Minnesota Resident Sues Carnival Corporation After Suffering Head Injury and Unconsciousness on Carnival Spirit Lido Deck
Tami Knapp, a resident of Hubbard County, Minnesota, has filed a federal 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-22024-DPG, alleges that Knapp suffered debilitating and permanent injuries after slipping on a dangerously wet and defective step while attempting to enter a pool on the Carnival Spirit. The incident occurred on March 31, 2025, while the vessel was in navigable waters.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Carnival Spirit Lido Deck Due to Slippery Steps and Missing Non-Slip Safety Strips
According to the legal filing, the incident took place on the Lido Deck, specifically Deck 9, which is an open-air area containing pools, hot tubs, and dining facilities. Knapp was attempting to enter the pool at approximately 1:40 p.m. when she slipped and fell on a step that was allegedly covered in a wet substance and was missing its required non-slip safety strip. The impact of the fall was so severe that Knapp struck her head and remained unconscious for approximately fifteen minutes before being transported to the ship’s Medical Center. The complaint asserts that the flooring in this high-traffic area is a synthetic material that becomes unreasonably slippery when wet and that the hazard was not open or obvious to passengers.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Warn of Dangerous Wet Conditions and Ignoring Internal Safety Protocols
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival breached its duty of reasonable care by failing to warn passengers of the hazardous conditions on the pool deck. Knapp’s legal team argues that although Carnival requires its crew members to frequently inspect and dry the Lido Deck and place yellow caution signs near wet steps, no such warnings or barriers were present at the time of her fall. The complaint highlights that Carnival has extensive knowledge that water is regularly tracked from pools and spas onto the deck and that this liquid often blends in with the flooring, making it difficult for passengers to perceive the risk. Despite this awareness and the existence of internal “Two Minute Trainer” programs designed to address slip hazards, the crew allegedly failed to cordon off the area or provide audible or visual warnings.
Complaint Cites Numerous Prior Slip and Fall Incidents as Evidence of Notice Regarding Defective Staircase Nosing
To establish that the cruise line had notice of these dangerous conditions, the complaint references over a dozen prior lawsuits filed against Carnival involving similar slip and fall incidents on exterior and interior staircases across its fleet. These cited cases include Rodriguez v. Carnival Corp., Britt v. Carnival Corp., and Galarza v. Carnival Corp., many of which involved passengers slipping on wet substances or defective step nosing on ships like the Carnival Dream, Carnival Glory, and Carnival Liberty. The plaintiff argues that these recurring incidents, documented in Carnival’s own guest services databases and safety meeting minutes, prove that the cruise line was well aware of the systemic issues regarding floor traction and maintenance on its vessels but failed to take adequate corrective action.
Lawsuit Alleges Negligent Design and Failure to Supervise Crew Members Responsible for Deck Maintenance
Beyond the failure to warn, the lawsuit brings counts for negligent design, construction, and selection of materials, as well as negligent training and supervision of personnel. Knapp alleges that Carnival exerts ultimate control over the design and specifications of its ships and chose to install synthetic decking that lacks sufficient slip resistance. Furthermore, the complaint claims that Carnival failed to properly supervise the crew members responsible for the Lido Deck, alleging they were incompetent or inadequately trained to perform essential safety inspections. The plaintiff asserts that if the crew had been properly managed and the steps had been designed in accordance with industry standards such as those set by ASTM International or the SOLAS treaty, the dangerous condition would not have existed and the injury would have been prevented.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Impairment and Loss of Capacity for Enjoyment of Life Following Cruise Injury
As a result of the negligence described in the complaint, Knapp claims to have suffered serious and permanent physical and psychological injuries. The lawsuit seeks recovery for economic damages, including past and future medical expenses and household costs, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and physical impairment. Knapp contends that her life and abilities have been significantly altered by the fall. The complaint concludes with a demand for a jury trial and judgment against Carnival Corporation for all recoverable damages under general maritime law.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured on a Vessel Due to Unsafe Deck Conditions
Passengers who suffer injuries due to wet flooring, missing safety strips, or a lack of warning signs on a cruise ship may be eligible for compensation for their medical bills and suffering. Maritime law requires cruise lines to maintain their decks and stairways in a reasonably safe condition for all travelers. If you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall accident on a pool deck or exterior staircase while on a vacation, it is important to speak with a legal professional who understands the complexities of maritime litigation.
Contact us now to speak with a Maritime 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.
