California Passenger Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Tripping Over Hidden Step on Norwegian Pearl Stairway
Barbara Bruski, a resident of California, has filed a maritime negligence lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., doing business as Norwegian Cruise Line, in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, under Case No. 1:25-cv-22753, alleges Bruski suffered serious injuries when she tripped over an unmarked, camouflaged step while descending a carpeted stairway near the Summer Palace restaurant aboard the Norwegian Pearl.
Passenger Injured by Hidden, Unmarked Step Lacking Warning Markings on Norwegian Pearl
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on April 11, 2024. Bruski was using the stairway near the Summer Palace when she unexpectedly tripped over a sudden change in floor elevation caused by an unmarked and camouflaged step. The step allegedly lacked proper nosing, visual contrast, or warning strips, making it blend into the surrounding carpet.
Bruski contends that the hidden step presented a foreseeable tripping hazard and that there were no warning signs or markings to alert passengers to the change in elevation.
Lawsuit Alleges Norwegian Knew of Dangerous Steps from Similar Past Passenger Falls
The complaint asserts that Norwegian was aware or should have been aware of the risk posed by hidden or unmarked steps due to similar prior incidents on other Norwegian ships. Bruski references recent cases such as Buccini v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., Gard v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., and Grissom v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., in which passengers tripped over unmarked, hidden steps aboard the Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Sky, and Norwegian Breakaway.
Bruski claims that despite this notice, Norwegian failed to modify its stairway designs, failed to mark the step conspicuously, and failed to inspect and maintain safe stairway conditions, causing her preventable fall.
Complaint Brings Multiple Counts for Failure to Warn, Failure to Maintain, and General Negligence
Bruski’s lawsuit brings three counts against Norwegian: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. She alleges the cruise line breached its duty to provide a safe walkway by failing to ensure the stairway was clearly marked and free of hidden trip hazards.
She seeks damages for her medical expenses, ongoing care, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and the lost value of her cruise vacation.
Hurt by a Trip or Fall Due to a Hidden Step on a Cruise Ship? Learn Your Rights
Cruise lines are legally obligated under maritime law to ensure stairs, walkways, and changes in elevation are clearly marked and safe for passengers. When a hidden step or poorly maintained stairway causes injury, the cruise line may be held liable for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact our experienced cruise ship trip and fall lawyers today to learn more about your legal rights and options.