California Passenger Sues Royal Caribbean After Achilles Tendon Tear Playing Dodgeball on Ovation of the Seas
Kevin Beane, a resident of California, has filed a maritime negligence lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, under Case No. 1:25-cv-22748, alleges that Beane suffered a full Achilles tendon tear requiring surgery after being struck by unsecured metal components attached to netting around a dodgeball court aboard the Ovation of the Seas.
Passenger Suffers Serious Achilles Injury from Unsecured Netting During Dodgeball Tournament on Ovation of the Seas
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on May 25, 2024, when Beane participated in a passenger dodgeball tournament hosted in the Seaplex sports activity area of the Ovation of the Seas. To contain stray balls, Royal Caribbean surrounded the court with netting, but the base of the netting included long, heavy metal parts that were allegedly left loose and unsecured.
While Beane stood near the back line, the netting behind him swayed from player movement and swung back past the court boundary. The unsecured metal base struck the back of Beane’s left heel, causing a full-thickness Achilles tendon rupture. The injury required surgical repair and led to complications, extended pain, lost wages, and diminished physical function.
Lawsuit Claims Royal Caribbean Failed to Inspect, Maintain, and Properly Design Sports Netting
Beane’s complaint argues that Royal Caribbean was negligent by failing to inspect and maintain the netting, by designing the netting system with unsecured metal parts, and by failing to warn passengers about the risk. The lawsuit claims that the cruise line’s crewmembers supervised at least two dodgeball games before Beane’s injury, giving them ample opportunity to discover that the heavy base components were free to swing into players.
The lawsuit further alleges that Royal Caribbean had the right to approve the design and installation of the Seaplex’s netting but failed to require secure anchoring of the metal base, resulting in a foreseeable hazard during passenger sports activities at sea.
Complaint Includes Counts for Negligence, Failure to Warn, and Negligent Design
Beane brings seven counts against Royal Caribbean, including negligent failure to inspect, negligent maintenance, negligent failure to warn, negligent design, and vicarious liability for crew negligence. He asserts that the cruise line breached its duty to provide safe passenger recreation areas by allowing an unsafe condition to exist during an organized activity.
Beane seeks damages for medical expenses, ongoing care, loss of earning capacity, physical impairment, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Injured Playing Sports on a Cruise Ship? Learn Your Rights Under Maritime Law
Cruise lines have a legal duty under maritime law to ensure that sports and recreation areas are safely designed, properly maintained, and free from hidden hazards that could injure passengers. If you or someone you know was hurt while participating in a cruise ship activity due to negligent design or maintenance, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and related costs.
Contact our cruise ship injury lawyers today to discuss your legal options and pursue the justice you deserve.
