Texas Resident Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Tripping Over Concealed Step While Entering Atlantic Dining Room on Carnival Jubilee
Graciela Flores, a citizen of Texas, has initiated a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The case, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25858-RKA, centers on allegations that Flores suffered a serious orthopedic injury after tripping on an unmarked change in floor elevation while entering a dining room aboard the Carnival Jubilee on September 13, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Carnival Jubilee Due to Concealed Step and Crowd Congestion at Dining Room Entrance
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while Flores and her family were attempting to attend a scheduled dinner reservation in the Atlantic Dining Room located on Deck 6 of the vessel. The lawsuit alleges that Carnival scheduled hundreds of passengers for the same dining time, which resulted in a large and dense crowd gathering in a confined area outside the entrance. As the doors opened, the crowd began moving forward together in a shoulder-to-shoulder fashion. Flores claims that as she followed the flow of traffic and the hand signals of a crew member directing her to a table, she tripped over a concealed step or abrupt change in elevation that was not flush with the floor. The fall resulted in significant physical injuries, including a torn meniscus that required surgical intervention.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Maintain Safe Walking Surfaces and Negligent Failure to Warn of Trip Hazards
The lawsuit asserts that a dangerous condition existed at the dining room entrance consisting of an unmarked and improperly maintained elevation change that created a sudden tripping hazard. Flores argues that the hazard was not open or obvious to a reasonable passenger because the area was dimly lit and the sheer volume of passengers walking in close proximity obscured her view of the floor. The complaint further alleges that the cruise line failed in its duty of reasonable care by neglecting to provide adequate edge treatment for the elevation change or failing to ensure the entrance complied with industry safety standards regarding floor surfaces.
Complaint References Prior Trip and Fall Incidents on Carnival Spirit and Carnival Valor as Evidence of Notice
A key component of the legal filing is the allegation that Carnival had actual or constructive notice of this specific type of danger. To support this, the plaintiff’s legal team cites prior substantially similar incidents involving concealed or undetectable changes in elevation at dining room entrances on other vessels in the Carnival fleet. Specifically, the complaint references a trip and fall involving a passenger named M.K. at the Empire Room entrance on the Carnival Spirit in April 2024, as well as an incident involving passenger T.G. at the Grand Buffet entrance on the Carnival Valor in July 2023. These prior cases are used to argue that Carnival was well aware of the risks posed by uneven flooring in high-traffic food service areas but failed to implement corrective measures.
Vicarious Liability and Respondeat Superior Claims Involving Carnival Dining Room Crew Member Negligence
In addition to direct negligence counts, the lawsuit includes a claim for vicarious liability based on the actions of the dining room attendant stationed at the entrance. Flores alleges that the crew member was actively directing her and her family into the room using hand gestures and body language. The complaint argues that the attendant knew or should have known that passengers would rely on his directions and focus on him rather than looking at the floor. It is alleged that the crew member failed to verbally warn Flores of the step or request that the crowd proceed in smaller, more manageable groups to ensure that all passengers could safely negotiate the change in elevation.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Surgical Costs, Permanent Disability, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Flores is seeking compensatory damages for a wide range of losses stemming from the fall. The lawsuit states that she has suffered pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and a permanent disability that affects her ability to lead a normal life. Beyond physical suffering, the plaintiff claims significant financial damages, including past and future medical expenses related to her knee surgery, as well as lost earnings and diminished earning capacity. The legal action includes three specific counts against Carnival: negligent maintenance, negligent failure to warn, and vicarious liability for the negligence of its employee under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Injury Lawyer if You Were Injured Due to Unsafe Floor Conditions
Passengers who sustain injuries due to unmarked steps, poor lighting, or improper crowd management on a cruise ship may be entitled to seek compensation for their medical bills and suffering. Maritime law requires cruise operators to maintain all public areas in a reasonably safe condition and to warn travelers of hazards that are not easily detectable. If you or a loved one experienced a similar accident involving a concealed trip hazard or crew member negligence, it is important to consult with a legal professional who understands the complexities of maritime litigation.
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.
