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New York Woman Sues Carnival After Slipping on Unattended Water Spill Near Buffet Aboard Mardi Gras
Tawny Nathaniel, a resident of New York, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24300-LFL, alleges that Nathaniel suffered serious injuries to her left knee after slipping on a puddle of water near the seafood buffet on the Carnival Mardi Gras on July 21, 2025.
Passenger Slips on Wet Deck Near Seafood Shack on Mardi Gras Despite Warning Cones and Lack of Cleanup
According to the complaint, Nathaniel was walking on the Lido Deck near the Seafood Shack—a high-traffic dining area—when she slipped on a hazardous puddle of water that had not been cleaned up. While warning signs were allegedly placed nearby, the area was not actively being monitored or dried by Carnival crew members. The lawsuit claims that the cruise line failed to promptly address the spill or ensure that the surface was safe for guests.
Nathaniel further alleges that after the fall, no Carnival staff were present to assist her, and she did not receive immediate medical attention. She later sought treatment for a left knee injury.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Maintain Safe Deck Conditions and Monitor Guest Safety in Dining Zones
The lawsuit brings a single count of negligence and asserts that Carnival breached its duty to provide reasonably safe conditions in common areas of the ship. Nathaniel alleges that Carnival:
- Failed to properly clean or dry wet walking surfaces
- Failed to provide adequate guest supervision in the area
- Failed to respond to her injury in a timely or appropriate manner
- Failed to ensure the puddle was identified and removed in accordance with standard cruise line safety practices
Although some warning signs were allegedly in place, the complaint argues they were not sufficient to protect passengers from the hazard given the absence of cleanup efforts and staff presence.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Knee Injury, Medical Bills, and Emotional Distress After Mardi Gras Fall
As a result of the incident, Nathaniel claims she suffered bodily injury, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and incurred medical expenses. She also cites ongoing damages including loss of enjoyment of life, future medical care costs, and possible lost income due to reduced earning capacity. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages exceeding $80,000, along with pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief as deemed appropriate by the court.
Nathaniel, who is representing herself pro se, provided timely written notice to Carnival in accordance with the terms of the cruise ticket contract prior to filing her lawsuit.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer If You Were Injured by Wet Deck Conditions Aboard a Vessel
Wet floors near buffet areas and pool decks are among the most common causes of cruise ship injuries. Cruise lines like Carnival have a duty to inspect, maintain, and promptly clean surfaces to prevent passenger falls. If you or a loved one slipped on a cruise due to unsafe walking conditions, you may have a valid claim under maritime law.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury attorney.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.