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Virginia Passenger Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Fall on Sticky Deck 3 Flooring Aboard Carnival Sunshine
A Virginia woman has filed a federal negligence lawsuit against Carnival Cruise Line after allegedly slipping and falling on a sticky floor surface aboard the Carnival Sunshine. The lawsuit, Shelby Hailey v. Carnival Corp. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21371-CMA), claims the cruise line failed to clean, maintain, and warn passengers about hazardous flooring conditions that led to the plaintiff suffering dual elbow fractures and requiring surgery.
Passenger Claims Sticky Deck 3 Surface Caused Serious Fall Aboard Carnival Sunshine
According to the complaint, on August 2, 2024, Shelby Hailey was walking through Deck 3 of the Carnival Sunshine when her shoes became stuck on an unreasonably sticky substance. The resistance caused her to fall forcefully, dislocating and fracturing her left elbow—which required surgery—and fracturing her right elbow as well.
Hailey alleges the floor appeared visually clear and gave no warning of its hazardous condition. The complaint describes the substance as dried and sticky, potentially a sweet beverage or excessive cleaning agent that was improperly applied.
Lawsuit Cites Carnival’s Negligence in Failing to Clean, Inspect, or Warn About Hazardous Flooring
The lawsuit brings four counts under general maritime law, including:
- General Negligence
- Negligent Failure to Warn
- Negligent Failure to Maintain
- Vicarious Liability for Crewmember Misconduct
Key allegations include:
- Carnival failed to clean or remove the sticky substance despite visible footprints and track marks suggesting it had been there for an extended period.
- Alternatively, Carnival crew over-applied anti-slip cleaning material, rendering the floor dangerously sticky.
- Carnival did not post warnings or cordon off the affected area, even though similar past incidents had occurred on other vessels.
The complaint references similar sticky-surface falls aboard the Carnival Freedom (February 2023) and Carnival Magic (April 2023, Case No. 24-cv-21216-CMA), suggesting a pattern of hazardous flooring issues within the fleet.
Passenger Seeks Compensation for Permanent Injuries, Medical Expenses, and Loss of Cruise Enjoyment
Hailey’s injuries are described as permanent or continuing in nature. She claims damages for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Medical bills, lost wages, and impaired earning ability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Vacation and cruise-related losses
Her legal team argues that Carnival had actual or constructive notice of the hazard based on routine inspections or prior incidents and failed to act.
Cruise Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit Raises Broader Safety Questions About Flooring and Cleaning Protocols
This case adds to a string of lawsuits involving onboard flooring hazards, including those related to:
- Excessively slick or sticky surfaces
- Improper cleaning materials or techniques
- Lack of visible warnings or signage
The outcome may prompt cruise lines to review their cleaning protocols, surface material selection, and onboard hazard reporting procedures—particularly for high-traffic public areas like Deck 3.
Injured on a Cruise Ship Due to Hazardous Flooring? You May Have a Legal Claim
If you or someone you know was injured after slipping, tripping, or falling aboard a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation under U.S. maritime law.
Cruise lines have a duty to maintain safe walking surfaces and to warn passengers about hidden hazards.
Contact a maritime personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights and potential recovery.