Texas Passenger Sues Carnival Cruise Line Over Slip and Fall on Wet Gangway in Cozumel from Carnival Breeze
A Texas resident has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Carnival Corporation after slipping and falling on a wet, slippery gangway while disembarking from the Carnival Breeze in Cozumel, Mexico. The complaint, filed May 13, 2025, is styled Lopez v. Carnival Corporation, Case No. 1:25-cv-22200-CMA.
Slip and Fall on Wet Gangway During Rainy Disembarkation from Carnival Breeze
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on January 6, 2025, as the plaintiff was descending the gangway ramp from the Carnival Breeze to the port in Cozumel during rainy conditions. The gangway surface was allegedly unreasonably slippery when wet, and the plaintiff claims there were no warning signs or efforts by Carnival to mitigate the risk, such as placing anti-slip mats, runners, or handrails. The hazardous condition was not open and obvious, and the plaintiff asserts she relied on Carnival to ensure safe conditions for disembarking passengers.
Lawsuit Alleges Failure to Warn, Maintain, and Address Known Gangway Hazards
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival Corporation failed to warn passengers or correct the known hazard of slippery gangways when wet, despite prior knowledge of similar incidents involving passenger falls under substantially similar conditions. Specific allegations include:
- Failure to maintain the gangway in a dry and reasonably safe condition;
- Failure to install anti-slip materials, runners, or handrails;
- Failure to place caution signs or cones during wet conditions;
- Failure to create or enforce adequate policies for inspection and maintenance;
- Failure to provide safe ingress and egress for passengers during disembarkation.
The complaint cites numerous prior incidents and passenger falls on Carnival gangways, indicating Carnival’s awareness and constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition.
Ongoing Injuries and Damages
As a direct result of the fall, the plaintiff suffered significant and ongoing injuries, pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, disfigurement, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and medical expenses. The lawsuit seeks compensation for these permanent or continuing damages.
Implications for Cruise Ship Disembarkation and Gangway Safety
This case highlights the risks posed by wet, slippery gangways during cruise ship embarkation and disembarkation, especially during adverse weather conditions. The outcome may impact cruise industry practices regarding the maintenance, inspection, and safety protocols for gangways and passenger access points.
Injured During Disembarkation from a Cruise Ship?
If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions while boarding or disembarking from a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Protect your rights—contact us today for a free consultation.
Georgia Passenger Sues Carnival Cruise Line Over Slip and Fall on Wet Pool Deck Aboard Carnival Celebration
A Georgia resident has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Carnival Corporation after slipping and falling on a wet pool deck aboard the Carnival Celebration. The complaint, filed May 14, 2025, is styled Cabrera v. Carnival Corporation, Case No. 1:25-cv-22208-RKA.
Slip and Fall on Wet Pool Deck on Carnival Celebration
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on the evening of February 19, 2024, while the plaintiff was on the pool deck of the Carnival Celebration. She slipped and fell on a wet surface, resulting in severe injuries. The lawsuit alleges that the walking surface was unreasonably slippery, and Carnival failed to provide a reasonably safe walkway, properly mark hazards, or correct hazardous conditions despite prior slip-and-fall incidents on similar decks and flooring.
Lawsuit Alleges Negligence in Floor Safety, Failure to Warn, and Failure to Maintain
The complaint asserts that Carnival Cruise Line failed to:
- Utilize a reasonably safe flooring surface in anticipation of passenger use;
- Mark or warn of the hazardous condition;
- Analyze and remedy dangerous conditions following prior similar incidents;
- Incorporate industry standards, such as ASTM or ADA, for passenger safety;
- Maintain the pool deck in a clean, dry, and slip-resistant condition;
- Warn passengers of the risk of slips and falls on the pool deck;
- Establish or enforce adequate safety policies and procedures.
The lawsuit cites previous lawsuits and incidents where other passengers suffered similar slip-and-fall injuries on Carnival lido and pool decks, establishing that Carnival was aware—or should have been aware—of the risk.
Serious and Lasting Injuries
The plaintiff claims to have suffered permanent or ongoing injuries, pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, lost wages, and significant medical expenses as a result of the fall.
Industry Implications for Pool Deck Safety on Cruise Ships
This case highlights the persistent risks associated with wet and slippery surfaces on cruise ship pool decks. The outcome may influence the cruise industry’s standards for flooring safety, routine inspection and maintenance, and passenger warnings in recreational areas.
Injured in a Slip and Fall on a Cruise Ship Pool Deck?
If you or a loved one has suffered a slip and fall due to unsafe pool deck conditions on a cruise, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Protect your rights—contact us today for a free consultation.
