Texas Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Slipping on Chemical-Covered Deck Aboard Carnival Breeze
Raymona Galloway-Banks, a resident of Texas, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23074-KMW, stems from an incident aboard the Carnival Breeze in which Galloway-Banks allegedly slipped and fell on a slick surface of water and cleaning chemicals while walking on Deck 11 during the early morning hours of August 25, 2024.
Passenger Alleges Dangerous Deck Conditions with Poor Lighting and No Warnings on Carnival Breeze
According to the complaint, Galloway-Banks was walking past the pool area toward lounge chairs on Deck 11 between 1:30 and 2:00 a.m. when her foot came into contact with a slimy substance—allegedly a mix of water and cleaning agents—that caused her to lose her footing and fall onto the hard deck surface. She claims the area was dimly lit, lacked barricades or warning signs, and gave no indication that a hazardous condition existed.
The lawsuit describes the slick surface as a “dangerous condition” created or left unattended by Carnival’s crew, alleging that the cruise line failed to ensure the deck was properly dried, visibly marked, or blocked off after cleaning. As a result, Galloway-Banks asserts that her fall caused injuries to her hands, legs, and clothing, and that she was unable to anticipate or avoid the hazard due to poor lighting and lack of notice.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Maintain Safe Deck Surfaces and Allowing Chemical Hazards in Passenger Areas
The complaint brings two counts of negligence against Carnival: negligent failure to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition, and negligent failure to warn. Galloway-Banks claims that Carnival knew—or should have known—of the dangerous condition because crew members were allegedly responsible for applying or failing to clean up the slippery chemical substance.
She further alleges that Carnival failed to cordon off the area, place warning signs, or limit access to the deck while the hazardous condition was present. The complaint also asserts that Carnival either turned off or failed to provide proper lighting in the area, contributing to the risk by obscuring the presence of cleaning agents on the floor.
Complaint Cites Constructive and Actual Notice of Hazard and Argues Risk Was Not Open or Obvious
Galloway-Banks contends that the substance had existed long enough that Carnival either knew or should have known of the condition through reasonable inspections. The lawsuit claims that the crew’s use of cleaning agents created a foreseeable slip hazard and that failure to implement simple safeguards—such as mopping, squeegeeing, or signage—constituted negligence.
She also asserts that the hazard was not open or obvious due to poor lighting and that passengers, including herself, were allowed to freely access the deck despite the known risk.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Ongoing Injuries, Medical Costs, and Disruption of Cruise
As a result of the incident, Galloway-Banks claims she suffered bodily injury, pain and suffering, physical impairment, and mental anguish. Her injuries are alleged to be permanent or continuing in nature, and she seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the diminished value of her vacation. The complaint also requests a jury trial pursuant to the terms of Carnival’s ticket contract and Rule 39 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Cruise Line Liability May Arise When Deck Surfaces Are Left Wet, Slick, or Poorly Lit Without Warning
Slip and fall accidents on cruise ship decks often occur when cruise lines fail to clean or properly warn about wet or slick surfaces, especially when lighting is inadequate. Under maritime law, cruise operators like Carnival have a duty to exercise reasonable care in maintaining passenger areas and warning of latent hazards. When that duty is breached, injured passengers may have grounds to file a personal injury claim.
If you or a loved one slipped and fell aboard a cruise ship due to unsafe deck conditions, chemical residue, or poor lighting, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
