Georgia Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line Following Serious Slip and Fall on Carnival Conquest Stairs
Stephanie Penny, 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 lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20501-AHS, alleges that Penny sustained severe and permanent injuries after slipping on a foreign substance while navigating a staircase aboard the Carnival Conquest on January 3, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Carnival Conquest Lido Deck Stairs Due to Slippery Substance and Crew Interaction
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while Penny was a fare-paying passenger in navigable waters. As she was descending a set of stairs near the Lido Deck, a Carnival crew member working as a photographer began walking up the same staircase. While attempting to make room for the photographer and his equipment to pass, Penny slipped or tripped on a foreign substance on the deck surface. The lawsuit states that there were no wet floor signs or any other warnings visible to Penny at the time of her fall. The plaintiff asserts that she had no reason to expect the hazard and that the cruise line failed to provide a reasonably safe environment for passengers to move between decks.
Carnival Corporation Accused of Having Constructive Knowledge of Dangerous Stairwell Conditions
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival had both actual and constructive knowledge that water or other foreign substances frequently accumulate on outdoor staircases, creating a foreseeable risk of injury. Penny’s legal team argues that the cruise line was aware of the high probability of such accidents based on a documented history of similar incidents across its fleet. The complaint specifically lists eleven prior incidents occurring between 2020 and 2024 where passengers suffered severe injuries from slipping or tripping on stairs aboard various Carnival vessels, including the Carnival Venezia, Carnival Magic, and the Carnival Conquest itself. These prior cases are cited as evidence that Carnival should have implemented better corrective measures, such as increased monitoring or the application of anti-slip materials, to prevent the reoccurrence of such hazards.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Maintenance and Improper Training Regarding Passenger Staircase Safety
In addition to the failure to warn of the slippery surface, Penny alleges that Carnival was negligent in its maintenance and operational procedures. The complaint suggests that Carnival failed to regularly inspect and monitor high-traffic areas like the Lido Deck stairs to ensure they remained free of slipping hazards. Furthermore, the lawsuit includes a count for vicarious liability regarding the crew member’s actions. It argues that the photographer was negligent by carrying heavy equipment up a passenger-only staircase during peak traffic times instead of using crew elevators or designated service stairs. By forcing the plaintiff to maneuver around him on a narrow staircase that was already compromised by a foreign substance, the crew member’s actions are alleged to have directly contributed to the fall.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Injuries and Loss of Cruise Vacation Value
Penny brings four counts against Carnival Corporation: negligent failure to warn, negligent maintenance, general negligence, and vicarious liability for the negligence of its crew member. The lawsuit alleges that as a direct result of the cruise line’s negligence, Penny suffered significant physical pain, mental anguish, and a loss of enjoyment of life. The complaint details that she sustained injuries to her body and extremities that have resulted in disability, disfigurement, and a loss of future earning capacity. Beyond the physical and financial toll of medical expenses, Penny is also seeking damages for the lost value of her vacation and transportation costs, claiming the incident effectively ended her ability to enjoy the cruise.
Contact a Cruise Ship Stairwell Injury Lawyer if You Were Injured on a Vessel Due to Unsafe Conditions
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to slippery stairs, lack of warning signs, or negligence by crew members may be eligible for compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines are required to exercise reasonable care and maintain their vessels in a condition that does not pose a threat to those on board. If you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall accident on a cruise ship, it is important to understand your rights regarding maintenance standards and hazard warnings. Contact our team of experienced maritime injury attorneys today to discuss your case and explore your legal options for recovery.
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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.
