Slipping on grease in a cruise ship eating area led to permanent physical injuries to a Calgary woman, a $2.5-million lawsuit claims.

Nancy Bertschy says she has been confined to a wheelchair since she fell and was improperly moved by ship staff during a holiday off the coast of Florida.

Her statement of claim, a copy of which was obtained yesterday by the Sun, says she was aboard a Carnival Cruise Lines ship on Nov. 7, 2007, when she was injured.

"The plaintiff was walking past a lineup in a cafeteria, or food area ... and suddenly, without any warning whatsoever, slipped and fell due to a grease spill on the floor," it says.

"After the accident, several agents and staff members of the Carnival Cruise defendants attempted to assist the plaintiff by placing her in a makeshift and improperly constructed stretcher," the lawsuit claims.

The result of her being moved exacerbated her injuries, it says.

Bertschy suffered several wounds from the fall and subsequent actions of staff, including pain and discomfort to both knees, pain in her neck, broken leg and "disability due to being confined to using a wheelchair."

The claim also names Bertschy's travel insurers and brokers as defendants saying none of her medical costs have been covered.

Statements of defence disputing the unproven allegations in Bertschy's claim have not yet been filed.

KEVIN.MARTIN@SUNMEDIA.CA