Pennsylvania Mother Sues Carnival Cruise Line After 11-Year-Old Son Slips on Smooth Tile Floor Aboard Carnival Venezia
Markia Holder, a Pennsylvania resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida on behalf of her 11-year-old son, M.T.H., against Carnival Corporation. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23372-CMA, alleges that Carnival’s negligence caused the boy to slip and fall on a dangerously smooth tile floor aboard the Carnival Venezia during an August 2024 cruise to Bermuda.
Child Passenger Allegedly Slipped on Smooth, Slippery Floor Near Elevator Without Warning Signs
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on August 5, 2024, while the Carnival Venezia was sailing in navigable waters. M.T.H. was walking on Deck 5 toward the ship’s elevator area when he stepped onto a smooth tile surface that was unreasonably slippery. The lawsuit alleges the floor lacked adequate slip resistance and was located in a high-traffic area where moisture and tracked-in water from other decks were foreseeable.
The complaint states that Carnival provided no visible warning signs, slip-resistant mats, or other protective measures to alert passengers — including children — to the risk. The plaintiff contends that the surface was unsafe by design and that Carnival failed to take the basic precautions required to prevent foreseeable injuries.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Maintain, Inspect, and Remedy Hazardous Floor Conditions
Holder alleges that Carnival breached its duty of care under maritime law by failing to keep its vessel’s walking surfaces in a reasonably safe condition. The complaint specifically claims Carnival:
- Failed to ensure the floor surface near the elevators was slip-resistant
- Neglected to inspect and identify hazards in high-traffic passenger areas
- Did not promptly clean, dry, or treat the surface to reduce slipperiness
- Failed to provide any warnings or visual indicators of the dangerous condition
The lawsuit argues that Carnival either knew or should have known of the hazardous surface, as it existed for a sufficient time or occurred with enough regularity to make it foreseeable. Public areas near elevators are particularly prone to spills and tracked-in moisture, making proactive safety measures essential.
Injuries Allegedly Caused by Carnival Venezia Slip and Fall Incident
The complaint states that the fall caused M.T.H. to suffer bodily injury resulting in pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. In addition, the incident allegedly led to medical expenses, loss of potential earnings, and aggravation of a pre-existing condition. These injuries are claimed to be permanent or continuing, affecting the child’s future health and quality of life.
Cruise Lines’ Legal Duty to Protect Passengers from Foreseeable Slip and Fall Hazards
Under general maritime law, cruise lines like Carnival owe their passengers a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances. This duty includes anticipating hazards in areas where accidents are most likely to occur, such as near elevators, pool decks, and buffet entrances. Smooth tile flooring in public spaces without non-slip treatment or protective mats is a known risk factor, particularly for children and elderly passengers.
Industry safety guidelines recommend non-slip flooring or mats in high-traffic wet areas. Plaintiffs in similar lawsuits have alleged that cruise lines often fail to meet these standards in favor of aesthetic design choices, prioritizing appearance over passenger safety.
Lawsuit Seeks Damages for Medical Expenses, Pain, and Long-Term Impact on Child’s Life
Holder’s lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $75,000 for her son’s injuries, medical expenses, and loss of quality of life. She also seeks compensation for pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and other losses. The case underscores the serious and potentially life-altering consequences of slip and fall accidents on cruise ships, particularly for young passengers.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer if You or Your Child Were Hurt at Sea
Slip and fall injuries aboard cruise ships can have devastating consequences, especially for children. Cruise lines have a legal obligation under maritime law to maintain safe conditions in all public passenger areas and to address hazards as soon as they are identified. If you or your child have been injured on a cruise due to unsafe walking surfaces, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall injury lawyer.
