California Mother Sues Carnival in Miami After Son Slips on Wet Elevator Floor Aboard Radiance
For California mother Angie Herr, a family cruise aboard Carnival Radiance was supposed to be a celebration—an escape into the Caribbean with her son, B.X., to enjoy sunshine, sea breeze, and shipboard fun. But on May 16, 2024, that vacation took a sudden and painful turn.
According to a lawsuit filed in the Southern District of Florida on April 10, 2025, young B.X. was walking into an elevator on Deck 8 of the cruise ship when he suddenly slipped and fell. The floor, his mother alleges, was slick with a hazardous and unmarked liquid. The result? A serious injury that allegedly could have—and should have—been prevented by better maintenance, safety practices, and crew awareness.
Carnival Corporation Sued by California Family Over Slip-and-Fall of Minor Passenger on Cruise Ship Elevator
The lawsuit brings three distinct claims of negligence against Carnival, each grounded in general maritime law:
Count I – General Negligence
The complaint alleges Carnival failed in its fundamental duty to keep the ship’s public areas reasonably safe. Specifically, the company is accused of:
- Allowing wet and slippery flooring to persist in a high-traffic area,
- Failing to mop, block off, or otherwise protect passengers—especially children—from a known hazard,
- Ignoring prior complaints or safety incidents involving elevator floors or similar areas.
The mother argues that had Carnival conducted proper inspections or enacted appropriate safety procedures, her son’s fall could have been avoided.
Count II – Negligent Failure to Warn
Even if the hazard couldn’t be prevented immediately, the lawsuit contends that Carnival had a duty to warn passengers. No cones, warning signs, or announcements were provided. For a child like B.X., that lack of notice could be particularly dangerous. The complaint suggests that Carnival knew or should have known about the condition—especially if it had been reported or noted during prior inspections.
Count III – Negligent Failure to Maintain
The third count focuses on long-term maintenance practices. Plaintiffs allege that Carnival failed to:
- Conduct regular safety checks of the elevator area,
- Keep the floor clean, dry, and free of spills or residue,
- Enforce policies for proper maintenance and supervision of shipboard hazards.
In short, the lawsuit claims the cruise line failed to live up to the safety standards required under maritime law, particularly when it comes to children.
Why This Case Raises Broader Cruise Industry Concerns
Elevator areas on cruise ships are high-use, high-risk locations—especially for young passengers. This incident highlights an ongoing issue facing the industry: how to prevent slip-and-fall accidents in wet, frequently trafficked zones.
While these cases may appear isolated, they often represent systemic problems in maintenance, inspection, or crew training. What appears to be “just a spill” can quickly become a legal liability—particularly when minors are involved.
Legal Takeaways: Maritime Duty of Care for Children
Under U.S. maritime law, cruise lines owe all passengers a duty of “reasonable care under the circumstances.” That standard is even more critical for minors, who may not perceive or understand dangers the same way adults do.
This case reinforces the importance of:
- Routine inspections in high-traffic areas like elevators and buffets,
- Clear warning signage for temporary hazards,
- And crew training focused on risk zones frequented by families and children.
📞 Call Today
If your child has been injured aboard a cruise ship due to unsafe walking surfaces or unmarked hazards, speak with a maritime personal injury attorney right away.
Time limits for cruise injury claims are strict—and early legal guidance can make all the difference.
