Alabama Passenger Sues Norwegian Cruise Line Over Wheelchair Flip Incident on Gangway at Roatan Port
An Alabama man has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) after allegedly being flipped backward in his wheelchair while boarding the Norwegian Getaway via the gangway in Roatan, Honduras. The complaint, filed May 8, 2025, claims NCL negligently set up the gangway and failed to safely assist the disabled passenger, causing severe injuries. The case is styled Stephen Lee as Power of Attorney for Robert Lee v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., Case No. 1:25-cv-22126-AHS.
Disabled Passenger Flipped Backward While Crew Pulled Wheelchair Over Gangway Hump
On October 31, 2024, Robert Lee, an Alabama resident traveling in a wheelchair, was boarding the Norwegian Getaway using the ship’s gangway at the Roatan port. According to the complaint, an NCL crewmember was pulling Lee’s wheelchair up the gangway while walking backward. At the top “hump” of the gangway — where the incline sharply shifted to a decline — the crewmember yanked too forcefully, causing Lee’s wheelchair to flip backward, throwing him to the ground.
The impact caused serious injuries, including internal bleeding and a seizure, requiring hospitalization. The complaint includes a photo of the gangway, illustrating the abrupt grade change that allegedly created a hazardous boarding condition.
Norwegian Cruise Line Allegedly Knew of Gangway Hazards and Failed to Act
The lawsuit alleges NCL had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous gangway condition through:
- Prior passenger injury incidents, including similar wheelchair tip-overs
- Internal safety policies requiring gangway inspections and safe gradient setups
- Staff stationed at the gangway specifically to assist and monitor boarding safety
Despite this, the plaintiff claims NCL failed to properly inspect the gangway, failed to adjust its incline, and failed to provide sufficient crew support for assisting passengers with mobility devices.
Legal Claims Include Negligent Maintenance, Failure to Warn, and Crew Negligence
The complaint brings four main negligence claims against NCL:
- General negligence by crew, including improper pulling technique and lack of assistance
- Negligent maintenance of the gangway setup, creating an unreasonably steep incline
- Negligent failure to warn about the known risk of wheelchair instability on the gangway
- Breach of NCL’s non-delegable duty to provide safe ingress and egress for passengers under maritime law
The lawsuit seeks damages for Robert Lee’s physical injuries, pain and suffering, disability, medical expenses, and loss of enjoyment of his vacation.
Gangway Injury Lawsuit Highlights Maritime Safety and Disability Protections
This case underscores the maritime industry’s responsibility to provide safe boarding conditions for all passengers, especially those using mobility devices. Under general maritime law, cruise lines have a non-delegable duty to maintain safe ingress and egress, and courts have increasingly scrutinized cruise operators’ compliance with accessibility standards and crew training protocols.
The outcome of the Lee lawsuit may impact how cruise lines design, inspect, and staff gangways at foreign ports, particularly in ensuring safe assistance for passengers with disabilities.
Injured on a Cruise Ship? Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while boarding or disembarking a cruise ship, you may have rights under maritime law. Protect your legal options by speaking with an experienced cruise ship injury attorney. Contact us today for a free consultation.
