Mississippi Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Slipping on Wet Deck Near Elevators Aboard Carnival Liberty
Shannon Welch, a Mississippi resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The case, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25423-DPG, arises from a November 24, 2024, incident aboard the Carnival Liberty. Welch alleges she slipped and fell on a wet and dangerously slippery walkway on Deck 9 near the elevator area, sustaining serious injuries.
Cruise Passenger Slips on Wet Deck 9 Walkway Near Elevators on Carnival Liberty
According to the complaint, Welch was walking on Deck 9 of the Carnival Liberty—a high-traffic area between the pool and elevator banks—when she encountered a wet and unreasonably slippery walking surface. The lawsuit alleges that Carnival failed to properly maintain this frequently used section of the ship, where passenger traffic from cabins, pools, and dining areas regularly converge. Despite the known risk of moisture accumulation in this location, Welch claims there were no warnings or adequate precautions in place to alert passengers to the hazard.
Welch reported the incident to the ship’s medical team and was evaluated onboard. However, the extent of her injuries, including a fractured wrist and other ongoing physical issues, was later confirmed through further medical treatment upon her return home.
Lawsuit Cites Multiple Prior Slip and Fall Incidents on Carnival Liberty’s Lido Deck
The complaint asserts that Carnival had both actual and constructive knowledge of the hazardous condition prior to Welch’s fall. It references at least five prior slip and fall incidents involving wet walking surfaces on Deck 9 of the Carnival Liberty, including incidents near the buffet, pool area, and deli station, all occurring between December 2023 and June 2024. Welch’s attorneys also cited similar accidents aboard other Carnival ships—including the Carnival Breeze, Sunrise, Freedom, and Celebration—as evidence that slippery flooring near elevators and on Lido Deck walkways is a recurring and foreseeable problem across the fleet.
The lawsuit also references industry standards, such as ASTM F1166-07 and ASTM F1637-13, which set safety requirements for walking surfaces exposed to moisture. These standards require minimum levels of slip resistance and proper maintenance protocols in wet deck areas. Carnival is accused of violating these standards by failing to apply or maintain anti-slip surfacing, and by neglecting to clean or cordon off hazardous areas.
Carnival Accused of Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Warn of Wet and Slippery Conditions
Welch’s lawsuit brings two primary negligence claims against Carnival: negligent maintenance and negligent failure to warn. The first count alleges that Carnival failed to properly maintain the walkway area in a safe condition by allowing moisture to accumulate and by using materials with inadequate slip resistance. The second count focuses on Carnival’s alleged failure to provide warnings—whether through signage, crew announcements, or temporary barriers—about the danger posed by the slick surface.
The lawsuit claims the dangerous condition was not open or obvious to a reasonable passenger and that Carnival had a duty to notify guests of the hazard. Welch further alleges that the risk was heightened by the location’s proximity to high-traffic areas and Carnival’s knowledge of prior incidents.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Fractured Wrist, Medical Costs, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Welch claims her injuries have resulted in ongoing pain, disfigurement, and impairment, including the aggravation of pre-existing conditions. She also alleges lost wages and diminished earning capacity. The complaint states that her damages are permanent or continuing in nature, and she seeks compensation for past and future medical expenses, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks compensatory damages exceeding $75,000.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer If You Were Injured on a Wet Deck or Unsafe Walkway
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries from slipping on wet and slippery decks may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Carnival have a legal obligation to maintain safe walking surfaces and to warn passengers of known hazards. If you or someone you love was injured in a similar slip and fall accident aboard a cruise ship, our team of maritime injury attorneys is here to help.
Contact us now to speak with an experienced cruise ship slip and fall lawyer.
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.
