Florida Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line in Miami Over Atrium Fall Aboard Pride of America
For Patricia Carroll, a Florida resident, her February 2024 cruise aboard the Pride of America was meant to be a relaxing escape. But while walking through the ship’s Atrium area, she encountered what she alleges was a hidden hazard underfoot—a slick, treated marble floor with no warnings in sight.
In a federal lawsuit filed on April 10, 2025, Carroll claims that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) knew of the flooring’s dangers—including multiple previous slip-and-fall incidents aboard the same ship and other vessels in its fleet—but failed to warn her or fix the problem. Now, she’s seeking compensation for what she describes as a life-altering injury.
Lawsuit After Slipping on Hazardous Atrium Floor Aboard NCL’s Pride of America
According to the complaint, the fall occurred on February 22, 2024, while Carroll was traversing the Atrium. The flooring, made of marble or a similar glossy material, had allegedly been treated with additives that modified its friction level. The surface was either inherently slick or rendered dangerously slippery due to the presence of a foreign substance, like water or a cleaning agent. Carroll claims she was given no indication that the floor was wet, slick, or otherwise unsafe. There were no warning signs, no cones, and no visible cues to suggest caution.
The result? A sudden, severe fall that caused significant injury.
⚖️ What the Lawsuit Alleges
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Florida, brings three counts of negligence under general maritime law:
Count I – General Negligence
Carroll alleges NCL:
- Installed or maintained unreasonably slippery flooring in a high-traffic area,
- Treated the floor with a friction-modifying additive without adequate testing or signage,
- Ignored known risks by failing to analyze prior incidents,
- Failed to clean, monitor, or block off the hazardous area.
Count II – Negligent Failure to Warn
Despite knowing the flooring was dangerous—especially when wet—NCL:
- Failed to warn Carroll and other passengers,
- Did not provide signage or any indication of added chemicals or hazards,
- Ignored a duty to communicate known dangers in an area where passengers were invited and expected to walk.
Count III – Negligent Failure to Maintain
The complaint also accuses NCL of:
- Failing to regularly inspect and monitor the Atrium area,
- Not closing off the space after adding the non-slip treatment,
- Lacking policies to ensure surfaces remained safe under normal passenger use.
A Pattern of Similar Incidents Across NCL Ships
This isn’t the first time NCL has been accused of allowing unsafe flooring to remain unchecked. Carroll’s complaint cites at least seven prior slip-and-fall incidents aboard NCL vessels involving similar marble or tile flooring—some on the Pride of America, others on the Norwegian Epic, Jade, Prima, and Joy. These incidents occurred as recently as February 2024, just days before Carroll’s fall.
Her attorneys argue that these cases show a clear pattern—and that NCL either knew or should have known that its flooring treatments or materials were contributing to injuries.
The Impact on Carroll
Carroll claims that as a result of the fall, she suffered:
- Serious bodily injury and physical pain
- Long-term disability and physical impairment
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Loss of the cruise experience and related travel costs
Her injuries, according to the lawsuit, are permanent or continuing, and she is seeking compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll they’ve taken.
Legal Takeaways: What Cruise Lines and Passengers Should Know
For Passengers:
- If you are injured aboard a cruise ship, it’s crucial to report the incident immediately, seek medical attention, and document the area if possible.
- Cruise lines are responsible for warning guests about hazards and maintaining walking surfaces—especially in high-use areas like Atriums, lobbies, and pool decks.
For Cruise Lines:
- Prior incidents, even if settled confidentially, may be used in court to show constructive notice.
- Adding treatments to floors to increase safety may backfire without proper testing, signage, and crew training.
- Lack of enforcement of inspection policies can expose the company to heightened liability.
📞 Call Today
If you or a loved one slipped and fell aboard a cruise ship—especially in an area with treated or unmarked flooring—contact a maritime injury attorney right away.
You may be entitled to compensation under maritime law, and prompt legal action can make all the difference.
