Indiana Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line Following Serious Water Slide Injury Aboard Carnival Horizon
Candace Spaulding, a resident of Indiana, 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. 1:26-cv-21574-KMM, alleges that Spaulding sustained permanent physical injuries while using a water slide on the Carnival Horizon on March 28, 2025. The lawsuit seeks damages for negligence, claiming the cruise line failed to ensure the safety of its onboard water park attractions.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Carnival Horizon WaterWorks Slide Due to Dangerous Speed and Lack of Safety Warnings
The incident occurred during the afternoon hours while the Carnival Horizon was in navigable waters. According to the filed complaint, Spaulding was visiting the WaterWorks area on Deck 12 with her two daughters. Earlier that morning, the water slide had been closed due to high winds, but it was reopened later in the day despite continued windy conditions. A crew member was stationed at the top of the slide to oversee its use. Spaulding alleges that she was the first in her group to descend the slide and received no safety instructions or warnings before entering. Upon entering the slide, she reportedly traveled at an unexpectedly high rate of speed. The lawsuit claims there was insufficient water at the bottom of the slide to slow her momentum, causing her to slam feet first into a nearby wall located at the end of the slide.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Close Water Slide After Multiple Passengers Slammed into Landing Area Wall
The complaint details a harrowing scene where Spaulding’s daughters followed her down the slide and experienced similar high-speed collisions with the same wall. One daughter reportedly performed an involuntary backflip upon hitting the landing pool before striking the barrier. Spaulding alleges that other passengers nearby informed her they had witnessed at least two other individuals slam into the wall prior to her arrival. Despite these visible dangers and the presence of lifeguards, the slide allegedly remained open until Spaulding reported the dangerous condition herself. The lawsuit asserts that Carnival had actual or constructive notice of the hazard through crew member observations and onboard video surveillance but failed to take timely remedial action to protect passengers.
Lawsuit Cites History of Water Slide Accidents Across Carnival Fleet as Evidence of Notice Regarding Dangerous Conditions
To establish that Carnival was aware of the risks associated with its water slide attractions, the plaintiff’s legal team identified several prior lawsuits involving similar injuries. These include cases such as Anders v. Carnival Corporation, where a passenger sustained neck and back injuries on the Carnival Magic, and Cudzilo v. Carnival Corporation, which involved an injury on the same Carnival Horizon vessel. Other cited litigation includes incidents on the Carnival Fantasy, Breeze, Inspiration, Ecstasy, and Sunshine. The complaint argues that these prior accidents, which involved issues like improper water pressure, unsafe landing areas, and lack of speed control mechanisms, should have prompted the cruise line to implement better safety protocols. The plaintiff also alleges that Carnival may be concealing further similar incidents through confidential settlement agreements.
Indiana Resident Sustains Permanent Fractures and Dislocations Following Negligent Operation of Carnival Water Slide
As a result of the collision at the bottom of the slide, Spaulding allegedly suffered a comminuted fracture of her right fourth metatarsal neck. The injury further led to a secondary left knee patellar dislocation two days later. The lawsuit claims these injuries have resulted in physical pain, mental anguish, permanent disability, and a loss of the enjoyment of life. Beyond the physical toll, Spaulding is seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the total loss of the value of her cruise vacation. The complaint brings four counts against Carnival: failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, general negligence, and vicarious liability for the actions of the crew members stationed at the water slide.
Contact a Cruise Ship Water Slide Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt Due to Unsafe Onboard Attractions
Cruise lines have a significant responsibility to maintain their recreational facilities in a reasonably safe condition for passengers of all ages. When water slides are improperly maintained, staffed with untrained personnel, or operated during unsafe weather conditions, the results can be life-altering. If you or a loved one suffered a fracture, head injury, or other trauma while using a cruise ship water slide or water park, you may have grounds for a maritime claim. Consulting with an attorney who understands the complexities of maritime law and the specific safety standards governing cruise ship operations is essential to protecting your rights.
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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.
