneys cite multiple prior slip and fall lawsuits, including cases involving the Carnival Horizon, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Liberty, and other vessels. These prior cases are presented as evidence that Carnival knew or should have known about the recurring hazard of wet floors near buffet areas.
Carnival’s internal safety guidelines, including its “Two Minute Trainer” policy, mandate that wet floor signs and crew supervision be used during cleaning to protect passengers. Nelson’s complaint argues that Carnival failed to enforce these protocols, creating a foreseeable and avoidable risk.
Complaint Highlights Dangerous Conditions on Lido Deck and Carnival’s Failure to Maintain Safe Walkways
The complaint alleges that Carnival failed to maintain the Lido Deck in a reasonably safe condition. Specifically, the flooring material near the buffet area allegedly lacked adequate traction, and no anti-slip measures were in place. Nelson argues that the wet floor was a dangerous, non-obvious hazard, particularly given the high passenger traffic in the area.
In addition to negligent maintenance, Nelson accuses Carnival of failing to warn passengers of the wet surface and of negligently directing her through the hazard. She claims that Carnival breached its duty of care by ignoring the foreseeable risks associated with mopping during peak meal times without properly securing the area.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Severe and Lasting Injuries, Medical Costs, and Loss of Cruise Experience
As a result of her fall, Nelson claims she sustained significant injuries, including sprained cervical and lumbar ligaments, right knee and hip injuries, and severe sprain and contusion of her right ankle. She alleges ongoing pain, emotional distress, medical expenses, and a loss of enjoyment of life. Her injuries are said to be permanent and continuing in nature, requiring future medical care and impacting her ability to work.
Nelson’s lawsuit includes claims for negligent maintenance, negligent failure to correct, negligent failure to warn, and vicarious liability for the acts of Carnival’s crew. She seeks compensation exceeding $75,000 for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the diminished value of her cruise experience.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Attorney for Lido Deck Injuries on Carnival or Other Cruise Lines
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries on wet or unsafe Lido Deck surfaces may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Carnival have a duty to maintain all walking surfaces in a safe condition, particularly in high-traffic areas such as buffets and dining venues. If you or a loved one was injured due to unsafe conditions on a cruise ship, our team of maritime injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us now to speak with an experienced cruise ship slip and fall lawyer.