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Louisiana Woman Sues Carnival in Miami After Slipping on Slick Pool Deck Corridor Aboard Carnival Valor
On May 9, 2024, Joyce Wilson boarded the Carnival Valor in New Orleans, excited to enjoy a four-day voyage through the Western Caribbean. But just hours into the cruise, her trip took an unexpected and painful turn. According to a federal lawsuit filed in the Southern District of Florida, Wilson, a 56-year-old Louisiana resident, was walking through a corridor near the ship’s pool and hot tubs when she slipped on a wet, slick tile floor, crashing to the ground.
The lawsuit, filed April 10, 2025, paints a picture of an avoidable accident in a known hazard zone—one that Carnival allegedly failed to properly maintain, warn about, or design safely for its intended purpose.
Lawsuit Against Carnival After Slipping on Wet Tile Near Lido Pool Aboard Cruise Departing from New Orleans
Wilson’s fall occurred on the Lido Deck of the Carnival Valor, in a corridor frequently used by swimmers walking back from the pool and hot tubs. According to her complaint, the floor was “extremely slippery—like ice”, likely coated in a mix of pool water and sunscreen oil. After her fall, she noticed the floor was wet.
Critically, the lawsuit points out that Carnival usually places warning signs in this very area, even when the floor is dry—suggesting the cruise line knows this is a high-risk zone. But on the day Wilson fell, no signs were posted until after her fall, the complaint alleges.
The Legal Claims: Three Counts of Cruise Line Negligence
Wilson’s complaint alleges three distinct legal theories under general maritime law:
Count 1 – Negligence: Failure to Maintain Safe Conditions
Carnival allegedly breached its duty of care by failing to:
- Mop up the wet corridor or cordon it off,
- Monitor for hazardous conditions in an area where wet, oily traffic is common,
- Exercise the heightened vigilance required near pools and spas.
Count 2 – Negligence: Failure to Warn
Despite knowing the tile becomes dangerously slick when wet and that swimmers regularly pass through dripping water and oil, Carnival did not post warning signs at the time of the incident. The suit references federal case law showing that corrective actions, like placing signs in the past, can establish a cruise line’s actual notice of a hazard.
Count 3 – Negligence: Substandard Flooring
Wilson also argues that Carnival used flooring material not suited for a pool-adjacent corridor, alleging the slick tile lacked sufficient slip resistance for an area where guests often walk barefoot, wet, and coated in oils.
Injuries and Impact
As a result of the fall, the complaint states that Ms. Wilson suffered:
- Physical injuries
- Pain, suffering, and disability
- Disfigurement and mental anguish
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment needs
- Loss of enjoyment of life and vacation benefits
Her injuries are alleged to be permanent or continuing, and the damages sought exceed $75,000.
Broader Legal and Safety Implications for Cruise Passengers and Operators
For Cruise Lines:
This case underscores the legal risks tied to known hazardous design zones, especially those near pools, spas, and other water-based amenities. When operators fail to maintain safe surfaces or issue adequate warnings, they expose themselves to liability—even more so if there’s a history of similar incidents.
For Passengers:
Cruise guests should be aware that slip-and-fall accidents near pool areas are not uncommon—and that even if a hazard appears obvious in hindsight, cruise lines still bear a legal duty to warn, inspect, and maintain these spaces to prevent injury.
A Preventable Fall? Citing Past Behavior to Prove Knowledge
Wilson’s case hinges on the idea that Carnival knew this corridor was a slip risk, as evidenced by its typical use of warning signs—even when dry. That detail may become key in litigation, as courts often look to patterns of behavior or prior safety measures to determine if a cruise line had notice of a hazard.
📞 Call Today
If you or someone you know suffered an injury aboard a cruise ship due to a wet or dangerous walking surface, you may have a claim under maritime law.
Speak with a qualified cruise injury attorney to understand your rights and whether the cruise line failed to meet its legal obligations.