Carnival Cruise Line Sued After Trip and Fall Over Unsecured Threshold on Carnival Spirit
Judith G. Naler, a Florida 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-25563-FAM, alleges that Naler sustained serious injuries after tripping over an unsecured and unmarked raised metal threshold while walking near her stateroom aboard the Carnival Spirit on November 8, 2024.
Passenger Trips Over Elevated, Loose Threshold Near Cabin 7146 on Deck 7 of Carnival Spirit
According to the lawsuit, Naler was walking in the hallway near Cabin 7146 on Deck 7 when she tripped and fell due to a dangerous change in floor level caused by a raised, unsecured metal threshold. The threshold was allegedly missing at least two screws, causing it to become elevated above the adjacent flooring and create a hidden tripping hazard.
The complaint states that the missing screws were not obvious and the defect developed over time—meaning the condition would have been observable through regular inspections by crew members who frequently walked the hallway while performing cabin cleaning and turnover services. Naler asserts she had no warning of the hazard, as there were no caution signs or indicators in place. She claims the condition was not open or obvious and that she could not have reasonably avoided it.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Inspect, Maintain, or Warn About Dangerous Threshold on Cruise Ship
The lawsuit brings four counts of negligence against Carnival: negligent maintenance, negligent inspection, negligent failure to warn, and negligent design. Naler alleges that Carnival failed to conduct regular safety inspections, despite knowledge of the risks posed by unmarked and uneven thresholds in passenger walkways. The complaint further argues that Carnival should have noticed the loose threshold through its routine cleaning and hallway supervision protocols.
The plaintiff claims that Carnival had either actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition due to similar prior incidents on other ships in its fleet, including:
- Ramos v. Carnival (2024): fall in hallway due to metal flooring defect on Carnival Spirit
- Wynn v. Carnival (2024): fall from protruding threshold on Carnival Elation
- Tuite v. Carnival (2023): trip over raised threshold on Carnival Sunshine
- Shideler v. Carnival (2023): fall due to flooring defect on Carnival Vista
These and other similar lawsuits are cited to support Naler’s allegation that Carnival was on notice of the risk posed by raised, defective thresholds and failed to take corrective action.
Lawsuit Also Claims Carnival Spirit Threshold Design Violates Industry and International Safety Standards
In addition to maintenance and inspection failures, the complaint accuses Carnival of negligent design and installation of the threshold itself. The raised flooring was allegedly in violation of industry standards and international maritime safety regulations, including SOLAS treaty requirements for safe escape routes and ASTM guidelines for walkways and transitions.
Naler claims Carnival designed or approved the design of the doorway and threshold area and had final authority over material selection, installation, and inspection. The elevated threshold allegedly exceeded acceptable height limits and lacked proper markings or visual warnings to alert passengers of the change in level. According to the complaint, Carnival continues to install or maintain similar thresholds across its fleet, despite being aware of prior trip-and-fall incidents.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Expenses, and Loss of Enjoyment of Cruise
As a result of the fall, Naler alleges she suffered injuries to her body and extremities, mental anguish, disfigurement, and an inability to lead a normal life. She seeks damages for past and future medical costs, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and diminished capacity to enjoy life. The complaint states her injuries are permanent and continuing in nature.
The lawsuit demands a jury trial and claims that Carnival breached its duty of reasonable care under maritime law by failing to maintain a safe walking surface, failing to warn passengers, and using a defective design in a high-traffic hallway.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Lawyer if You Were Injured Due to Unsafe Thresholds or Flooring Conditions
Cruise passengers injured due to unsafe flooring transitions, raised thresholds, or unsecured fixtures may have the right to pursue compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Carnival have a legal obligation to ensure passenger walkways are properly maintained, clearly marked, and free of hidden hazards. If you or someone you love tripped and fell aboard a cruise ship due to unsafe design or maintenance, our legal team can help.
Contact us now to speak with a Florida 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.
