Illinois Physician Sues Carnival Cruise Line Following Severe Knee Injury on Wet Deck of Carnival Venezia
Dr. Rod Marianne Arceo Mendoza, a resident of Illinois, has initiated a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The legal action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20713-CMA, alleges that Dr. Mendoza suffered debilitating physical injuries after slipping on an unmarked puddle of water while walking on Deck 10 of the Carnival Venezia on April 5, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured Near Java Cafe on Carnival Venezia Due to Unwarned Wet Floor Hazards
According to the complaint, the incident took place while the vessel was navigating the Atlantic Ocean during its return to Port Canaveral, Florida. Dr. Mendoza was walking on Deck 10 in the vicinity of the Java Cafe when she encountered a puddle of water that was difficult to discern due to the specific coloration of the flooring. The lawsuit asserts that there were no warning signs or yellow caution triangles present to alert passengers to the slip hazard. As a result of the fall, Dr. Mendoza sustained a severe knee injury that later required surgical intervention. Following the accident, Carnival security personnel reportedly apologized to the plaintiff and summoned maintenance to clean the area, with crew members allegedly admitting that the water should have been addressed much earlier.
Carnival Accused of Constructive Notice Following Multiple Prior Slip and Fall Incidents on Venezia Deck 10
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition because the area near the Java Cafe and the pool deck is known to become slippery when wet. The plaintiff’s legal team argues that Carnival’s own internal policies require the placement of caution signs in this area, yet these protocols were ignored at the time of the accident. To establish a pattern of negligence, the complaint cites several recent lawsuits involving similar slip and fall accidents aboard the Carnival Venezia. These include cases filed by passengers Charles Haddad, Lucia Rodriguez, Markia Holder, Giselle Dowling, and Paula Desiderio. Many of these prior incidents occurred on the same deck or in substantially similar areas, suggesting that the cruise line was well aware of the recurring drainage or maintenance issues but failed to implement a permanent solution to protect its guests.
Complaint Alleges Failure to Maintain Safe Walkways and Negligent Supervision of Carnival Venezia Crew
In addition to the lack of warnings, the complaint focuses on Carnival’s failure to properly maintain the vessel’s walkways and supervise the staff responsible for passenger safety. The plaintiff alleges that the water remained on the floor for an extended period and that crew members stationed at the Java Cafe were in the immediate vicinity but failed to act. The legal filing claims that the flooring material itself may be unreasonably dangerous when wet, particularly as it lacks sufficient slip resistance and its appearance masks the presence of liquid. Dr. Mendoza argues that Carnival breached its duty of reasonable care by failing to regularly inspect the deck, failing to utilize non-slip mats, and failing to enforce adequate safety procedures that would have prevented the accumulation of liquid in a high-traffic pedestrian thoroughfare.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Surgical Costs Permanent Impairment and Lost Cruise Value
The lawsuit brings three counts of negligence against Carnival: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. Dr. Mendoza’s physicians have diagnosed her with several serious conditions including lateral patellar subluxation, an avulsion fracture of the medial patella, and a partial tear of the medial patellofemoral ligament. She claims that the negligence of the cruise line has resulted in permanent physical disability, significant pain, and an impaired gait. The plaintiff is seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, and the loss of enjoyment of life. Furthermore, she seeks to recover the lost value of her vacation and transportation costs, as the injury effectively ended her ability to participate in the cruise activities.
Contact a Cruise Ship Deck Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured on a Vessel
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to wet decks, hidden puddles, or a lack of warning signs may be eligible for compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise companies like Carnival are required to maintain their ships in a reasonably safe condition and must provide adequate warnings when hazardous conditions arise. If you or a loved one has experienced a slip and fall accident near a pool, cafe, or walkway on a cruise ship, it is essential to consult with a legal team that understands the complexities of maritime litigation. We are available to help you evaluate your case and pursue the justice you deserve.
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.
