Loretta Blocker, a Florida resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. Filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23597-JEM, the complaint alleges that Blocker suffered a fractured knee and traumatic paraplegia after slipping in a large puddle of water on the Lido Deck of the Carnival Paradise on August 15, 2024.
According to the lawsuit, Blocker was walking near the entrance of Guy’s Burger Bar on the ship’s Lido Deck when she slipped in a puddle approximately two to three feet in diameter. The complaint states that the puddle was not marked by any warning signs and that Blocker’s clothing was visibly wet after the fall. She was not far from one of the ship’s pools, suggesting the water may have been tracked in by other passengers or left behind by the ship’s crew.
Blocker suffered serious and permanent injuries, including a fractured left knee and a severe aggravation of pre-existing multiple sclerosis. The incident resulted in traumatic paraplegia, requiring an eight-day hospitalization.
The lawsuit alleges that the Lido Deck aboard the Carnival Paradise was known by Carnival to be hazardous when wet due to its surface material, frequent water accumulation from nearby pools and hot tubs, and airborne grease particles from adjacent food service areas like Guy’s Burger Bar. The complaint states that the grease and water combine to create dangerously slippery conditions.
Despite allegedly knowing about these risks—and facing over two dozen previous lawsuits involving similar Lido Deck incidents—Carnival is accused of failing to keep the area clean, dry, and safe. Blocker contends that Carnival’s cleaners should have noticed the puddle prior to her fall, given the high number of crew typically assigned to the area and the visibility of the hazard.
Blocker brings a count of negligent design against Carnival, alleging that the cruise line played a direct role in the selection and approval of the Lido Deck’s flooring materials. According to the complaint, Carnival’s internal design and engineering teams, along with contracted shipbuilders, approved a surface that is unreasonably slippery when wet and not compliant with safe slip-resistance standards.
The lawsuit asserts that Carnival had the authority to change the design and construction materials but failed to do so—even after similar incidents occurred across its fleet. The complaint further claims that Carnival should have modified the deck or added slip-resistant surfacing to protect passengers.
Blocker also alleges that Carnival failed to warn her of the hazardous condition. According to the complaint, the puddle of water was not open and obvious, and the combination of water and greasy contaminants created a concealed danger. No warning cones, signs, or rope barriers were allegedly in place at the time of the fall.
She claims that Carnival knew or should have known that the Lido Deck near the food and pool areas posed a danger to passengers, especially when wet. Despite this, the cruise line failed to provide any warnings or modify cleaning and supervision practices in the area.
Blocker seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. The lawsuit states that her injuries are permanent and ongoing. She also seeks compensation for the loss of the cruise experience and other related costs. The plaintiff has demanded a jury trial.
Slip and fall accidents aboard cruise ships—especially on wet Lido Decks near pools or food courts—can cause life-altering injuries. Cruise lines like Carnival are required under maritime law to maintain safe walking surfaces, correct dangerous design flaws, and warn passengers of hidden hazards. If you or someone you know suffered an injury on a cruise ship deck, reach out to our maritime injury attorneys today to learn your rights.
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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.