Florida Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Slipping on Wet Floor Near Buffet on Carnival Glory
Teresa Ealy, 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-24888-RAR, alleges that Ealy sustained serious injuries after slipping on a wet floor near the buffet area aboard the Carnival Glory on December 27, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Slips on Wet Floor Near Buffet Without Warning Signs on Carnival Glory
According to the complaint, Ealy was walking near a buffet area on Deck 9 when she slipped and fell due to a slippery foreign substance on the floor. The incident allegedly occurred while a Carnival crew member was actively mopping the area but failed to place any visible warning signs or caution indicators to alert guests of the hazardous condition.
Ealy claims the wet floor was not open or obvious and that she had no opportunity to avoid the hazard. The fall caused her to suffer severe bodily injuries, requiring ongoing medical treatment and resulting in long-term physical and emotional damages.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Maintain Buffet Walkway and Warn Passengers of Known Hazard
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival failed to exercise reasonable care in maintaining the safety of the walking surface near the buffet area. Ealy’s legal team asserts that Carnival had actual or constructive knowledge of the wet condition, especially since the crew member was allegedly in the process of cleaning the floor when the incident occurred.
Among other claims, the complaint argues Carnival failed to:
- Properly inspect and maintain the flooring
- Remove hazardous substances in a timely manner
- Post wet floor signs or otherwise warn guests of the danger
- Train its staff in proper cleaning and safety protocols
Ealy contends the cruise line had exclusive control over the area and should have anticipated the risk of a slip and fall in such a high-traffic passenger location.
Lawsuit Cites Carnival’s Alleged Failure to Train Crew on Proper Safety Procedures
In addition to general negligence and failure to warn, Ealy also brings a claim for negligent failure to train. She alleges that Carnival failed to properly train its employees on how to conduct floor maintenance safely, including when and where to place wet floor signage and how to restrict guest access during active cleaning.
The complaint states that an experienced crew member should have been aware of the risk of leaving a wet area unmarked, especially in a crowded section of the ship near the buffet. Ealy argues that this lapse in basic safety procedure contributed directly to her injuries.
Passenger Seeks Damages for Ongoing Injuries, Emotional Distress, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
As a result of the fall, Ealy claims she suffered bodily injury, aggravation of a pre-existing condition, disability, emotional distress, and mental anguish. The lawsuit seeks damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life
- Emotional and psychological trauma
The complaint alleges the injuries are permanent or continuing in nature and will cause lasting impairment.
Contact a Cruise Ship Buffet Area Slip and Fall Lawyer If You’ve Been Injured Due to Unsafe Floor Conditions
Passengers injured on cruise ships due to wet floors, particularly near buffet lines or other food service areas, may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines have a legal duty to maintain safe walking surfaces and warn passengers of any hidden dangers. If you or someone you love has suffered a similar injury aboard a Carnival ship, we can help.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Florida-based cruise ship injury lawyer.
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.
