Tampa Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Slip and Fall on Wet Lido Deck Stairs Aboard Carnival Glory
Nicole Filmore, a resident of Tampa, Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-22408-CMA, alleges that Filmore suffered serious and permanent injuries after slipping on wet and dimly lit stairs while navigating the Carnival Glory on February 28, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Carnival Glory Due to Wet Stairs and Inadequate Lighting Near Lido Deck
According to the complaint, the incident occurred during the evening hours after Filmore and her husband had finished dinner and were exploring the vessel. As she proceeded down a set of stairs leading toward the Lido Deck near the pool area, she suddenly slipped and fell backward. The fall caused her to strike her lower back and head against the stairs, resulting in a brief loss of consciousness. Filmore alleges that the area was dangerously wet and poorly lit, making the hazard difficult to perceive. After the fall, she observed a Carnival employee attempting to mop water on the lower deck. The lawsuit emphasizes that there were no warning signs or cordons displayed to alert passengers to the slippery condition of the staircase.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers of Slippery Conditions Despite Active Mopping by Crew
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival had both actual and constructive knowledge of the unsafe conditions on the stairs. Plaintiff’s legal team argues that the presence of a crew member actively mopping the area proves the cruise line was aware of the moisture. Furthermore, the complaint asserts that the crew member violated Carnival’s own internal safety policies, known as HESS, which stands for health, environment, safety, security, and sustainability. These protocols specifically require staff to cordon off areas undergoing cleaning and to place visible warning signs to prevent passengers from encountering wet flooring. By failing to follow these established procedures, the crew allegedly created a hidden trap for passengers walking through the dimly lit terminal points of the deck.
Complaint References Multiple Prior Slip and Fall Lawsuits Involving Wet Carnival Cruise Ship Stairs
To establish constructive notice, the complaint cites a long history of similar incidents across the Carnival fleet. Legal counsel for Filmore points to numerous recent cases filed in the Southern District of Florida involving passengers who slipped on wet stairs, including Kelly v. CCL, Colbert v. CCL, Beza v. CCL, and Vargas v. CCL, among several others. One specific case mentioned, Crow v. CCL, involved a strikingly similar incident on the Carnival Glory where a passenger fell on stairs that were wet due to recent cleaning. The plaintiff argues that these recurring accidents demonstrate a systemic failure by Carnival to address the known risks of wet exterior and interior staircases, particularly those located near high-traffic areas like the Lido Deck and pool.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Head and Back Injuries Caused by Negligent Maintenance of Vessel Walkways
Filmore brings three counts of negligence against Carnival: negligent failure to maintain stairs and the Lido Deck, failure to warn of dangerous conditions, and vicarious liability under the doctrine of respondeat superior for the acts of the crew member. The lawsuit states that as a direct result of the fall, Filmore sustained serious injuries to her head and back that have required ongoing medical treatment and physical therapy. She seeks compensation for bodily injury, past and future pain and suffering, mental distress, disability, and the loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. Additionally, the claim seeks to recover costs for hospitalization, medical supplies, and the loss of earnings and future earning capacity resulting from her permanent injuries.
Contact a Cruise Ship Stairwell Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt on a Vessel Due to Liquid Spills
Cruise passengers who sustain injuries due to wet flooring, improper lighting, or a lack of warning signs may be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Carnival are held to a standard of reasonable care and must ensure that common areas such as stairwells and pool decks are free from foreseeable hazards. If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall accident while on a cruise, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today. We are dedicated to helping victims navigate the complexities of maritime litigation and holding cruise lines accountable for safety failures.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
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.
