Arizona Resident Sues Virgin Cruises After Violent Fall on Scarlet Lady Pickleball Court
Kris Stewart, a resident of Maricopa County, Arizona, has initiated a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Virgin Cruises Intermediate Limited, Inc. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-22727-JB, alleges that Stewart sustained a fractured vertebrae and other permanent injuries while playing pickleball on the Scarlet Lady on April 20, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Scarlet Lady Sports Court Due to Improperly Maintained Playing Surface
The legal action centers on an incident that occurred on Deck 16 of the vessel within an area the defendant calls the Sports Court. According to the complaint, Stewart was engaged in a game of pickleball when her foot unexpectedly caught on the court surface. This caused her foot to stick to the flooring, resulting in a violent fall onto her back. The impact was significant enough that Stewart’s smartwatch automatically triggered an emergency alert. The plaintiff asserts that the court, which is shared with basketball and other sports, was not a regulation-size pickleball court and was exposed to outdoor elements that compromised its safety.
Virgin Cruises Accused of Failing to Inspect and Maintain Safe Deck Conditions on Deck 16
The lawsuit alleges that Virgin Cruises failed in its duty of reasonable care to maintain the deck surface in a safe condition for passengers. Specifically, the plaintiff argues that the cruise line failed to conduct sufficiently frequent inspections of the Sports Court for wetness, stickiness, or slipperiness despite knowing it was a high-traffic area for physical activity. The complaint suggests the surface may have been contaminated by passenger sweat, spilled liquids, or environmental elements. Stewart alleges that the cruise line had actual or constructive knowledge of these hazards but failed to take reasonable measures such as drying the area or ensuring the surface was appropriate for recreational play.
Complaint Cites Previous Slip and Fall Incidents on Scarlet Lady as Evidence of Notice
To support the claim of negligence, Stewart’s legal team points to prior incidents on the Scarlet Lady that allegedly put the cruise line on notice regarding the dangerous propensities of the Deck 16 surfaces. The complaint references a December 2021 incident where a passenger slipped on a wet deck and a September 2022 incident involving a fall in the Athletic Club area of the same deck. These prior occurrences are used to argue that the defendant was aware of the risks associated with the flooring and the environment on Deck 16 but failed to implement corrective procedures or provide adequate warnings to passengers about the potential for sticking or slipping.
Lawsuit Alleges Negligent Design and Failure to Adhere to Pickleball Court Specifications
Beyond maintenance issues, the plaintiff brings a count for negligent design and installation. The complaint alleges that Virgin Cruises participated in the design and build process of the Scarlet Lady and approved the specifications for the Sports Court. Stewart claims the court was not designed in adherence to proper pickleball court specifications and lacked reasonable safeguards for competitors. The lawsuit argues that the cruise line had the contractual right to modify or reject design plans during construction and should have identified and corrected the design flaws that made the area unreasonably dangerous for its intended use.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Fractured Vertebrae and Permanent Disability Following Cruise Ship Accident
As a direct result of the fall, Stewart suffered a fractured vertebrae that required medical treatment and led to the development of arthritis. The lawsuit seeks damages for physical impairment, disability, mental anguish, and the loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. Additionally, the plaintiff is seeking recovery for lost wages, loss of earning potential, and the costs of past and future medical expenses. The complaint characterizes these losses as permanent and continuing, noting that the incident effectively ended the value of her cruise vacation. Stewart has demanded a trial by jury to resolve all triable issues in the case.
Contact a Cruise Ship Sports Deck Injury Lawyer if You Sustained Injuries While Participating in Onboard Activities
Passengers who suffer serious injuries due to poorly maintained recreational facilities or improperly designed sports courts on a cruise ship may have grounds for a maritime personal injury claim. Cruise lines are required to provide a reasonably safe environment for all activities offered on board, including pickleball and basketball. If you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall or a sticking hazard on a vessel deck that led to a significant injury, our team of maritime lawyers is available to review your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us now to speak with a maritime attorney.
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.
