Channa Ebanks, a 64-year-old resident of Jamaica, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises SA in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 25-cv-61114-AHS, stems from an incident aboard the MSC World Europa on October 29, 2024, during which Ebanks allegedly slipped on an unreasonably wet pool deck on Deck 18, resulting in multiple injuries and long-term complications.

MSC World Europa Passenger Suffers Fractured Wrist and Other Injuries After Slipping on Wet Pool Deck

According to the complaint, the incident occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. while Ebanks was walking on Deck 18 near the pool area. She slipped and fell due to water that had accumulated on the surface in what she describes as an unsafe and unreasonable manner. The lawsuit alleges that the deck lacked any signage, barriers, ropes, or cones to warn passengers of the slippery conditions. Ebanks claims there were no efforts made by MSC staff to clean or secure the area prior to the fall.

As a result of the fall, Ebanks landed on her outstretched left arm and sustained injuries to her left wrist, thigh, and ankle. She broke her wrist and fractured her reading glasses during the incident. The ship’s medical team applied a splint onboard; however, the complaint alleges that the splint was improperly aligned, leading to improper healing and the need for further medical intervention once she returned home to Jamaica.

Complaint Accuses MSC of Unsafe Deck Conditions, Lack of Warnings, and Improper Medical Care

The lawsuit asserts that MSC failed to exercise reasonable care in maintaining the pool deck area, especially given its proximity to a high-traffic, wet environment. Ebanks claims the cruise line was negligent by failing to inspect, clean, and warn of the hazardous condition. She further alleges that MSC did not train crew members properly to identify and remedy such slip hazards and did not install anti-slip surfacing or signage to prevent injuries.

Moreover, the complaint highlights MSC’s alleged medical negligence, asserting that the shipboard doctor improperly treated her wrist fracture, which later required manipulation and re-casting under anesthesia. Her treating physician in Jamaica has now recommended an open reduction and internal fixation surgery. She continues to suffer from limited mobility in her left hand, carpal tunnel syndrome, and permanent impairment.

Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Physical and Emotional Harm, Lost Wages, and Ongoing Medical Needs from MSC Cruises

Ebanks brings multiple counts of negligence against MSC Cruises, including negligent failure to maintain a safe premises and negligent failure to warn of a hidden dangerous condition. The lawsuit alleges that MSC had actual or constructive notice of the hazard and failed to remedy it or provide adequate warnings. Ebanks is seeking damages for her medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and significant time lost from work. Her injuries, she contends, are permanent and continuing in nature and will require future medical care and surgical intervention.

Injured on a Cruise Ship Pool Deck? Contact a Cruise Line Slip and Fall Lawyer for Help

Pool decks on cruise ships are among the most common locations for slip and fall accidents due to the combination of wet surfaces, high foot traffic, and often-inadequate safety precautions. If you or someone you love suffered an injury aboard a cruise ship because of a wet deck or unsafe walking surface, you may be entitled to compensation under U.S. maritime law. Cruise lines like MSC have a duty to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition and to warn passengers of any hidden hazards.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.

Bahamian Passenger Sues MSC Cruises After Slipping on Wet Floor Near Beverage Stand on MSC Davina

Retia Gibson, a resident of Freeport, Bahamas, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises SA in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22517-JEM, stems from a slip and fall incident that occurred aboard the MSC Davina on April 6, 2024. Gibson claims she was injured after slipping on a wet floor near an unattended beverage station.

Cruise Passenger Falls on Wet Floor Near Beverage Stand on MSC Davina with No Warning Sign in Place

According to the complaint, Gibson was walking back to her cabin after lunch when she slipped on a liquid substance near a beverage stand in a public area of the ship. She alleges the stand had been left unattended and that MSC failed to place a warning sign prior to the fall. After the incident, staff assisted her and only then mopped the area and placed a wet floor sign.

Gibson contends that the dangerous condition was not open or obvious, and she had no warning of the slick surface. The floor’s allegedly slippery condition, especially when wet, was not something she could have reasonably anticipated. The incident caused her to suffer serious injuries that required medical attention onboard and later extensive orthopedic care back in the United States.

Complaint Accuses MSC of Failing to Maintain and Inspect Public Area Flooring and Warn Passengers of Slip Hazard

The lawsuit argues that MSC was negligent in both creating and failing to address the dangerous condition. Gibson alleges the cruise line used a flooring material that becomes excessively slick when wet and did not apply anti-skid coatings or enforce sufficient inspection protocols. Furthermore, the complaint asserts that MSC’s crew failed to take preventative steps—such as warning passengers, regularly cleaning high-traffic areas, or attending the beverage station—in order to mitigate the known risk of spills and resulting falls.

The complaint also emphasizes MSC’s constructive knowledge of the hazard, citing the ship’s design, routine foot traffic, and similar past incidents aboard its fleet as clear indicators that the cruise line should have foreseen the risk of injury. Gibson also alleges that crew members failed to promptly inspect or secure the area, despite the presence of obvious risks associated with wet floors in public walkways.

Lawsuit Highlights Unsafe Cruise Ship Flooring, Lack of Anti-Slip Protection, and Crew Inattention Near Beverage Station

Gibson’s lawsuit brings two claims against MSC: direct negligence and vicarious liability for the actions and inactions of the crew. She alleges that MSC was negligent in its choice of flooring, in failing to establish or follow proper safety procedures, and in neglecting to warn her of a hazard the crew either knew or should have known about. The complaint also alleges that the crew failed to monitor or manage the beverage station area responsibly, leaving it in a condition that posed an unreasonable risk of harm to passengers.

The complaint further notes that once Gibson fell, the crew quickly responded by cleaning the area and placing a warning sign—actions the lawsuit claims are admissions that MSC knew the area was unsafe and should have taken precautions beforehand.

Injured Cruise Passenger Seeks Damages for Medical Care, Lost Wages, and Pain from MSC Slip and Fall

As a result of the fall, Gibson claims she has suffered long-term injuries requiring ongoing medical care, including treatment from orthopedic specialists and physical therapy. She also asserts she incurred additional costs traveling to the U.S. to receive adequate medical treatment. Her injuries have allegedly resulted in pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and diminished earning capacity. The complaint seeks damages exceeding $75,000, as well as compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic and non-economic losses.

Slip and Fall on a Cruise Ship? Contact a Maritime Injury Attorney for Help with Wet Floor Accident Claims

Cruise ship operators have a legal duty to keep public areas safe for passengers and to warn them of hidden hazards like wet or slippery floors. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident aboard a cruise due to crew negligence, poor maintenance, or lack of signage, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Don’t wait to protect your rights.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.