A former senior HR manager at P&O Cruises is asking for around £9.7 million in compensation, claiming a fall on the company’s cruise ship Britannia left her unable to work again.

Kerry Middleton, 52, says the accident happened during a work meeting on MV Britannia while the cruise ship was docked in Cadiz, Spain. She claims she slipped on a wet bathroom floor, fell, and fractured a bone in her neck.

She later developed functional neurological disorder (FND). This condition can cause symptoms like weakness, shaking, trouble speaking, and seizures. Middleton says she now mostly uses a wheelchair and that her working life is over.

Company accepts the fall happened, but argues over the payout

Carnival Corporation, which owns P&O Cruises, has accepted responsibility for the fall. But it is challenging the size of the claim, saying the evidence does not prove she will be unable to work permanently.

The company’s lawyers also suggested that something else, such as a stressful event unrelated to the fall—could have played a role in her long-term health problems.

A big part of the case is surveillance video the company wants to use. Middleton was filmed at home on New Year’s Eve 2024, and the company argues the footage shows her moving around her kitchen more easily than expected based on her claims.

Middleton’s side disagrees and says she is still seriously affected by FND and mainly uses a wheelchair in daily life. They also say doctors are unsure how much she can improve, and that treatment may not be enough for her to return to work.

A judge has ruled the video can be used in court, and the full trial is expected to take place later this month.