Arizona Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Respiratory Failure Allegedly Caused by Mold and Flooding in Cabin on Carnival Miracle
Becky Faulkner, a resident of Arizona, 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-23768-JEM, alleges that Faulkner suffered acute respiratory failure after being assigned to a moldy, poorly ventilated cabin aboard the Carnival Miracle during an August 2024 cruise.
Passenger Claims Carnival Failed to Relocate Her Despite Flooded, Musty Cabin That Triggered Asthma Attack
According to the complaint, Faulkner boarded the Carnival Miracle as a fare-paying passenger on August 27, 2024. While inside her interior cabin, she began experiencing respiratory distress, which she attributed to a musty, dank odor and visible dampness caused by flooding from the shower. Faulkner, who suffers from asthma, allegedly requested a cabin change or remediation of the conditions but was denied both.
The lawsuit claims that Carnival failed to properly maintain the cabin’s cleanliness and ventilation and did not provide any warning about the potential presence of mold or excessive moisture. Faulkner asserts that the conditions inside her cabin directly triggered a severe asthma episode, resulting in acute respiratory failure and an eight-day hospitalization following the incident.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Maintain Safe Cabin Conditions and Ignoring Guest’s Medical Vulnerabilities
Faulkner alleges that Carnival had both actual and constructive knowledge of the dangerous conditions in her cabin, including flooding and poor air circulation. The complaint states that housekeeping staff, cabin stewards, and onboard supervisors were aware of or should have been aware of the water damage and the mold-like conditions that developed in the cabin.
The lawsuit brings two counts against Carnival: general negligence and negligent failure to warn. Faulkner argues that Carnival breached its duty of care by:
- Failing to maintain clean, dry, and mold-free accommodations
- Failing to repair or properly ventilate the affected cabin
- Failing to act on guest complaints about the hazardous conditions
- Failing to relocate the passenger despite knowing of her respiratory vulnerability
According to the complaint, the dangerous condition was neither open nor obvious, and Carnival failed to provide any warning to Faulkner about the risks of staying in the affected room.
Complaint Highlights Broader Issue of Ventilation and Mold Exposure in Cruise Ship Cabins
Faulkner’s lawsuit raises ongoing concerns about cabin ventilation and mold-related hazards aboard cruise ships. Cruise passengers, particularly those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, are at increased risk when exposed to excessive moisture, mold, or poor air quality in enclosed spaces.
The complaint suggests that Carnival failed to enforce appropriate inspection protocols or respond adequately to known flooding incidents within its staterooms. Mold and moisture-related lawsuits have emerged in recent years across the cruise industry, especially involving interior cabins with limited airflow.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Expenses, and Loss of Cruise Enjoyment
Faulkner seeks damages for physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, and the loss of her cruise experience. The lawsuit alleges that her injuries are permanent and continuing in nature, including the aggravation of her pre-existing asthma, physical handicap, and ongoing pain and suffering.
In addition to medical costs, Faulkner is requesting compensation for the diminished value of her vacation, claiming her cruise was ruined by Carnival’s refusal to relocate her or mitigate the environmental hazards in her assigned cabin.
Exposed to Mold or Flooding in a Cruise Ship Cabin? You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Respiratory Injuries
Cruise lines have a legal obligation to maintain safe and sanitary conditions in guest cabins. When mold, poor ventilation, or excessive moisture leads to respiratory injuries or hospitalization, passengers may have a valid maritime claim for negligence. If you or a loved one suffered health complications due to cabin flooding, mold exposure, or other unsafe conditions aboard a cruise, legal remedies may be available.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship cabin 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.
