- Contact Us for a Free Consultation 305-668-6410
Pennsylvania Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Tripping on Vacuum Cord Aboard Carnival Pride
Penny Mullady, a Pennsylvania 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-23183-CMA, alleges that Mullady suffered serious injuries to her right shoulder and knee after tripping on a vacuum cleaner cord obstructing a walkway near an elevator on the Carnival Pride on May 20, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Carnival Pride Due to Crew Member’s Negligent Vacuuming Practices
According to the lawsuit, Mullady was exiting an elevator on Deck 3 when she tripped over a vacuum cord placed by a Carnival crew member who was cleaning the area. The cord allegedly extended across the pedestrian walkway without any warnings, cones, or signs to alert passengers. Mullady claims she had no opportunity to avoid the hazard because the cord was moved or repositioned just as she was stepping out of the elevator.
The complaint asserts that Carnival’s crew failed to follow established safety practices during cleaning operations, such as securing electrical cords or temporarily blocking off high-traffic areas. Mullady argues that the crew’s negligence created a foreseeable and preventable tripping hazard that caused her fall and injuries.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Implement and Enforce Safety Protocols for Cleaning Operations
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival failed to enforce its own Health, Environment, Safety, and Security (HESS) policies, as well as training protocols outlined in its “Two Minute Trainer – Vacuum – Trailing Wires” guidelines. These policies require crew members to secure vacuum cords, avoid placing them across doorways or hallways, and provide visual warnings when cleaning is underway.
Mullady’s attorneys claim that Carnival’s failure to enforce these safety measures demonstrates a systemic disregard for passenger safety. The complaint states that the crew member did not monitor the cord’s placement or provide any verbal warnings to passengers exiting the elevator, which directly led to Mullady’s accident.
Complaint Highlights Lack of Warnings and Crew Oversight on Carnival Pride
Mullady alleges that Carnival breached its duty of care by failing to properly train and supervise its crew to prevent the creation of tripping hazards during housekeeping operations. The lawsuit includes counts for negligence, negligent failure to warn, and direct negligence for failure to implement proper cord management protocols.
The complaint asserts that even if Mullady had seen the vacuum equipment in the area, the sudden repositioning of the cord was not obvious or foreseeable. As a result, she had no reasonable chance to avoid the tripping hazard.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Expenses, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
As a result of her fall, Mullady claims she sustained injuries to her right shoulder and knee, causing ongoing pain, disability, mental anguish, and disfigurement. She alleges that her injuries are permanent and require continuing medical treatment. Mullady is seeking compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and the diminished enjoyment of her cruise vacation.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Attorney for Accidents Caused by Crew Negligence
Passengers injured due to crew negligence, such as improperly placed cleaning equipment or cords, may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Carnival have a legal duty to implement and enforce strict safety protocols to protect passengers from preventable hazards. If you or someone you know was injured in a similar incident aboard a cruise ship, our team of maritime injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue a claim.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship trip and fall lawyer.