Louisiana Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Fracturing Femur in Sticky Floor Fall Aboard Carnival Liberty
Laura Bigner, a Louisiana resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, Case No. 1:25-cv-25239-BB, alleges that Bigner suffered a fractured femur and other serious injuries after tripping on an unreasonably sticky and hazardous floor surface while walking near the casino area aboard the Carnival Liberty.
Cruise Passenger Allegedly Fell After Shoe Stuck to Sticky Deck Surface Near Casino on Deck 5
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on or about September 12, 2024, while Bigner was a fare-paying passenger aboard the Carnival Liberty. While walking through a general passenger walkway on Deck 5 near the casino, her shoe allegedly adhered to an unusually sticky section of the floor, causing her forward momentum to halt abruptly. As a result, her body twisted and she fell to the deck, suffering a fractured femur and additional bodily injuries.
The complaint claims that the stickiness of the floor was not visible or obvious to passengers and that the surface gave no indication of a hazard. Bigner argues that Carnival failed to adequately inspect, maintain, or warn of the unsafe condition, which posed a significant and foreseeable danger in a high-traffic interior area frequently used by guests.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Maintain Safe Flooring and Allowing Residue to Create Hazardous Walking Conditions
The lawsuit alleges that the hazardous condition was the result of either accumulated beverage spills or the improper application of cleaning agents, coatings, or anti-slip materials by Carnival’s crew. The deck’s sticky nature allegedly caused increased resistance underfoot, posing an unreasonable risk of tripping or falling.
Bigner claims Carnival had both actual and constructive knowledge of this type of hazard due to prior similar incidents across the fleet. The complaint references earlier cases including:
- Linda Taylor v. Carnival Corp., where a passenger tripped on a sticky substance near the casino aboard the Carnival Magic
- Marsha Ortiz v. Carnival Corp., involving a slip in the casino area aboard the Carnival Miracle
- Shelby Hailey v. Carnival Corp., related to sticky flooring on the Carnival Sunshine
- Michael Scholastica, who allegedly slipped on a sticky floor aboard the Carnival Freedom
These and other cited cases were presented as evidence that Carnival was aware of the potential for sticky or adhesive flooring conditions but failed to correct the problem or warn passengers in a meaningful way.
Complaint Alleges Dangerous Floor Conditions May Be Linked to Improper Crew Cleaning and Maintenance
The plaintiff asserts multiple theories of liability against Carnival, including negligent maintenance, negligent failure to warn, and vicarious liability for the actions of crewmembers. The complaint suggests that the sticky floor may have been caused by over-applied cleaning or anti-slip agents, improperly maintained over time by the crew. Bigner further alleges that Carnival failed to monitor high-traffic areas like the Deck 5 walkway near the casino, where food and drink are frequently consumed.
The lawsuit claims Carnival should have restricted passenger access to the area until the condition was resolved, placed warning signage, or taken proactive measures to neutralize the hazard. Instead, Bigner was left unaware of the risk and suffered significant injury as a result.
Lawsuit Seeks Damages for Pain, Disability, and Lost Enjoyment of Life Following Cruise Ship Fall
Bigner seeks damages exceeding $75,000 for her injuries, which she claims are permanent or continuing in nature. The complaint lists damages including pain and suffering, medical expenses, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. The plaintiff also demands a jury trial on all triable issues.
Passengers Injured by Sticky or Slippery Cruise Ship Flooring May Have Legal Recourse
Cruise passengers injured by unexpected floor hazards—including sticky, wet, or slippery substances—may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Carnival have a non-delegable duty to provide safe walkways and to inspect, maintain, and warn about foreseeable hazards. If you or someone you know suffered an injury due to unsafe flooring aboard a cruise ship, legal remedies may be available.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer and explore your options under maritime law.
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.
