California Passenger Sues Norwegian Cruise Line Over Slip and Fall at Garden Café on Norwegian Bliss
A California man has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Norwegian Cruise Line and its parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., after allegedly slipping and falling on a wet floor in the Garden Café aboard the Norwegian Bliss. The complaint, filed May 6, 2025, claims the cruise line negligently failed to maintain safe flooring, warn passengers, and properly train crew, leading to serious injuries for plaintiff Darran Wetter. The case is styled Darran Wetter v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. d/b/a Norwegian Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Case No. 1:25-cv-22098.
Passenger Slipped on Wet Floor in Buffet Area, Sustaining Serious Leg and Knee Injuries
On July 14, 2024, Darran Wetter was walking through the Garden Café on Deck 16 of the Norwegian Bliss when he allegedly slipped on an unreasonably wet and slippery surface. According to the complaint, the buffet area was a high-traffic zone where passengers regularly carried food and drinks, making the risk of spills and wet floors foreseeable.
As Mr. Wetter slipped, his right foot shot forward and his left foot twisted behind him, causing severe injuries to his left knee, left leg, and exacerbating a prior right foot injury. He alleges that the hazardous floor condition had existed long enough for the cruise line to have constructive or actual knowledge, but no warnings or safety measures were in place to protect passengers.
Norwegian Cruise Line Allegedly Failed to Maintain Safe Conditions or Provide Adequate Medical Care
The lawsuit claims Norwegian Cruise Line failed to:
- Properly maintain the buffet area by ensuring slip-resistant flooring
- Inspect the area and address hazardous wet conditions
- Warn passengers through signage, cones, or crew instructions
- Train crew members to recognize and mitigate slip hazards
Additionally, the complaint alleges that after the incident, the ship’s medical staff provided inadequate treatment, offering only a pediatric knee brace and withholding pain medication unless Mr. Wetter signed a liability release.
Mr. Wetter seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, permanent disability, mental anguish, lost income, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Case Highlights Industry Standards and Maritime Safety Duties
This case underscores the heightened legal duty cruise lines owe to passengers under general maritime law, particularly in maintaining high-traffic public areas like buffets and pool decks. Courts have repeatedly emphasized that cruise operators must not only respond to hazards but proactively implement systems to prevent foreseeable slip and fall accidents.
The outcome of the Wetter case could influence how cruise lines approach crew training, floor maintenance, and passenger safety protocols, especially in self-service areas where spill risks are inherent. It may also spotlight industry practices around post-incident medical care and passenger rights.
Injured on a Cruise Ship? Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured aboard a cruise ship, you may have rights under maritime law. Protect your legal options by consulting an experienced cruise ship injury attorney. Contact us today for a free consultation.
