Florida Woman Sues Marriott Over Slip-and-Fall in Bathroom at Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel in Brazil
Hotel Guest Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit Filed After Bathroom Fall at Sheraton Grand Rio in Brazil
In the case Nicole Boyd v. Marriott International, Inc. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21229), filed in the Southern District of Florida on March 14, 2025, the plaintiff seeks damages for injuries allegedly sustained during a slip-and-fall incident on hotel premises. The lawsuit arises from a fall that occurred on December 28, 2022, in Boyd’s hotel room at the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—a property affiliated with Marriott.
According to the complaint, Boyd, a Florida resident, had just woken from a nap when she attempted to walk to the bathroom. As she stepped into the foyer area of the room, she slipped and fell, allegedly due to a hazardous condition that Marriott failed to address.
Marriott Accused of Negligence for Failing to Maintain Safe Hotel Room Floors at Sheraton Grand Rio
Boyd’s claim alleges premises liability and general negligence by Marriott International. Although full details of the complaint are not provided in the removal notice, key facts highlight:
- The fall occurred inside a guest room.
- No warning signs or safeguards were allegedly in place to prevent the slip.
- Boyd claims the flooring posed a dangerous condition.
The lawsuit includes a negligence claim, holding Marriott responsible for failing to maintain a safe hotel environment and prevent foreseeable injuries to paying guests.
Lawsuit Removed to Federal Court Due to Diversity Jurisdiction and Amount in Controversy
Originally filed in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court (Case No. CACE-24-023703-CA-01), Marriott removed the case to federal court based on diversity jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. §1332. The notice of removal, filed March 14, 2025, confirms:
- Boyd is a citizen of Florida.
- Marriott is a Maryland corporation with its principal place of business in Bethesda, Maryland.
- The amount in controversy exceeds $100,000, according to the civil cover sheet filed in state court.
- This meets the requirements for removal to federal court: diversity of citizenship and a controversy exceeding $75,000.
International Hotel Injury Lawsuit Highlights Liability for U.S. Corporations Operating Abroad
Though the incident occurred at a Marriott-branded hotel in Brazil, the lawsuit is being litigated in Florida under U.S. legal standards. This case raises important legal questions for international premises liability and jurisdiction over foreign incidents involving U.S.-based hospitality companies:
- Can Marriott be held liable in the U.S. for injuries that occur in a foreign hotel under its brand?
- What duty does Marriott owe to guests regarding flooring and safety measures in international hotel rooms?
- Are corporate policies and inspections consistent across U.S. and international properties?
These questions could impact how hotel operators approach risk mitigation, staff training, and global consistency in guest safety protocols.
Call to Action: Injured While Staying at an International Hotel? Know Your Legal Rights
If you were injured while staying at a hotel—whether in the U.S. or abroad—you may still have the right to bring a claim under U.S. law, particularly if the property is owned or operated by a U.S.-based corporation. Contact a personal injury attorney with experience in international hotel liability and premises negligence to evaluate your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.
