California Man Sues NCL After Falling on Glass Staircase Aboard Norwegian Joy
Hany Fawzy, a resident of California, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-21242, alleges that Fawzy suffered severe and permanent bodily injuries after slipping and falling on a glass staircase while sailing as a passenger aboard the Norwegian Joy on December 27, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Norwegian Joy Glass Stairs Due to Slippery Surface and Poor Depth Perception
According to the legal filing, the incident occurred as Fawzy was descending a glass staircase from Deck 7 to Deck 6. The lawsuit asserts that the stairs contained multiple dangerous and defective conditions that were not open or obvious to passengers. Specifically, the complaint alleges the presence of a foreign transitory substance on the stair surface, an unsafe coefficient of friction, and a lack of adequate slip resistance. Furthermore, Fawzy claims the staircase lacked essential visual cues and contrasting markings on the glass treads and nosing, which are necessary for depth perception and safe navigation. The lawsuit contends that while the glass components were visible, their hazardous characteristics were not reasonably discernible during normal use.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Maintain Safe Flooring and Negligent Inspection of High Traffic Areas
The complaint alleges that NCL had both actual and constructive knowledge of the dangerous conditions on the subject stairs. Fawzy’s legal team argues that the cruise line regularly conducts coefficient of friction testing and maintains rating tables to ensure flooring safety, yet failed to remedy the defects in this instance. The lawsuit highlights that the atrium stairs are high-traffic areas subject to significant wear and tear, requiring frequent inspection and prompt cleaning. Despite these requirements, the plaintiff alleges that NCL crew members were in close proximity to the area or monitoring it via video cameras but failed to take appropriate remedial measures to prevent the fall.
Lawsuit References Prior Slip and Fall Incidents on Glass Stairs Across NCL Fleet to Establish Notice of Hazard
To support the claim that NCL was aware of the risks associated with its staircase designs, the complaint references several prior lawsuits involving similar injuries on glass stairs throughout the NCL fleet. These include a December 2023 incident on the NCL Getaway, an October 2023 fall on the NCL Spirit, and other similar accidents aboard the NCL Sky, NCL Breakaway, NCL Sun, and NCL Bliss. The plaintiff argues that these recurring incidents provided the cruise line with ample notice that its glass staircases posed a systemic safety risk to fare-paying passengers, yet the company failed to implement necessary safety modifications or provide adequate warnings.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Design and Construction of Norwegian Joy Glass Staircase Without Proper Non-Slip Surfacing
In addition to maintenance failures, the lawsuit includes a count for negligent design and construction. Fawzy alleges that NCL actively participated in the design process and approved the specifications for the Norwegian Joy. The complaint argues that the cruise line was negligent in selecting glass for a primary passenger staircase without ensuring it featured adequate slip resistance, non-skid surfacing, or contrasting edge markings. The lawsuit claims NCL maintained the contractual right to review and reject design elements during the shipbuilding process but allowed the unreasonably dangerous staircase to remain in service without retrofitting it with reasonable safeguards.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Chronic Pain and Medical Expenses Resulting from Norwegian Joy Staircase Fall
Fawzy brings four counts of negligence against the defendant: negligent maintenance and inspection, negligent failure to warn, general negligence, and negligent design and construction. As a result of the fall, the plaintiff allegedly suffered a forehead laceration along with severe injuries to his head, neck, and back. The lawsuit states these injuries have led to chronic pain, difficulty performing daily activities, and a permanent need for medical care. Fawzy is seeking damages for physical impairment, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, and lost earnings, as well as the cost of past and future medical treatment.
Contact a Cruise Ship Staircase Injury Lawyer Today if You Suffered a Slip and Fall on a Vessel
Passengers who are injured on cruise ships due to slippery flooring, poorly designed staircases, or a lack of warning signs may be entitled to significant compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise operators have a non-delegable duty to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition for all travelers. If you or a loved one experienced a serious injury while on a cruise, it is essential to speak with an experienced maritime attorney who can investigate the cruise line’s safety record and help you hold them accountable.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall 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.
