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Oklahoma Family Sues Carnival After 5-Year-Old Slips in Soapy Water Left by Crewmembers During Onboard Event on Carnival Dream
Billy Ashley, Jr. and Taylor Kleckner, residents of Oklahoma, have filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida on behalf of their minor child, J.A., following a slip and fall accident aboard the Carnival Dream. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24498-MD, alleges that the five-year-old child suffered a spiral leg fracture after slipping in a puddle of soapy water left unmarked during a nighttime deck party.
Child Suffers Spiral Leg Fracture During Carnival Dream’s Lido Deck Event Due to Unmopped Soapy Water
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on October 3, 2024, during a lively Carnival-sponsored event on Deck 10’s Lido pool area, which featured music, a DJ, and guest participation. The plaintiffs, Ashley, Kleckner, and their son J.A., were seated on Deck 11 Panorama, which overlooks the Lido deck. J.A. intermittently got up to dance during the event.
While the family enjoyed the festivities, two Carnival crewmembers allegedly began cleaning the deck by dumping soapy water from a yellow mop bucket and loosely mopping it up. The complaint claims that one crewmember poured water in multiple areas, while the other mopped behind them, failing to clean up all of the standing liquid.
Shortly after the crewmembers passed, J.A. resumed dancing, slipped in an unmarked puddle, and fell—resulting in a spiral fracture to his left leg.
Lawsuit Alleges Carnival Created Hazard by Dumping Soapy Water in Guest Area Without Warnings or Barriers
The lawsuit accuses Carnival of directly creating the hazardous condition that caused the child’s fall. Specifically, the plaintiffs assert that the puddle of soapy water was placed by Carnival employees during an ongoing passenger event and was not adequately cleaned or marked. The child and his parents were allegedly not warned of any cleaning activity or the presence of water.
The complaint further alleges that:
- Carnival failed to post warning signs, cones, or barriers to prevent guests from walking or dancing in wet areas
- Carnival crewmembers knowingly created a dangerous condition in an active, high-traffic guest area
- The slippery condition was not visible or obvious to the family prior to the fall
- Carnival was aware that combining dancing guests with wet, soapy flooring posed a foreseeable danger
Parents Allege Carnival Had Actual Notice of Danger and Failed to Exercise Reasonable Care
The plaintiffs argue that Carnival had actual notice of the risk because the crewmembers intentionally poured the water. They also claim Carnival should have foreseen the hazard, as events like the Lido deck party are high-energy gatherings where guests—including children—are likely to move about and dance.
According to the lawsuit, Carnival’s duties included regular inspection and maintenance of deck surfaces, particularly during events. The complaint emphasizes that the crew failed to mop up the water fully and did not block off the cleaned area or give verbal warnings.
The plaintiffs reported the incident to Carnival immediately following the child’s injury.
Lawsuit Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Pain and Suffering, and Medical Expenses of Minor Passenger
The family brings two counts of negligence against Carnival: negligent failure to warn and general negligence, including vicarious liability for the actions of the cleaning crewmembers. They allege that Carnival failed to provide a reasonably safe public area and breached its duty of care to both the minor child and his guardians.
As a result of the fall, J.A. suffered a spiral fracture that required medical treatment and has led to ongoing pain, limited mobility, and emotional distress. The family seeks damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability and disfigurement
The lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks compensation in excess of $75,000.
Injured on a Cruise Due to Crew Negligence? Speak With a Maritime Injury Attorney Today
Cruise lines like Carnival have a duty to ensure guest safety at all times, especially during organized events in high-traffic areas. When crew conduct—such as cleaning with soapy water in guest areas—creates preventable hazards, the cruise line may be held legally responsible.
If you or your child was injured aboard a cruise ship due to unsafe conditions, contact our legal team to speak with an experienced maritime injury lawyer. We’re here to help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.
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.