Georgia Resident Sues Carnival Corporation Following Slip and Fall on Jogging Track Aboard Carnival Venezia
Jackie Norman, a citizen and resident of Georgia, has initiated a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-26034-RAR, alleges that Norman suffered severe and permanent physical injuries after slipping on a foreign substance while using the jogging track on Deck 12 of the Carnival Venezia on December 31, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Carnival Venezia Jogging Track Due to Slipper Surface and Lack of Warning Signs
The lawsuit states that the incident occurred while Norman was a paying passenger aboard the vessel during its operation in navigable waters. While on the jogging track located on Deck 12, Norman allegedly encountered an undetected foreign substance on the flooring, causing a sudden slip and fall. The complaint highlights that there were no wet floor signs, caution tape, or other visible warnings to alert passengers of the hazard. Norman contends that the area was under the exclusive custody and control of Carnival Corporation and that the cruise line failed in its duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for passengers invited to use the ship’s recreational facilities.
Carnival Corporation Accused of Having Actual Knowledge of Dangerous Deck Conditions Based on Prior Incidents
Norman’s legal team argues that Carnival had both actual and constructive notice of the hazardous conditions on its jogging tracks. To support the claim that the cruise line knew or should have known of the risks, the complaint references several prior similar incidents across the Carnival fleet. These include a July 2024 fall on the Carnival Breeze, a May 2022 incident on the Carnival Mardi Gras, and a September 2017 fall also aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras, all involving passengers slipping on foreign substances on jogging tracks. The lawsuit alleges that these recurring accidents demonstrate a foreseeable risk of liquid accumulation on high-traffic promenade and jogging decks, yet Carnival failed to implement adequate corrective measures or permanent safety improvements to prevent such injuries from reoccurring.
Lawsuit Alleges Carnival Conceals Similar Slip and Fall Incidents Through Confidential Settlement Agreements
A notable allegation in the complaint involves the cruise line’s handling of past injury claims. Norman asserts that the full extent of prior similar incidents is difficult to determine because Carnival regularly requires confidentiality as a condition of its legal settlements. The plaintiff argues that this practice is intended to shield facts from the public and prevent future litigants from easily establishing a pattern of negligence. Despite these efforts, the lawsuit maintains that industry standards and Carnival’s own internal policies regarding the monitoring and maintenance of high-traffic decks should have led to better inspection protocols and the timely placement of warning signs in the area where Norman fell.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Disability and Loss of Earning Capacity Following Cruise Ship Accident
The complaint brings three specific counts of negligence against Carnival Corporation: negligent failure to warn, negligent maintenance, and general negligence. Norman alleges that the fall resulted in permanent and continuing injuries to the body and extremities, leading to physical pain, mental anguish, and a loss of enjoyment of life. Beyond medical expenses and physical handicap, the plaintiff is seeking damages for lost wages and the impairment of future earning capacity. Additionally, the lawsuit seeks to recover the lost value of the vacation, including cruise and transportation costs, claiming the negligence of the cruise line effectively deprived the passenger of the benefit of the travel experience.
Contact a Cruise Ship Jogging Track Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Injured Aboard a Vessel
Passengers who have suffered injuries due to slippery surfaces, lack of maintenance, or missing warning signs on a cruise ship may be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines have a non-delegable duty to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition for all travelers. If you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall on a jogging track, deck, or other common area while on a cruise, it is essential to understand your legal rights. Our team of experienced maritime attorneys is dedicated to helping victims of negligence navigate the complexities of federal maritime litigation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall 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.
