Texas Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Severe Slip and Fall on Greasy Tile Floor in Lido Marketplace Aboard Carnival Horizon
Lisa Woodard, a resident of New Braunfels, 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-25959-KMW, alleges that Woodard suffered a serious hip fracture after slipping on a greasy, wet tile floor inside the Lido Marketplace buffet area on January 20, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured Near Carnival Horizon Buffet Due to Greasy Mop Water and Lack of Warning Signs
According to the complaint, the incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. as Woodard was entering the Lido Marketplace on Deck 10. The lawsuit alleges that Carnival’s cleaning crew had recently mopped the tile floor using greasy water, leaving a widespread hazard that extended six to twelve feet beyond the entrance carpet. Woodard asserts that the shiny surface of the tile made the greasy film invisible to passengers. Despite the dangerous condition, the crew allegedly failed to cordon off the area, use floor fans to dry the surface, or post any warning signs beforehand. Woodard took only three to four steps onto the tile before her left foot slid out from under her, causing her to fall violently backward.
Carnival Accused of Negligent Maintenance, Training, and Failure to Warn in Lido Marketplace Slip and Fall
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival had both actual and constructive notice of the hazardous conditions inherent in buffet areas. Woodard’s legal team argues that Carnival is aware of the frequent accumulation of grease and water in these high-traffic locations due to spilled food, condensation, and the regular transport of washed dishes. The complaint points to Carnival’s own internal training documents, which identify Lido Dining (Inside) as one of the areas with the highest potential for slips and falls. Furthermore, the lawsuit cites dozens of prior similar incidents across the Carnival fleet where passengers slipped on wet or greasy uncarpeted buffet walkways, including recent cases aboard the Carnival Horizon, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Vista.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Selection of Unsafe Tile Flooring and Failure to Use Slip-Resistant Coatings
In addition to maintenance failures, Woodard alleges that the Carnival Horizon was negligently designed and constructed. The complaint argues that the cruise line selected a shiny tile flooring material that is unreasonably dangerous for high-traffic buffet areas prone to moisture and food residue. Woodard further asserts that Carnival knew for years that this specific floor material is slippery when wet but chose not to implement additional slip-resistant coatings or additives offered by the manufacturer to increase safety. The lawsuit contends that Carnival maintains ultimate control over ship design and material selection, and thus is directly responsible for the hazardous nature of the walkway.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Hip Injury, Orthopedic Surgery, and Diminished Quality of Life
Woodard brings multiple counts of negligence against Carnival, including negligent maintenance, negligent failure to warn, and negligent design. She claims that as a result of the fall, she suffered a fracture of her left femur and hip, which required the surgical placement of an intramedullary rod and screws. The lawsuit states that Woodard continues to endure severe pain, disability, and permanent physical impairment. She seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, and the loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life.
Contact a Cruise Ship Buffet Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured on a Greasy or Wet Floor
Cruise passengers who suffer serious injuries due to greasy floors, improper cleaning procedures, or a lack of warning signs in dining areas may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines have a legal obligation to ensure that buffet walkways and other common areas are maintained in a safe condition for all guests. If you or a loved one was injured in a similar slip and fall accident aboard a vessel, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today. We are here to help you understand your rights and hold the cruise line accountable.
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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.
