Florida Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Foot Falls Through Damaged Flooring on Mardi Gras Lido Deck
Tyrone Viruet, a Florida resident, 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-22818-BB, alleges that Viruet was seriously injured after his foot broke through a concealed hole in the Lido Deck flooring aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras on July 19, 2024.
Carnival Mardi Gras Passenger Suffers Back Injury After Foot Becomes Trapped in Rip on Lido Deck
According to the complaint, Viruet was walking near the poolside shower area on the Lido Deck when his foot broke through a rip in the flooring that opened into a hole, causing him to trip and fall. The lawsuit alleges that the flooring appeared normal but collapsed underfoot, concealing a latent hazard that was not open or obvious to passengers. Viruet claims the incident caused a serious back injury and that Carnival failed to warn passengers or barricade the area.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Maintain Deck Surface and Ignoring Known Flooring Hazards
Viruet alleges that Carnival created an unreasonably dangerous condition by installing and failing to maintain defective flooring on the Lido Deck. The lawsuit cites the absence of regular inspections, repairs, or barriers to warn passengers of the deteriorated condition. The plaintiff argues that Carnival knew or should have known about the risk of flooring disrepair through routine maintenance procedures or prior incidents, yet failed to correct the issue or notify guests.
Complaint References Similar Prior Lawsuits Involving Lido Deck Floor Hazards on Mardi Gras
The complaint cites two recent lawsuits involving nearly identical incidents on the same vessel: Ciara Lewis-Worsham v. Carnival Corporation and Donna Corta v. Carnival Corporation, both of which involved falls due to concealed holes on the Mardi Gras Lido Deck. These references are used to demonstrate that Carnival had prior knowledge of the defective flooring and failed to act, thereby placing passengers like Viruet at continued risk of serious injury.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injury, Medical Costs, and Lost Cruise Value
As a result of the fall, Viruet claims to have suffered injuries to his body and extremities, including significant back pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. The lawsuit also seeks damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and the loss of the benefit of his cruise and associated travel. His injuries are alleged to be permanent and continuing. Viruet brings three counts against Carnival: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence under maritime law.
Injured by Defective Flooring on a Cruise Ship? Legal Action May Be Available for Maritime Negligence
Passengers injured by unsafe conditions aboard cruise ships—such as broken flooring, hidden holes, or structural hazards—may have the right to pursue compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines are obligated to inspect and maintain public walkways in a safe condition and to warn passengers of any known dangers. If you or someone you know was injured due to defective flooring aboard a cruise ship, contact our experienced maritime injury attorneys today.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship floor hazard injury attorney.
