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Texas Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Wheelchair Injury While Boarding Harmony of the Seas
John Riley, a resident of Texas, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. Filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24467-KMM, the complaint alleges that Riley, a non-ambulatory passenger who required a wheelchair, was injured while re-boarding the Harmony of the Seas due to the alleged negligence of Royal Caribbean staff.
Disabled Cruise Passenger Injured While Boarding Harmony of the Seas After Being Told to Exit Wheelchair on Ramp
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on August 30, 2024, while Riley was returning to the Harmony of the Seas. Due to preexisting conditions, Riley was wheelchair-bound and unable to walk or stand unassisted. He had rented a wheelchair directly from Royal Caribbean for use throughout his cruise.
While attempting to re-board the vessel via a ramp, a Royal Caribbean crewmember allegedly took control of the situation and instructed Riley to exit the wheelchair so it could be lifted over a bump or lip in the ramp. After standing and attempting to steady himself on a nearby handrail, Riley slipped, lost his balance, and fell to the deck.
The fall allegedly caused multiple fractured ribs and other injuries that required medical treatment and resulted in long-term impairment.
Lawsuit Claims Royal Caribbean Failed to Provide Reasonable Assistance to Wheelchair-Bound Passenger
Riley’s legal team alleges that Royal Caribbean had a duty to provide safe embarkation and re-boarding procedures for passengers with visible disabilities. The complaint states that the crewmember failed to offer adequate physical assistance and inappropriately instructed Riley to exit his wheelchair despite his inability to safely stand.
The lawsuit claims that the cruise line’s staff failed to ensure that ramps were accessible to disabled passengers, did not offer an alternative boarding method, and failed to properly assist or secure the passenger during the process.
Royal Caribbean Sued for Vicarious Liability for Alleged Negligence of Boarding Crewmember
The single-count lawsuit is brought under a theory of vicarious liability, holding Royal Caribbean responsible for the actions of its employee. Riley asserts that the crewmember was acting within the course and scope of employment at the time of the incident and that the cruise line is therefore legally liable for the negligent instructions and lack of assistance provided.
Specific allegations include:
- Instructing Riley to exit his wheelchair unnecessarily
- Failing to provide physical support or secure him after exiting the chair
- Not ensuring safe boarding accommodations for disabled passengers
- Failing to make the ramp accessible to passengers in wheelchairs
The lawsuit seeks damages for physical injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. Riley asserts that his injuries are permanent and continuing in nature and that he will continue to incur costs related to his condition.
Cruise Lines Have a Duty to Provide Safe Boarding Procedures for Disabled Passengers
This case highlights the legal responsibilities cruise lines have under maritime law to accommodate passengers with mobility impairments. Cruise operators are required to ensure that their boarding and disembarkation procedures are safe, accessible, and supervised by trained staff, especially when assisting passengers who rely on wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
A failure to provide reasonable aid or instructing a non-ambulatory passenger to exit their mobility device can expose cruise lines to liability when preventable injuries occur.
Injured During Cruise Ship Boarding While Using a Wheelchair? Speak With a Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to inadequate boarding procedures or lack of assistance with mobility devices aboard a cruise ship, you may have a valid maritime personal injury claim. These cases require a deep understanding of federal admiralty law and cruise line safety protocols.
Contact our legal team to speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer about your rights and potential case.
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.