Tennessee Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Slipping on Wet Staircase Aboard Carnival Valor
Robert J. Nichols, a Tennessee resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The case, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24628-DSL, stems from an incident on October 17, 2024, aboard the Carnival Valor, in which Nichols suffered serious injuries after slipping on a wet and inadequately maintained staircase near the elevator on Deck 9.
Cruise Passenger Injured Descending Wet Staircase with Slippery Metal Nosing on Carnival Valor
According to the complaint, Nichols was descending a staircase adjacent to the elevator when he slipped due to the presence of water and an allegedly dangerously slick metal nosing on the stair tread. The lawsuit claims that the staircase was not properly designed or maintained to provide safe traction, particularly in areas prone to wet conditions. The step’s carpet and metal nosing were both wet at the time of the incident, and the area lacked any warning signage or barriers. Nichols asserts that the hazardous condition was not open or obvious, and Carnival failed to prevent access or warn passengers.
Carnival Accused of Negligent Maintenance, Ignoring Repeated Slip and Fall Incidents Aboard Fleet
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival had actual and constructive knowledge of the unsafe conditions on the staircase but failed to take appropriate action. Nichols points to prior similar incidents aboard not only the Carnival Valor but also sister ships in the Conquest-class, including the Carnival Glory, Conquest, Freedom, and Liberty. His legal team cites multiple lawsuits in the Southern District of Florida involving slip and fall injuries on wet staircases aboard these vessels.
Despite knowledge of these dangers, the lawsuit claims Carnival neglected to install adequate anti-slip materials, perform regular maintenance, or implement protocols to ensure staircases remained dry and safe for passenger use. Nichols alleges that Carnival’s failure to maintain the nosing surface or to detect and remedy moisture accumulation contributed directly to his fall.
Lawsuit Claims Carnival Custom Designed Carnival Valor with Unsafe Stair Nosing Materials
The complaint also includes allegations of negligent design and selection of materials, noting that the Carnival Valor was custom-built under Carnival’s direction at a shipyard in Italy. The cruise line allegedly specified the use of certain materials on its stair nosings, including the metal surface involved in Nichols’ fall. His attorneys argue that Carnival failed to ensure the selected materials met reasonable safety standards, particularly for areas subject to high foot traffic and water exposure.
Carnival allegedly ignored known international safety regulations, including those set by SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), ASTM International, and the National Fire Protection Association, which require safe and slip-resistant escape routes. Nichols claims the staircase failed to comply with these standards, turning it into a hidden danger for passengers.
Failure to Warn Claimed in Carnival Lawsuit Over Slippery Deck 9 Staircase Near Elevator
The complaint further accuses Carnival of failing to warn Nichols of the dangerous condition. There were allegedly no posted signs alerting passengers that the steps were wet or that the surface might be slippery. Additionally, Carnival did not place any mats, absorbent materials, or physical barriers to prevent access to the wet area. Nichols argues that Carnival had a duty to inform passengers of such hazards, particularly when prior incidents had demonstrated the risks.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Back Injury, Surgery, Pain, and Loss of Cruise Due to Carnival’s Negligence
Nichols brings four counts of negligence against Carnival: negligent maintenance, negligent failure to warn, negligent design and material selection, and general negligence. He alleges that Carnival breached its duty to provide a reasonably safe vessel and that its failure to design, monitor, and maintain safe stairways directly caused his injuries.
As a result of the fall, Nichols reportedly suffered serious and permanent injuries to his back, requiring ongoing medical treatment. He seeks compensation for pain and suffering, diminished earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, and medical expenses. The lawsuit also seeks damages for the lost value of his cruise and travel, which was allegedly ruined due to the incident.
Injured on a Cruise Ship Staircase? You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Unsafe Vessel Conditions
Passengers injured due to wet staircases, slippery nosing, or lack of proper safety measures aboard cruise ships may be entitled to compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise lines like Carnival are obligated to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition and warn passengers of non-obvious hazards. If you were injured while descending a ship’s stairs or walking on a wet surface, contact a maritime personal injury attorney to evaluate your case.
Speak with our cruise injury lawyers today to learn your legal rights.
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.
