Texas Woman Sues Carnival After Slipping on Wet Pool Staircase Aboard Carnival Breeze
Courtney Reider, a resident of Texas, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23006-CMA, stems from a July 19, 2024 incident aboard the Carnival Breeze, in which Reider allegedly slipped on a wet stairway between Deck 11 and the Lido Deck near the pool area, suffering a serious wrist fracture that required surgical repair.
Carnival Breeze Passenger Slips on Wet Exterior Staircase Near Pool Area Without Warning or Drying Efforts
According to the complaint, Reider was descending the outdoor stairs by the pool when she encountered a puddle or wet spot that was not visible to passengers and lacked any signage or barriers. The stairs allegedly lacked sufficient non-slip surfacing and had not been properly inspected or dried, despite the area being exposed to water and foot traffic from pool-goers.
The lawsuit contends that Carnival knew or should have known of the slipping hazard due to the location’s exposure to repeated wetness, as well as its high passenger traffic. Reider asserts she was given no warning—verbal or visual—about the condition of the stairs.
Complaint Cites Carnival’s Prior Slip and Fall Incidents on Pool Staircases Fleetwide
Reider’s attorneys highlight that puddles and wet spots on exterior stairs near pools have been a long-standing and recurring issue across Carnival’s fleet. The complaint cites more than a dozen previous incidents dating back to 2019, including lawsuits such as Hernandez v. Carnival Corporation, Chabre v. Carnival Corporation, and McCampbell v. Carnival Corporation, all involving falls on wet staircases near pool areas.
These cases are presented as evidence of Carnival’s prior knowledge of the specific risks posed by wet pool staircases, particularly those between decks frequently used by passengers in wet footwear or swimwear. Despite implementing safety training and policies, Carnival allegedly failed to apply them to the area where Reider was injured.
Lawsuit Alleges Carnival Failed to Maintain or Warn About Known Slipping Hazard on Carnival Breeze
Reider brings two counts of negligence against Carnival: negligent maintenance and negligent failure to warn. She alleges that Carnival breached its duty of care by failing to inspect, clean, or cordon off the wet stairway, and by failing to provide visible warnings or deploy crew to monitor the area.
The lawsuit emphasizes that Carnival had both actual and constructive knowledge of the hazardous condition and failed to take adequate preventive measures. According to internal safety policies cited in the complaint, Carnival’s crews are trained to place wet floor signs and immediately address spills or moisture, particularly in high-risk areas like open staircases and pool decks.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Surgical Injuries and Lost Quality of Life from Cruise Ship Fall
As a result of her fall, Reider suffered a displaced intraarticular fracture of her left wrist, which required open reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate. The complaint states she has endured pain, emotional distress, medical costs, and a loss of capacity to enjoy life. She also claims lost income and diminished future earning capacity, with the injuries and related impairments expected to continue indefinitely.
Slipped on a Wet Pool Staircase While Cruising? Know Your Rights Under Maritime Law
Slip and fall injuries aboard cruise ships frequently occur on wet stairs and deck surfaces near pools. Cruise lines like Carnival are legally obligated to inspect these areas, dry them regularly, and provide clear warnings when surfaces become slippery. If you or someone you love was injured on a cruise due to a wet, unmarked, or poorly maintained stairway, you may have the right to seek compensation. Our experienced maritime injury attorneys can help you evaluate your legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
