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Arizona Passenger Sues Princess Cruises After Fall on Loose Carpeted Stairs Aboard Emerald Princess
Michael Gonzales, a 79-year-old passenger from Arizona, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23311, alleges that Gonzales suffered multiple fractured ribs and other severe injuries after tripping on a loose carpeted step while descending a staircase on the Emerald Princess on August 22, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured After Loose Carpet Causes Fall on Emerald Princess Staircase
According to the complaint, Gonzales and his wife were walking down the carpeted stairs on Deck 7 while heading to the Botticelli Dining Room. The lawsuit states that Gonzales encountered a poorly maintained step where the carpeting was loose and unsecured, causing him to lose his footing and fall down the stairs. Following the fall, a ship security officer allegedly confirmed that the carpet could be easily moved with his foot, indicating it was not properly affixed.
The accident left Gonzales with serious internal injuries, including multiple rib fractures, a hemothorax, pulmonary emboli, and acute kidney failure, which required extensive hospitalization.
Princess Cruises Accused of Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Warn of Hazardous Flooring
The lawsuit claims that Princess Cruises failed to maintain its stairways in a safe condition and neglected to conduct proper inspections, allowing the loose carpet to remain unaddressed. Gonzales’ legal team argues that Princess did not post warning signs, verbally alert passengers, or block access to the hazardous stairs, despite having internal standards for inspecting and maintaining flooring materials.
The complaint references Princess’ duty under international maritime regulations, including the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, to ensure safe flooring design and maintenance in passenger areas.
Plaintiff Cites Prior Accidents and Similar Hazards on Princess Cruise Ships
Gonzales’ attorneys allege that Princess had both actual and constructive knowledge of dangerous stair conditions from prior passenger incidents. The complaint cites cases like Barbara Duke v. Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd., in which a passenger was injured after falling on a defective carpeted stair. The lawsuit asserts that Princess routinely conceals similar incidents through confidential settlements, which limit public awareness of recurring hazards.
Lawsuit Seeks Damages for Medical Costs, Pain and Suffering, and Permanent Disability
Gonzales claims that his injuries have caused permanent impairment, loss of mobility, ongoing medical expenses, and diminished quality of life. The lawsuit seeks damages for past and future medical treatment, lost vacation value, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Gonzales also alleges that his injuries have permanently impacted his independence and ability to work.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer if You Were Injured on Hazardous Stairs or Flooring
Slip and fall accidents on cruise ships, particularly those involving defective stairways, unsecured carpets, or poorly maintained walking surfaces, can lead to serious injuries. Cruise lines like Princess have a legal obligation to keep passenger areas safe and free from hidden hazards. If you or a loved one has been injured in a similar accident, our experienced maritime attorneys can help you pursue compensation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.