Ohio Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Slipping on Wet Floor Near RedFrog Rum Bar Aboard Carnival Magic
Yana White, an Ohio resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23826, alleges that White sustained serious and permanent injuries after slipping on a wet and slippery surface near the RedFrog Rum Bar on Deck 5 of the Carnival Magic during her cruise on September 22, 2024.
Passenger Suffers Severe Injuries After Slipping on Wet Deck Surface Near RedFrog Rum Bar
According to the lawsuit, the incident occurred while White was walking through the area near the RedFrog Rum Bar when she encountered a transitory liquid substance on the floor, causing her to slip and fall. She suffered significant injuries including fractures, back, hip, and leg trauma, and alleged damage to preexisting surgical implants. The complaint asserts that Carnival failed to properly maintain the deck area or implement effective safety precautions to protect passengers from hazardous walking conditions.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Remedy and Warn of Wet and Hazardous Deck Condition
White’s legal team alleges that Carnival had both actual and constructive knowledge of the unsafe condition of the floor prior to the incident. The complaint references the presence of Carnival crew members who were reportedly within 10–15 feet of the incident location shortly before the fall and who had a clear line of sight to the wet surface. Despite this proximity, the crew allegedly took no steps to block off the area, warn passengers, or clean the floor.
The complaint further cites industry and internal safety standards—including those from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)—that recommend a wet slip resistance value of at least 0.42, and asserts the floor’s condition fell below both this minimum and Carnival’s own internal threshold. White claims that Carnival failed to regularly inspect the area as required by its own protocols and did not apply anti-slip coatings that could have reduced the hazard.
Carnival Magic’s Deck Design and Flooring Material Criticized for Unsafe Slip Resistance
In addition to maintenance failures, the lawsuit claims the deck surface was defectively designed and installed. White argues that Carnival played a direct role in the selection and approval of the flooring material used on the Magic, which allegedly lacked the necessary slip resistance to ensure passenger safety. She contends that Carnival either designed or approved the design of a surface that fell below both internal and industry safety standards for wet environments.
The lawsuit notes that Carnival had previously been involved in litigation involving similar floor surfaces aboard its ships, referencing cases such as Newbauer v. Carnival Corp. and Williams v. Carnival Corp. as evidence that the cruise line was aware of widespread hazards involving slippery decks. Despite this, Carnival allegedly continued to use the same or similar materials across its fleet, including the Magic.
Lawsuit Alleges Vicarious Liability for Negligent Floor Design and Maintenance by Carnival Employees
White brings four negligence claims against Carnival: negligent failure to remedy, negligent failure to warn, negligent design and installation, and vicarious liability for employee negligence in selecting and installing the flooring. The complaint details how Carnival employees allegedly custom-designed or approved the materials and installation of the subject flooring, despite its known slipperiness. White claims Carnival maintained control over these decisions through internal departments such as its New Build and Refurbishment teams, and had full authority to accept or reject designs.
She argues that Carnival’s failure to correct known hazards, combined with the lack of inspection, maintenance, and warning, directly caused her injuries. The lawsuit emphasizes that these conditions are not open and obvious to passengers and that the flooring poses an unreasonable risk in a maritime setting where moisture is common.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Lost Income, and Disrupted Cruise Vacation
As a result of the incident, White claims she has suffered permanent injuries, emotional distress, diminished earning capacity, and loss of enjoyment of life. She also seeks compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and the lost value of her cruise. The lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks damages exceeding $75,000.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt Due to Unsafe Deck Conditions
Passengers who are injured on cruise ships due to slippery surfaces, poor maintenance, or lack of warning signs may have legal recourse under federal maritime law. Cruise lines have a duty to keep decks, bars, and other public areas safe for guests, especially in areas prone to spills and moisture. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall aboard a cruise ship, contact an experienced maritime attorney today to understand your rights and pursue compensation.
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