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Ohio Passenger Sues Carnival Corporation for Slip-and-Fall Injury on Carnival Celebration
An Ohio resident has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation, alleging that he suffered severe injuries after slipping on wet stairs leading to the hot tub on the M/S Carnival Celebration. The case, Jeffryes v. Carnival Corporation (Case No. 1:25-cv-21023), raises concerns about cruise ship deck safety, failure to maintain passenger walkways, and Carnival’s negligence in preventing known hazards in high-traffic areas.
Slip-and-Fall Incident on Wet Stairs of Carnival Celebration
On March 5, 2024, the plaintiff, a fare-paying passenger aboard Carnival Celebration, was descending the stairs from the hot tub on the Serenity Deck when he slipped and fell due to the wet and slippery condition of the steps.
According to the complaint:
- The steps lacked adequate slip-resistant properties, making them unreasonably slippery when wet.
- The area did not have sufficient handrails for passenger safety.
- The plaintiff suffered significant injuries, including pain, disability, and long-term medical complications.
- The fall resulted in emotional distress, financial damages due to medical treatment, and loss of earning capacity.
Legal Allegations in Lawsuit Against Carnival Corporation
The lawsuit accuses Carnival Corporation of negligence, claiming the cruise line:
- Failed to maintain the stairs in a reasonably safe condition.
- Failed to install proper non-slip materials or handrails.
- Failed to warn passengers of the dangerous conditions on the stairs.
- Had actual or constructive notice of prior incidents on similar staircases across its fleet.
Previous Slip-and-Fall Cases Involving Carnival Corporation
The lawsuit references multiple prior legal claims involving wet deck injuries aboard Carnival ships, including:
- Martinez v. Carnival Corporation (Case No. 1:22-cv-21626) – Passenger slipped on wet stairs exiting a pool on Mardi Gras in August 2021.
- Serrani v. Carnival Corporation (Case No. 1:23-cv-22334) – Passenger slipped on wet steps leading to a pool on Mardi Gras in June 2022.
- Coulson v. Carnival Corporation (Case No. 1:24-cv-23057) – Passenger fell on slippery stairs exiting a hot tub on Carnival Panorama in December 2023.
The lawsuit argues that these past incidents should have put Carnival on notice that slip-and-fall hazards on wet stairs were foreseeable and preventable, yet the cruise line failed to take corrective action.
Legal and Industry Implications for Cruise Ship Safety
This case raises important legal questions about cruise ship liability and passenger safety, including:
- Should cruise lines be required to install non-slip surfaces in wet areas?
- Does Carnival’s failure to warn passengers about wet steps constitute negligence?
- Do prior similar incidents establish a pattern of unsafe conditions on Carnival’s ships?
- Do Carnival’s deck safety policies comply with industry standards and regulations?
Next Steps in the Cruise Ship Injury Lawsuit Against Carnival Corporation
The case will likely focus on:
- Whether Carnival had prior knowledge of the hazardous deck conditions and failed to address them.
- Whether the cruise line’s lack of warning signs or safety measures contributed to the plaintiff’s injuries.
- Whether Carnival’s safety protocols align with industry standards for wet deck areas.
- Will Carnival argue that the plaintiff should have been more careful, or will this case expose systemic safety failures in maintaining safe walkways on Carnival Celebration?
Stay tuned as Cruise Lawyer Weekly continues to track this legal battle and its potential impact on cruise ship safety regulations and maritime law.