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South Carolina Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Slipping on Wet Deck Aboard Carnival Mardi Gras
Cruise Passenger Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit Alleges Wet Deck Caused Shoulder Injury on Carnival Mardi Gras
On March 18, 2025, Tonya Blythe v. Carnival Corporation (Case No. 1:25-cv-21264) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Plaintiff Tonya Blythe, a resident of South Carolina, alleges she sustained a serious shoulder injury after slipping on an unreasonably slippery surface on the Lido Deck of the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship.
The incident occurred on April 20, 2024. According to the complaint, Blythe was walking across the Lido Deck—a high-traffic area near pools and bars—when she encountered a wet and slick flooring surface. The lawsuit claims the dangerous condition was not marked, blocked off, or otherwise warned against, leaving Blythe with no way to avoid the hazard. Her fall allegedly caused significant and permanent injuries, including disability and ongoing medical expenses.
Carnival Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers About Slippery Conditions on Cruise Ship Deck
The lawsuit alleges negligent failure to warn of slippery conditions on the Lido Deck of the Carnival Mardi Gras, listing several specific failings by Carnival and its crew:
- Failure to post caution signs in visibly wet or high-risk areas.
- Failure to verbally warn passengers of a potentially dangerous surface.
- Failure to block off wet areas or rope off zones recently mopped or exposed to moisture.
- Failure to warn of recurring incidents of passenger falls on similar deck surfaces.
- Failure to maintain adequate safety policies regarding floor inspection and warnings.
The complaint references multiple previous lawsuits involving similar incidents on the Lido Deck of Carnival vessels, including Viljevac v. Carnival Corp., Jackson v. Carnival Corp., Horne v. Carnival Corp., and Guyton v. Carnival Corp., all of which involved passengers injured on wet and slippery flooring aboard the same or similar ships.
Wet Deck Maintenance Failure Cited in Carnival Mardi Gras Injury Lawsuit
In addition to the failure to warn, Blythe also brings a claim for negligent maintenance of cruise ship walkways, stating that Carnival failed to maintain the Lido Deck in a safe condition for foot traffic. Specific allegations include:
- Not keeping walkways dry in an area known to collect water from pools and bars.
- Failure to use slip-resistant flooring or non-skid materials.
- Inadequate inspection and cleaning procedures to identify wet or hazardous areas.
- Failure to repair or replace flooring known to be slick when wet.
The complaint contends that the flooring material on the Lido Deck was inherently dangerous given its location and expected exposure to moisture, and that Carnival should have taken measures to install non-slip coatings, perform regular inspections, and use hazard warnings to prevent injuries.
General Negligence Lawsuit Highlights Systemic Cruise Ship Safety Issues with Slippery Flooring
Blythe’s lawsuit includes a count for general negligence against Carnival Cruise Line for unsafe deck surfaces, pointing to a broader failure in safety culture and operational oversight:
- Carnival allegedly failed to select proper flooring materials for wet areas.
- The company did not enforce policies to ensure regular inspection and cleaning.
- Crew training was allegedly inadequate for spotting and responding to wet floor hazards.
- The cruise line did not investigate or act upon prior passenger injury claims involving similar surfaces across its fleet.
The complaint suggests Carnival had constructive knowledge of the risks posed by wet flooring, especially on the Lido Deck, and failed to act despite repeated passenger injuries. These allegations echo a growing trend in cruise injury litigation where plaintiffs cite not only isolated negligence but ongoing patterns of inaction.
Prior Carnival Lawsuits Involving Wet Deck Injuries Raise Pattern of Premises Liability
The filing references several earlier slip-and-fall lawsuits, reinforcing the argument that Carnival was on notice of the hazard:
- Viljevac (2024) – Slipped on Lido Deck flooring aboard Carnival Mardi Gras.
- Jackson (2024) – Fell on slippery Lido Deck surface during cruise.
- Horne (2023) – Injured after falling on Lido Deck of another Carnival vessel.
- Guyton (2023) – Slipped on wet deck near pool area of Carnival ship.
These cases underscore the need for enhanced floor safety protocols in cruise ship design and maintenance—particularly in areas prone to moisture and passenger congestion.
Know Your Rights After a Slip-and-Fall Injury on a Cruise Ship
If you’ve been injured after slipping on a wet deck aboard a cruise ship, you may have a valid claim under maritime law. Cruise lines have a duty to maintain safe walkways and warn of hidden hazards. Contact a maritime injury attorney to discuss your options and seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.