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Michigan Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Tripping on Metal Threshold Aboard Norwegian Breakaway
Barbara Goolsby, a Michigan resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23175-BB, alleges that Goolsby, age 72, suffered a broken wrist requiring surgical repair after tripping over a raised metal threshold in a hallway on Deck 8 of the Norwegian Breakaway on August 14, 2024.
Passenger Injured on Norwegian Breakaway Due to Raised Metal Threshold Without Warning Signs
According to the lawsuit, Goolsby was walking back to her stateroom on Deck 8 around 11 a.m. when she suddenly tripped over a metal threshold that was not flush with the floor. The raised edge created a dangerous condition, and there were no warning signs or visual cues to alert passengers of the tripping hazard. Goolsby claims that the condition was neither open nor obvious, making it impossible for her to anticipate the danger.
The complaint asserts that Norwegian failed to design or maintain the walkway in a safe condition, especially considering that the cruise line markets its voyages to elderly passengers who may have mobility or vision issues. Goolsby alleges that Norwegian knew or should have known that improperly installed or raised thresholds pose a significant risk of trip and fall accidents.
Norwegian Accused of Negligent Design, Maintenance, and Failure to Warn Passengers
The lawsuit claims that Norwegian violated its duty of care under maritime law by failing to maintain passenger walkways in a safe condition, failing to inspect the threshold, and failing to correct the hazard. Goolsby also alleges that Norwegian did not warn passengers about the tripping danger, despite prior similar incidents involving raised thresholds on cruise ships.
In support of her allegations, the complaint references prior litigation, such as Bell v. NCL Corp., Ltd., where the court found that a raised threshold could create a non-obvious tripping hazard. Goolsby claims that Norwegian’s internal safety management systems, which are supposed to comply with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, were not adequately enforced or followed.
Complaint Highlights Dangerous Design and Inadequate Safety Policies on Norwegian Breakaway
Goolsby’s lawsuit asserts that Norwegian’s design and installation of the metal threshold were defective and failed to comply with industry safety standards. She claims the cruise line neglected to provide proper visual markings, signage, or crew warnings about the hazard. Additionally, the lawsuit argues that Norwegian intentionally conceals prior incidents by settling cases under confidentiality clauses, preventing passengers from learning about similar hazards.
The complaint includes counts for negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence, alleging that Norwegian failed to monitor, inspect, or modify the dangerous area to prevent injuries to passengers.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Surgical Injuries, Medical Expenses, and Loss of Cruise Enjoyment
As a result of her fall, Goolsby claims she sustained serious and permanent injuries, including a broken wrist requiring surgical repair. She also alleges ongoing pain, disability, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. The complaint seeks compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, impaired future earnings, and the diminished value of her cruise vacation.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Attorney if You Were Injured by a Raised Threshold or Walkway Hazard
Passengers injured due to unsafe walkway conditions, such as raised thresholds or poor floor designs, may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Norwegian have a duty to ensure that all walkways are properly designed, maintained, and inspected to prevent tripping hazards. If you or someone you know has been injured in a similar incident aboard a cruise ship, our team of maritime injury attorneys is here to help you explore your legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship trip and fall lawyer.