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Maryland Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall on Wet Pool Deck Aboard Vision of the Seas
Brandie Allen, a Maryland resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24370, alleges that Allen suffered serious and permanent injuries after slipping on a wet and unreasonably slippery floor while walking near the pool deck of the Vision of the Seas on September 28, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Suffers Leg and Foot Fractures After Slipping on Pool Deck Aboard Vision of the Seas
According to the complaint, Allen was walking on Deck 9 of the Vision of the Seas—a commonly trafficked pool area—around 5:00 p.m. when she slipped on a transitory liquid and fell. The liquid, believed to have come from nearby showers or the pool itself, had accumulated on a surface that allegedly lacked sufficient slip resistance. As a result of the fall, Allen sustained multiple injuries, including a fractured leg, fractured foot, ankle sprains, and chronic pain affecting her lower body and back.
The lawsuit states that crew members arrived after the incident and cleaned the area where Allen fell, suggesting they were aware of the hazard shortly before or soon after the incident. Despite this, no signage, barriers, or warnings were in place at the time Allen traversed the deck.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Warn, Inspect, or Maintain Pool Deck in Safe Condition
Allen alleges that Royal Caribbean either knew or should have known about the dangerous condition of the flooring. The complaint details that the area was highly trafficked and prone to becoming wet due to its proximity to water sources. The plaintiff further contends that the cruise line failed to conduct routine inspections in accordance with its own policies, which allegedly require floor checks at specific intervals.
Allen asserts that crew members were within 10 to 15 feet of the area at the time and had a clear line of sight to the hazardous condition, yet failed to take corrective action. The lawsuit argues this inaction constituted a negligent failure to maintain the premises and to warn passengers of a non-obvious and dangerous condition.
Lawsuit Cites Unsafe Flooring Material and Violation of Industry Standards for Slip Resistance
In addition to failing to maintain and warn, Allen’s legal team claims that the design and installation of the pool deck floor were inherently unsafe. The complaint references industry standards set by ANSI (American National Standards Institute), which require a minimum wet slip resistance coefficient of 0.42—while Allen contends the ideal standard is 0.60. The surface in question allegedly failed both thresholds.
The flooring material used on Vision of the Seas was said to be defective in its design and installation, creating a persistent hazard that Royal Caribbean either approved or failed to correct. The complaint further alleges that Royal Caribbean has maintained these same surface materials across its fleet, despite knowing of the risks they pose in wet conditions.
Plaintiff Claims Royal Caribbean’s Design Choices and Safety Oversight Led to Preventable Injuries
Allen brings four counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to remedy a known hazard, negligent failure to warn of a dangerous condition, negligent design and installation of flooring materials, and vicarious liability for the actions of employees involved in the design and maintenance process.
The complaint outlines that Royal Caribbean had the ability to control the materials, design, and safety protocols related to the pool deck flooring, including contractual rights to inspect and modify ship construction. These rights allegedly extend back to the original build and any later refurbishments of the Vision of the Seas. The lawsuit emphasizes that the design and material decisions made by Royal Caribbean staff contributed directly to the unsafe environment where Allen’s fall occurred.
Passenger Seeks Compensation for Ongoing Medical Costs, Pain, and Loss of Enjoyment from Cruise Accident
As a result of the incident, Allen is seeking damages for medical expenses, physical pain, emotional suffering, and the loss of the value of her cruise and related travel. Her injuries are described as permanent and continuing, with diminished mobility, independence, and future earning potential. The lawsuit claims Allen’s vacation was significantly disrupted and that she continues to suffer from the consequences of Royal Caribbean’s alleged negligence.
Contact a Cruise Ship Pool Deck Injury Lawyer If You Were Hurt Aboard a Royal Caribbean Vessel
Cruise lines have a duty under maritime law to maintain reasonably safe premises, especially in high-risk areas like pool decks, where wet surfaces are common. If you or someone you love slipped and fell on a cruise ship due to an unsafe deck or lack of warning, you may be entitled to compensation. Maritime injury claims require experience and knowledge of cruise line safety standards and federal court procedures.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney and learn more about your legal rights.
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.