Allure of the Seas Slip and Fall Lawsuit Filed by Florida Woman Over Dangerous Gangway Conditions
Maria A. Chils, a Florida resident from Homestead, 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-23203-DPG, alleges that Chils suffered severe and permanent injuries after slipping on a wet metal gangway floor on Deck 2 of the Allure of the Seas while disembarking on July 21, 2024.
Passenger Injured on Allure of the Seas Due to Slippery Metal Flooring Without Warning Signs
According to the lawsuit, Chils was walking through the gangway area on Deck 2 to disembark when she slipped on a slick metal floor that had become wet due to earlier rain. The ramp and surrounding walkway allegedly lacked non-slip mats, dry carpet, or anti-skid surfacing. Chils claims that no warning signs or crew instructions were present to alert passengers of the hazard. She fell backwards, striking her head and back, and required assistance from a crew member and her husband.
The complaint alleges that Royal Caribbean failed to properly monitor and dry the gangway area despite knowing that the metal surface becomes dangerously slippery when wet. Chils asserts that this condition was not open and obvious to passengers and that the cruise line’s lack of preventive measures caused her fall.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Negligence for Failing to Maintain and Monitor Wet Gangway Conditions
The lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean was aware of the risks associated with wet gangway floors due to recurring issues across its fleet. Chils’s attorneys argue that the cruise line failed to enforce its own safety policies designed to prevent slip and fall accidents, including protocols for drying wet areas, placing caution signs, and providing crew assistance.
The complaint also cites legal precedents, such as Sorrels v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., to support the argument that posting warning signs in similar situations is evidence of the cruise line’s knowledge of hazardous conditions. Chils contends that Royal Caribbean’s failure to act on these known dangers constitutes negligence.
Complaint Highlights Hazardous Design of Metal Gangways and Inadequate Safety Measures
Chils alleges that the gangway’s metal flooring design inherently creates a slippery surface when wet, posing a foreseeable hazard during passenger embarkation and disembarkation. The lawsuit argues that Royal Caribbean failed to provide adequate non-slip surfaces, mats, or warning signs, and failed to assign sufficient crew to monitor the area for passenger safety.
The complaint includes counts of negligence, claiming the cruise line breached its duty to maintain a safe disembarkation process and failed to warn passengers of hazardous conditions that were not readily apparent.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Costs, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
As a result of the incident, Chils claims she sustained serious and permanent injuries, including head and back trauma, causing ongoing pain, disability, mental anguish, and loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. She seeks compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and the diminished value of her cruise experience.
Contact a Cruise Ship Gangway Injury Attorney for Slip and Fall Accidents on Royal Caribbean Ships
Passengers injured due to unsafe gangway or boarding conditions may have a right to pursue compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean are legally obligated to maintain gangways, ramps, and walkways in a safe and secure manner, particularly during wet conditions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a similar gangway slip and fall accident, our experienced maritime injury attorneys are here to help you understand your legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall lawyer.
