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Florida Woman Sues MSC Cruises After Trip and Fall Over Defective Metal Floor Track on MSC World America
Marina Navarro, an 84-year-old Florida resident, has filed a negligence lawsuit against MSC Cruises, S.A., after suffering severe injuries on the MSC World America. The complaint, filed on August 31, 2025, in the Southern District of Florida under Case No. 1:25-cv-23926-KMM, alleges that Navarro tripped over a defective metal floor track while using a walker aboard the vessel, leading to a life-altering fall.
Elderly Passenger Fell on First Day of Cruise After Walker Caught on Raised, Unsecured Fire Door Track
According to the lawsuit, the incident occurred on June 14, 2025, the first day of a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise departing from Miami. Navarro, who had recently lost her husband, joined the cruise with her daughter and family members as a way to lift her spirits before Father’s Day. After dining onboard, she was making her way to the elevator when she attempted to cross a metal track embedded in the floor used for sliding fire doors.
As she rolled her walker across the track, the wheels caught on a raised edge, allegedly caused by loose or missing screws. The sudden jolt knocked Navarro off balance, causing her to fall hard to the floor. She was evaluated in the ship’s medical center, where staff mistakenly told her she had no fractures. However, once she returned to port, she was admitted to Aventura Hospital’s intensive care unit, where imaging revealed multiple fractured ribs and at least two fractured vertebrae.
Complaint Alleges MSC Had Constructive Notice of Hazard Created by Loosened Screws and Floor Vibration
The lawsuit accuses MSC Cruises of negligent maintenance of the metal track and claims the hazard was not open and obvious. Navarro’s family took photos after the fall, which allegedly show that screws meant to secure the track were missing, allowing part of the metal to rise up from the floor. The complaint states that vibration from the ship’s engine, which constantly affects steel structures onboard, would have caused the screws to loosen over time—a known issue in maritime environments requiring regular inspection and tightening.
The presence of scrapes, scuff marks, and tarnishing further supports the claim that the hazard had existed for a prolonged period. As such, the plaintiff alleges MSC had constructive notice of the dangerous condition and failed to inspect or repair it prior to the incident.
MSC Accused of Providing Inadequate Onboard Medical Care and Failing to Prevent Secondary Injury
After limited care aboard the ship, Navarro was discharged without proper precautions or mobility assistance. Following her hospital stay and a week in a rehabilitation facility, she suffered a second fall at home, allegedly due to residual weakness from the initial injury. That fall led to a head injury and possible brain trauma, further complicating her recovery.
The complaint claims these cascading injuries stemmed from MSC’s original negligence and that the impact on Navarro’s life has been devastating. Her daughter described her as “a different person” since the fall, and Navarro now must wear an uncomfortable back brace and struggles with daily activities.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Bills, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Navarro is suing MSC Cruises for negligent maintenance of ship flooring, seeking damages in excess of $75,000. Her claims include compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Disability and physical impairment
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Ongoing nursing care and treatment
The lawsuit demands a jury trial and argues that MSC’s failure to inspect, repair, and warn of the tripping hazard directly caused both the shipboard fall and subsequent injuries at home.
Tripped on a Cruise Ship Floor Hazard? Know Your Legal Rights Under Maritime Law
Passengers injured by raised flooring, defective thresholds, or improperly secured equipment aboard cruise ships may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines are responsible for ensuring that high-traffic areas are safe, especially for elderly or mobility-impaired passengers.
If you or a loved one were injured due to a tripping hazard aboard a cruise ship, speak to a cruise ship injury lawyer about your options.
Contact us now to schedule a free consultation with a maritime attorney.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.