California Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Mobility Scooter Fall Due to Unmarked Flooring Depression on Navigator of the Seas
Robert Williams, a California resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22817-DPG, alleges that Williams sustained serious injuries on July 1, 2024, after his mobility scooter struck an unmarked depression in the flooring aboard the Navigator of the Seas.
Plaintiff Fell After Scooter Wheel Caught in Depression in Carpet Near Cabin Hallway on Royal Caribbean Ship
According to the complaint, the incident occurred shortly after embarkation, while Williams was attempting to enter his stateroom. The front wheel of his mobility scooter rolled into an unmarked depression in the carpet or uneven flooring in the hallway, causing him to tip over. The scooter then landed on top of him. The hazard was allegedly not visible or marked with any warning, and Williams contends he had no reason to anticipate a flooring defect in a common walkway.
Royal Caribbean Allegedly Failed to Identify, Warn, or Fix Known Flooring Hazards Aboard Navigator of the Seas
The lawsuit asserts that Royal Caribbean knew or should have known about the dangerous flooring condition due to prior passenger injuries involving similar issues on other vessels, including the Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas. The plaintiff cites prior lawsuits where passengers suffered falls due to unmarked grates, depressed carpet, and sudden elevation changes in high-traffic areas. Williams alleges that despite this history, Royal Caribbean failed to install adequate flooring, issue warnings, or conduct proper inspections in the area near his cabin.
Complaint Cites Industry Standards and ADA Violations in Common Area Flooring Design
Williams claims the flooring should have complied with recognized safety standards, including those established by ASTM and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint alleges that Royal Caribbean failed to meet these standards and ignored internal policies requiring the use of warning signs, level flooring materials, and routine maintenance of passenger walkways. The failure to correct or mark the depression in the hallway allegedly created a foreseeable risk, especially for passengers using mobility devices.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Loss of Enjoyment, and Disrupted Cruise Experience
Williams is seeking damages for bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, medical expenses, and emotional distress. He claims his injuries are permanent and continuing in nature. In addition to physical harm, the lawsuit seeks compensation for the lost value of the cruise, travel costs, and diminished enjoyment of the vacation. He brings three counts against Royal Caribbean: general negligence, negligent failure to warn, and negligent failure to maintain.
Mobility Scooter Accidents on Cruise Ships May Be Grounds for Maritime Injury Claims
Passengers using wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility aids are particularly vulnerable to poorly maintained flooring aboard cruise ships. Cruise lines are responsible under maritime law for ensuring walkways and hallways are safe, level, and clearly marked. If you or a loved one were injured on a cruise due to defective flooring or unmarked hazards, you may have a legal claim.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship mobility scooter injury attorney.
