Georgia Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Suffering Severe Ankle Injuries from Slip and Fall on M/S Glory Lido Deck
Gloria Godfrey, a resident of Georgia, has filed 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. 1:26-cv-21194-CMA, alleges that Godfrey sustained permanent and debilitating physical injuries after slipping on a hazardous, transitory substance while walking on the exterior Lido Deck of the M/S Glory on February 24, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on M/S Glory Lido Deck Near Red Frog Rum Bar Due to Slippery Surface and Poor Lighting
The incident occurred during the evening hours as Godfrey was walking from the Red Frog Rum Bar toward the hot tubs located on the forward exterior Lido Deck. According to the legal filing, Godfrey encountered a wet and slippery transitory substance on the deck surface that was not open or obvious to her. The complaint asserts that the hazard was visually inconspicuous and did not contrast with the flooring material, making it nearly impossible for a passenger to detect. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that the danger was exacerbated by inadequate lighting in the area, despite Carnival encouraging passengers to utilize the exterior decks during nighttime hours. As a result of the fall, Godfrey suffered a shattered and fully displaced outer-ankle fracture, a displaced fracture of the right fibula, torn ligaments, and a deep laceration.
Carnival Corporation Accused of Having Constructive Notice of Recurring Slip and Fall Hazards on Open Decks
The lawsuit contends that Carnival had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition prior to the accident. The plaintiff alleges that the Lido Deck is a high-traffic area where water is routinely tracked from pools, hot tubs, and showers. Additionally, the proximity to beverage stations and bars leads to frequent spills of liquids and ice. The complaint highlights that Carnival’s own internal safety protocols specifically identify open decks and Lido dining areas as the locations with the highest potential for slips and falls. By acknowledging these risks in their safety manuals but failing to ensure the walking surfaces were dry and well-lit, the plaintiff argues that the cruise line failed in its duty of reasonable care.
Multiple Prior Slip and Fall Incidents on Carnival Vessels Cited as Evidence of Notice for Dangerous Lido Deck Conditions
To demonstrate that Carnival was aware of the recurring nature of these hazards, Godfrey’s legal team identified ten prior similar incidents involving passengers slipping on wet surfaces on the Lido Decks of various Carnival ships. These include a May 2024 fall by Raymond Jennings on the M/S Glory itself, as well as similar accidents involving passengers on the M/S Breeze, M/S Magic, M/S Radiance, and M/S Mardi Gras between 2021 and 2024. The complaint suggests that because Carnival uses substantially similar flooring surfaces across its fleet, the cruise line was well aware that these decks become unreasonably slippery when wet. The filing further alleges that Carnival attempts to conceal the frequency of these incidents by requiring confidentiality in settlements, which the plaintiff argues necessitates further discovery during the litigation process.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensatory Damages for Permanent Disability and Future Medical Expenses Resulting from Shipboard Negligence
The complaint brings three counts of direct liability against Carnival Corporation: negligent maintenance, negligent failure to correct, and negligent failure to warn. Godfrey alleges that the cruise line breached its duty by failing to properly clean and dry the deck, failing to post crew members to monitor the area, and failing to provide adequate signage or cordoning off the hazard. Because of the severity of her fractures, the plaintiff claims she has undergone significant medical treatment and will require future care. She is seeking compensation for physical impairment, loss of earning capacity, mental anguish, and the loss of capacity to enjoy life, asserting that her injuries are permanent and continuing in nature.
Contact a Cruise Ship Lido Deck Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Sustained Injuries While on a Vacation
Passengers who suffer serious injuries due to wet flooring, spilled beverages, or poorly maintained deck surfaces on a cruise ship may be eligible to seek damages under maritime law. Cruise operators are required to maintain common areas in a reasonably safe condition and must provide adequate warnings when a hazard is known to exist. If you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall accident on a cruise vessel due to negligence or lack of proper lighting, it is important to consult with an experienced maritime attorney to protect your rights.
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.
