Mississippi Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Tripping on Uneven Floor in Casino Aboard Carnival Celebration
Melissa Hulin, a resident of Mississippi, has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation after allegedly tripping over an uneven floor surface in the casino aboard the Carnival Celebration. The lawsuit, filed on September 1, 2025, in the Southern District of Florida under Case No. 1:25-cv-23927-JB, claims Hulin suffered a fractured arm that required surgical repair as a result of the fall, which occurred on August 1, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Claims She Was Injured by Dangerous Flooring While Walking to Restroom on Carnival Celebration
According to the complaint, Hulin was a fare-paying passenger aboard the Carnival Celebration and was walking through the ship’s Deck 7 casino area en route to the restroom when she tripped over an uneven section of flooring or threshold. The condition allegedly was not open or obvious, and Hulin fell hard to the ground, suffering serious injuries including a fractured arm that required surgery.
The lawsuit claims the flooring defect posed a tripping hazard to passengers and that Carnival had failed to correct or warn of the issue. Hulin asserts that the area was a high-traffic public space and that passengers were given no visual cues, signs, or warnings indicating the elevation change.
Carnival Accused of Ignoring Known Casino Flooring Hazards Across Fleet Despite Similar Prior Incidents
The complaint alleges that Carnival had actual and constructive notice of the risk posed by uneven thresholds and flooring in casino areas due to multiple prior incidents on other Carnival vessels, including ships in the same class as the Celebration.
Notable examples cited in the complaint include:
- A 2022 incident aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras, where a passenger tripped on a heightened threshold near her cabin
- A 2021 case aboard the Carnival Horizon, involving a fall in the casino over a similar uneven floor surface
- A 2018 incident aboard the Carnival Valor, where a passenger fell in the casino due to an irregular threshold
Despite this track record, the complaint alleges Carnival failed to remedy or warn passengers about the condition aboard the Carnival Celebration, thereby breaching its duty of reasonable care under maritime law.
Lawsuit Alleges Cruise Line Failed to Inspect, Repair, or Warn of Casino Tripping Hazard
Hulin is suing for general negligence, asserting that Carnival failed to:
- Maintain the casino floor in a reasonably safe condition
- Inspect the area for dangerous thresholds or elevation changes
- Warn passengers of non-obvious hazards
- Take preventive measures despite a history of similar incidents
The lawsuit asserts that Carnival had sufficient time and knowledge to act but did not make the necessary corrections to flooring design or maintenance practices aboard its ships.
Passenger Seeks Compensation for Surgical Injuries, Pain, and Loss of Cruise Experience
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for her physical injuries, including the cost of surgery, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. She also requests a jury trial and alleges that the injury has led to long-term or permanent impairment.
As is common in many cruise ship personal injury cases, the complaint was filed in the Southern District of Florida pursuant to a forum selection clause in Carnival’s ticket contract, which requires passengers to bring lawsuits in that jurisdiction.
Injured by a Trip Hazard on a Cruise Ship? Learn How Maritime Law Protects Your Rights
Tripping hazards in high-traffic areas of cruise ships—such as casinos, lounges, or cabin corridors—can result in serious injuries for unsuspecting passengers. Cruise lines are obligated under maritime law to inspect, maintain, and warn against hidden dangers that could cause harm.
If you or someone you love has been injured aboard a cruise due to an unmarked threshold, uneven flooring, or other dangerous condition, contact a maritime injury attorney to learn your rights.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer experienced in casino and slip/trip and fall accidents.
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.
