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Georgia Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line in Miami Over Slip-and-Fall on Wet Pool Deck
Case Summary: Shirley Mainor v. Carnival Corporation
Case No.: 1:25-cv-21616-RAR
Filed: April 8, 2025
Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida (Miami Division)
Plaintiff: Shirley Mainor (Resident of Georgia)
Defendant: Carnival Corporation (Panama-incorporated, Miami-based)
Incident Date: November 26, 2023
Vessel Involved: Carnival Horizon
Injury Lawsuit Against Carnival in Miami for Slip on Horizon’s Serenity Deck
- Plaintiff slipped on a wet, foreign, or transitory substance near the Serenity Lounge Pool area on Deck 15.
- The fall resulted in serious injuries, including a fractured tibia and fibula, dislocated knee, and ongoing physical impairment.
- The lawsuit accuses Carnival of both negligent maintenance and failure to warn, citing at least six prior slip-and-fall incidents in similar poolside areas aboard Carnival ships.
Count I – Negligent Maintenance
- Carnival allegedly failed to detect and clean the hazardous condition in a timely manner.
- The incident occurred in a high-traffic area, making it likely that crew members should have noticed and addressed the hazard.
- The plaintiff cites prior similar falls on the same ship (Horizon) and others (Mardi Gras, Celebration, Radiance), all near exterior pool deck areas.
Count II – Negligent Failure to Warn
- Carnival is accused of failing to place signage or warnings in the hazardous area.
- Despite actual or constructive knowledge of the danger, the cruise line allegedly took no steps to alert passengers to the slipping hazard.
- The condition was not open and obvious, as the wet surface was difficult to see under normal conditions.
💡 Legal Context: Passenger Injury Claims in Maritime Law
Key Legal Standard:
Under general maritime law, cruise operators owe passengers a “duty of reasonable care under the circumstances.”
- This includes a duty to maintain walking surfaces in a reasonably safe condition.
- Courts may find liability if the cruise line:
- Knew or should have known of the hazardous condition, and
- Failed to take action to remedy it or to warn passengers.
Why This Case Is Notable:
- Plaintiff’s attorneys cite multiple prior fleetwide incidents of similar injuries caused by wet outdoor pool decks.
- The plaintiff’s injuries are severe and long-term, including broken bones and lasting physical impairment.
- The lawsuit provides a detailed timeline and history of Carnival’s alleged pattern of negligence near outdoor pool and spa areas.
🚢 Implications for Cruise Lines and Passengers
For Cruise Lines:
- A pattern of similar incidents can support a constructive knowledge claim, even if no crew saw the hazard at the time.
- High-traffic areas like pool decks, spas, and Serenity Lounges require heightened maintenance protocols.
- Cruise operators may face higher risk if they fail to document inspections or use adequate slip-resistant materials.
For Passengers:
- Passengers injured in wet or slippery deck areas may be entitled to compensation under maritime law.
- It’s important to report the incident immediately, seek medical treatment onboard, and retain documentation.
📞 Call Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a slip-and-fall aboard a cruise ship due to a hazardous walking surface, speak with a maritime injury attorney today.
Time limits under federal law may apply, and early legal action can be critical to preserving your rights.