California Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Tripping on Defective Carpet Aboard Norwegian Pearl
Susanne Feinstein, a resident of Los Angeles, California, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., doing business as Norwegian Cruise Line, in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23696-DPG, alleges that Feinstein sustained serious, permanent injuries after tripping on a raised seam and loose string in the carpet while walking through a hallway on the Norwegian Pearl shortly after boarding.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Norwegian Pearl Due to Unsafe Carpet in Common Area Hallway
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on September 6, 2024, just minutes after Feinstein boarded the Norwegian Pearl. As she was walking toward the muster check-in area on Deck 6, her sneaker caught on a string protruding from a raised seam in the carpet. Feinstein fell suddenly, striking her head, neck, back, and left arm on the hard flooring.
She was reportedly wearing appropriate footwear and using due care at the time of the incident. The lawsuit claims that the hazardous carpet condition was visually indistinguishable from the surrounding flooring, with no warning signs or verbal advisories in place to alert passengers of the tripping danger.
Norwegian Accused of Failing to Maintain Walkways and Inspect High-Traffic Areas for Hazards
The complaint alleges that Norwegian Cruise Line breached its duty of care by failing to properly maintain, inspect, and repair the hallway where the incident occurred. Feinstein contends that the carpet had multiple defects, including a raised seam and loose threads—conditions that would have developed over time and through wear in a high-traffic area. The hallway was reportedly a primary passenger access route and thus subject to frequent use and deterioration.
Feinstein also asserts that Norwegian was obligated to comply with international safety regulations under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) treaty, including requirements that escape routes be free of obstacles and maintained in a safe condition. The lawsuit claims the hallway where she fell constituted such a route and that the condition of the carpet violated SOLAS regulations, as well as various industry safety standards including those from ASTM and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Lawsuit Cites Serious and Lasting Injuries Including Wrist Collapse and Spinal Surgery
The fall allegedly resulted in multiple severe injuries. Feinstein was diagnosed with a displaced distal radius fracture and a scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) in her left wrist—conditions that caused long-term pain, instability, and reduced range of motion. She also sustained a dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI) deformity and trauma-induced arthritis.
Feinstein underwent extensive non-surgical treatment including casting, bracing, and physical therapy, but ultimately required spinal surgery in March 2025. The surgery included a multi-level lumbar laminectomy, foraminotomy, facetectomy, and microdiscectomy. Her medical team reportedly concluded that the surgery would not have been necessary but for the trauma sustained during the fall.
The lawsuit claims Feinstein has accrued nearly $100,000 in medical bills and will require continued treatment in the future. She now suffers from chronic pain, limited mobility, and lasting impairments that affect her quality of life and functional abilities.
Norwegian Cruise Line Allegedly Failed to Warn Passengers of Known Trip Hazard
In addition to negligent maintenance, the lawsuit accuses Norwegian of failing to warn passengers of the dangerous condition. The complaint alleges that Norwegian had actual or constructive notice of the carpet defect, either because it created the condition or failed to detect it through routine inspections. The presence of multiple defects in a high-traffic area supports the assertion that the hazard was present long enough to be discovered and addressed before Feinstein’s fall.
Norwegian’s training protocols, according to the complaint, require crew members to use signage, announcements, or barriers to warn passengers about known hazards. Despite this, no such warnings were in place at the time of the incident. The complaint argues that had Norwegian taken appropriate steps to inspect and mark the defective area, the fall could have been prevented.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Medical Costs, Pain, and Permanent Injury from Cruise Line Negligence
Feinstein brings two counts of negligence against Norwegian Cruise Line: negligent failure to maintain and negligent failure to warn. She seeks damages for medical expenses, lost earning capacity, physical pain, mental anguish, and diminished enjoyment of life. Her injuries are alleged to be permanent in nature and will continue to affect her health and daily functioning.
Hurt on a Cruise Ship Due to Defective Flooring or Tripping Hazards? Contact a Maritime Injury Attorney Today
Passengers injured aboard cruise ships due to hidden or poorly maintained tripping hazards such as raised carpet seams or loose flooring materials may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Norwegian are required to inspect, maintain, and warn of dangerous conditions in public areas to protect the safety of guests. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a similar incident on a cruise ship, our team of experienced maritime injury attorneys can help evaluate your case and pursue a claim.
Contact us now to speak with a Florida cruise ship injury lawyer.
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.
