Missouri Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Slip and Fall in Atrium Bar Area of Carnival Firenze
David Farland, a resident of Missouri, has filed a maritime negligence lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25682-RAR, alleges that Farland suffered severe injuries—including a fractured arm requiring surgery—after slipping on a wet floor in the Medici Restaurant and Atrium Bar area aboard the Carnival Firenze on November 10, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Slipped on Wet Surface in Restaurant Bar Area of Deck 3 Without Any Warning or Barriers
According to the lawsuit, Farland was walking through the Deck 3 Atrium Bar area when he unknowingly stepped on a wet or slippery transitory substance that caused him to fall violently. The complaint alleges that the hazardous condition was not open and obvious and was nearly invisible due to its lack of contrast with the flooring. There were no caution signs, crew warnings, or cordoned-off areas to alert passengers of the danger.
Farland asserts that Carnival violated its own safety protocols, including policies requiring the use of caution signs, timely cleanup of spills, and crewmember supervision in high-risk areas. Despite being in a well-traveled area adjacent to a food and beverage service zone, the spill was allegedly left unattended and unmarked at the time of his fall.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Maintain Safe Flooring and Ignoring Known Risk Areas Aboard the Firenze
The complaint outlines that Carnival had both actual and constructive knowledge of the hazardous condition. Farland’s attorneys argue that the Atrium Bar is a known location for slip-and-fall incidents across Carnival’s fleet and that Carnival trains its staff using internal safety documents, such as “Two Minute Trainers,” which mandate immediate cleanup of wet areas and use of signage until the floor is completely dry.
Despite these policies, the lawsuit claims that no precautions were taken in Farland’s case. Carnival also allegedly ignored its “Own the Spill” policy, which requires crew members to take personal responsibility for addressing spills when observed.
Complaint Cites Multiple Prior Incidents Involving Wet Floors in Bar and Restaurant Areas on Similar Carnival Ships
To demonstrate that Carnival was aware of the risk, the lawsuit references at least six prior lawsuits in the Southern District of Florida involving slip and falls in bar and restaurant areas of other Carnival vessels with nearly identical layouts and flooring materials. These include:
- Apelian v. Carnival Corp., involving a 2024 fall on the Carnival Radiance
- Martinez v. Carnival Corp., with two separate cases on the Liberty and Dream
- Frazier v. Carnival Corp., aboard the Horizon
- Sterling v. Carnival Corp., from a 2019 incident on the Conquest
- Haynes v. Carnival Corp., involving a fall in the Atrium Bar of the Glory
Farland’s legal team alleges that these incidents demonstrate a pattern of negligence and an ongoing failure to address known hazards across Carnival’s fleet.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Fractured Arm, Facial Injuries, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
As a result of the fall, Farland allegedly suffered a fractured right humerus requiring surgery, facial injuries, and other physical and emotional harms. He is seeking damages for medical expenses, permanent disability, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. His injuries are described as ongoing and permanent in nature.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Attorney If You Were Hurt Due to Wet Floors in Public Areas
Cruise passengers injured aboard vessels due to wet flooring, lack of signage, or crew negligence may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Carnival are required to inspect and maintain walking surfaces and to follow their own safety protocols to prevent foreseeable injuries. If you were hurt under similar circumstances, our team of maritime injury attorneys is here to help you understand your legal options.
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.
