California Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Tripping on Unmarked Step Outside Casino on Navigator of the Seas
Igal Gamzelatova, 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-25475-KMM, alleges that Gamzelatova suffered significant injuries after tripping on an unmarked change in floor level near the casino aboard the Navigator of the Seas on November 30, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured by Concealed Step Near Casino Entryway Aboard Navigator of the Seas
According to the complaint, Gamzelatova was walking toward the ship’s casino when he tripped and fell over an unmarked and concealed change in elevation just outside the entrance. The change in level, described as a step that blended into the surrounding flooring, was allegedly difficult to distinguish and not visibly marked. The lawsuit asserts that the step created an unreasonably dangerous condition that was not open or obvious to passengers.
Gamzelatova claims there were no warning signs, markings, or verbal alerts from crew members to inform passengers of the hidden hazard. He asserts that the fall could not have been prevented, as there was nothing to signal the elevation change or alert him to tread carefully in the area.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Warn of Known Tripping Hazards on Ship’s Decks
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean breached its duty to warn passengers of known or foreseeable dangers. Gamzelatova’s legal team points to other similar lawsuits involving unmarked changes in elevation on various Royal Caribbean vessels. These include prior trip-and-fall incidents on Adventure of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas, where passengers were injured under comparable circumstances.
The complaint claims that Royal Caribbean either knew or should have known about the dangerous condition near the casino entrance and failed to take appropriate action, such as marking the step with visible paint, installing warning signage, or redesigning the flooring to prevent accidents.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Maintenance and Design of Walking Surfaces on Navigator of the Seas
Gamzelatova brings three negligence-based claims against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to warn, negligent maintenance, and general negligence. He alleges that the cruise line failed to inspect and maintain passenger walkways in a safe condition, particularly in high-traffic areas like the casino. Specific allegations include:
- Failure to mark or highlight the step to indicate a change in level
- Failure to incorporate industry standards such as ASTM F1166 for safe design of walking surfaces
- Failure to maintain the flooring area in a condition free from tripping hazards
- Failure to adopt or enforce adequate inspection and safety procedures aboard the vessel
The lawsuit further asserts that Royal Caribbean did not investigate or address prior similar incidents and failed to take fleet-wide corrective measures, despite ongoing litigation involving concealed steps.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Injuries, Pain, and Disrupted Cruise Vacation
As a result of the fall, Gamzelatova alleges he suffered injuries to his body and extremities, physical pain, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, and a loss of enjoyment of life. The injuries are alleged to be permanent or continuing in nature. The lawsuit also claims damages for lost wages, impaired earning capacity, medical expenses, and the lost value of his cruise vacation.
Gamzelatova is requesting a jury trial and seeks all available damages under general maritime law.
Were You Hurt by an Unmarked Step on a Cruise Ship? Speak With a Cruise Injury Lawyer
Passengers injured due to unmarked steps, sudden elevation changes, or other walking hazards on cruise ships may be entitled to compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise lines are required to keep walkways safe and to warn of known dangers that could lead to injury.
Contact us now to speak with an experienced cruise ship injury attorney in Florida.
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.
