Texas Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall Near Main Dining Hall on Harmony of the Seas
Margaret Porter, 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-25830-RAR, the lawsuit alleges that Porter sustained severe and permanent injuries after slipping on a wet surface near the main dining hall on Deck 5 of the Harmony of the Seas during a mandatory muster drill on September 14, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Slipped on Wet Floor While Attending Mandatory Muster Drill on Deck 5
According to the complaint, Porter was directed to attend a mandatory muster safety drill and was walking along a high-traffic public walkway on Deck 5 near the entrance to the main dining hall. While following crew instructions, she slipped on what is described as a transitory wet and slippery substance. The liquid, allegedly left unattended in an area known to accumulate moisture, was not visibly apparent to the average passenger. Porter claims the wet flooring did not contrast with the surrounding surface and lacked any visual cues or warnings.
The lawsuit asserts that there were no cones, signage, or crew members warning passengers of the dangerous condition, and that the area had not been properly cleaned, dried, or blocked off to prevent injuries. Porter contends that the cruise line failed to maintain a safe walking surface despite directing passengers through that route.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Warn of Known Hazardous Walkway Conditions
The complaint states that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive knowledge of the hazard, citing internal policies requiring wet floor signs and regular inspections of areas prone to becoming slippery. These procedures were allegedly not followed at the time of Porter’s fall. The lawsuit also claims that prior incidents aboard the Harmony of the Seas and other ships in the Oasis-class fleet—such as the Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Allure of the Seas—involved similar wet floor slip-and-fall accidents on tiled or otherwise slick surfaces.
Several recent lawsuits are referenced, including:
- Lockett v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Deck 5, Harmony of the Seas)
- Quider v. Royal Caribbean Group (common walkway, Oasis of the Seas)
- Galasso v. Royal Caribbean Group (wet floor on Deck 5, Freedom of the Seas)
- Vega v. Royal Caribbean Group (Deck 5, Oasis of the Seas)
- Castro v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Deck 8, Harmony of the Seas)
These past lawsuits are presented as evidence that Royal Caribbean had prior knowledge of similar hazardous conditions and failed to take adequate corrective measures.
Complaint Highlights Cruise Line’s Alleged Failure to Implement and Enforce Slip Prevention Policies
The suit claims that Royal Caribbean failed to act in accordance with its own internal protocols for preventing slip and fall accidents, which include the use of warning signs and routine maintenance. Porter argues that the cruise line knew or should have known that the walking surface near the dining hall on Deck 5 posed a significant risk when wet, and that passengers would not be able to detect the hazard without warnings. Despite this, the company allegedly allowed liquid to accumulate and failed to inspect or secure the area in a timely manner.
Passenger Alleges Permanent Injuries and Seeks Damages for Medical Bills, Pain, and Lost Wages
Porter claims she suffered multiple physical injuries, including a torn rotator cuff, meniscus tear, and trauma to her legs, hips, back, and elbow. These injuries allegedly resulted in lasting disability, physical impairment, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. The lawsuit also seeks compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost income, and diminished earning capacity. The injuries, according to the complaint, are permanent in nature and continue to require ongoing treatment.
Were You Injured in a Slip and Fall on a Cruise Ship Like Harmony of the Seas? Speak with a Cruise Injury Attorney Today
Cruise lines have a duty under maritime law to maintain safe conditions for passengers aboard their ships, especially in high-traffic areas such as dining halls, walkways, and muster stations. If you or a loved one were injured due to wet or slippery floors on a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation. Our maritime injury attorneys are experienced in handling complex cases against major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall lawyer and learn more about your 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.
Contact Us | Miami Personal Injury Lawyers Holzberg Legal
Free Consultation – Call 305-668-6410 – Holzberg Legal helps victims and their families receive compensation for their injuries in Personal Injury and Accident cases. Contact Us – Miami Personal In…
