Miami Man Sues Carnival Over Slip-and-Fall on Wet Lido Deck Aboard Carnival Sunrise
What began as a relaxing cruise for Miami resident Nicholas Hall turned into a painful and allegedly preventable incident. On March 31, 2024, Hall had just finished a meal at the Lido Dining area aboard the Carnival Sunrise and was walking back toward his cabin on Deck 9 when the unexpected happened.
Without warning, Hall claims he slipped on a wet and slick portion of the floor, landing hard on his back and instinctively reaching out with his left wrist to break the fall. The impact caused serious injuries, including trauma to his back and wrist that continue to require ongoing treatment.
Now, more than a year later, Hall is suing Carnival Cruise Line in federal court in Miami, alleging that the cruise line’s negligence—along with its failure to follow its own safety policies—caused his fall.
Federal Lawsuit Against Carnival for Injuries from Fall Near Lido Dining Area
According to the complaint filed April 10, 2025, Carnival’s own employee was actively mopping the floor in the exact area where Hall slipped. However, no caution signs were posted. No warning cones were visible. No cordon blocked the area. And the mop bucket itself, the complaint says, was completely out of sight from Hall’s direction of approach.
The lawsuit alleges that the crew member, while standing and mopping, obscured the very hazard he was creating—leaving Hall unsuspecting and unprepared.
Carnival’s Own Protocols Ignored?
Perhaps most damning is the allegation that Carnival failed to follow its own written safety policies. The complaint cites documents titled “Preventive Measures: Slips, Trips & Falls” and “Two Minute Trainer for Wet Floors and Spills”, which explicitly instruct crew to:
- Use caution signs during and after mopping,
- Block off wet areas with chairs or cordons if signage is unavailable,
- Keep one person stationed near the area until the floor is dry.
Despite these protocols, Hall alleges none of these steps were followed, allowing a hazardous condition to exist in a heavily trafficked public area of the ship.
Pattern of Prior Lawsuits: A Known Issue?
The lawsuit doesn’t just focus on this one incident. Hall’s attorneys cite at least 10 prior lawsuits filed against Carnival involving similar allegations—passengers slipping on freshly mopped floors without warning signs. These include:
- Ashwell v. Carnival (2018): Fall on mopped floor, no signage
- Gannon v. Carnival (2017): Slip near buffet due to slick surface
- Rothenberg v. Carnival (2023): Slip on wet deck during cleaning, no cones posted
These repeated claims, the lawsuit argues, show Carnival was on notice that its cleaning procedures—or lack thereof—were insufficient.
Four Legal Theories: How Carnival Allegedly Failed
The lawsuit brings four counts under general maritime law:
Count I – Negligent Failure to Maintain
- Crew allegedly failed to clean or block off the wet floor in a safe, passenger-conscious manner.
Count II – Failure to Warn
- No signs, cones, or verbal warnings were given, despite knowledge that cleaning was underway.
Count III – Negligent Training
- Carnival allegedly failed to train crew in proper spill response and guest safety, despite having written protocols.
Count IV – Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior)
- Even if Carnival claims no corporate knowledge, Hall argues it’s liable for its crew members’ actions while on duty.
Broader Implications: Cruise Safety and Legal Responsibility
For Cruise Passengers:
This case serves as a reminder that even routine areas like dining corridors can pose hazards, especially when wet and unmarked. Passengers injured under similar circumstances should document the scene and seek legal counsel immediately.
For Cruise Lines:
Failure to follow internal protocols—and a documented pattern of similar incidents—can lead to heightened liability and potential punitive exposure.
📞 Call Today
If you’ve been injured aboard a cruise ship due to wet flooring or unsafe conditions, consult with a maritime attorney right away.
These cases fall under specialized admiralty law, and cruise lines are required to maintain a duty of care to all passengers.
