California Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall in Windjammer Buffet on Navigator of the Seas
Shawndra L. Bickley, a resident of Menifee, California, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The case, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25460, involves injuries Bickley claims she sustained after slipping on a wet and sticky floor in the Windjammer Buffet aboard the Navigator of the Seas on December 19, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured After Slipping on Wet and Sticky Floor in Buffet Area
The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. while Bickley and her daughter were walking to the rear window seating area on Deck 11. As she passed the first buffet station, Bickley stepped on a slick substance that resembled whipped cream. Her right knee hit the deck, and her left knee twisted behind her, nearly forcing her into a split position. Her right hand landed in the sticky material, which she had not seen beforehand due to how it blended with the flooring.
The complaint states that Bickley was watching where she walked and had no advance warning. Only after falling did she become aware of the slick condition.
Wet Floor Sign Was Placed Too Far from Hazard to Alert Approaching Guests
After the fall, Bickley noticed a wet floor sign positioned about ten feet away. According to the complaint, the sign was placed in a location that did not warn guests approaching from her direction. Concerned that others could slip in the same area, Bickley moved the sign to the actual spot where she fell and notified a nearby crew member. Upon leaving the buffet, she informed another crew member near the drink station who was verbally warning guests about wet conditions near the dispensers.
Crew Allegedly Failed to Clean, Inspect, or Warn Despite Ongoing Risks in High-Traffic Buffet Zone
The Windjammer Buffet, according to the complaint, is a busy self-service food area where floors are frequently contaminated with dropped food and spilled drinks. Bickley claims that Royal Caribbean failed to assign enough crew to the buffet during the busy breakfast period and that the crew on duty failed to notice or respond to the slick spot. She also alleges that the cruise line failed to follow its own procedures for inspecting, cleaning, drying, and marking wet flooring.
Shipboard Medical Response Did Not Include Knee Imaging Despite Reported Pain
Bickley reported the fall and sought medical attention on the ship. A nurse provided plastic bags for ice and instructed her to return later, as the infirmary was closed. When she returned, a physician performed an X-ray of her wrist but did not image her knees, even though she reported pain in both legs. She received Tylenol and later completed an incident report with a Safety Officer who returned with her to the buffet to document the scene.
Permanent Knee Injury Required Surgery and Ongoing Treatment
Following the cruise, Bickley was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in her left knee. She underwent arthroscopic surgery and a partial medial meniscectomy, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation. The complaint alleges she continues to suffer pain, instability, and long-term physical limitations. She is seeking damages for past and future medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and permanent impairment affecting her ability to work and enjoy daily life.
Complaint References Multiple Prior Incidents in Royal Caribbean Buffets, Including on Navigator of the Seas
The lawsuit lists numerous prior slip and fall cases involving Windjammer Buffet floors on Royal Caribbean vessels, including three previous cases on the Navigator of the Seas itself. It also references additional claims involving similar incidents aboard the Liberty, Oasis, Mariner, Allure, and Adventure of the Seas, among others.
Notice Allegations Include Crew Presence, Sign Placement, and Industry Safety Standards
Bickley asserts that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive notice of the hazard. The complaint points to the length of time the substance remained on the floor, the presence of crew members in the vicinity who should have discovered it, and the misplacement of a caution sign as indicators of prior awareness. It also alleges Royal Caribbean failed to comply with industry standards and international safety rules under SOLAS and ASTM regulations governing passenger walkways.
The flooring used in the Windjammer Buffet is also described as unsafe by design, with low visibility when wet and inadequate slip resistance.
Legal Claims Include Negligent Maintenance, Failure to Warn, and Unsafe Floor Design
Bickley brings six counts against Royal Caribbean: negligent maintenance, vicarious liability for crew negligence, negligent failure to warn, vicarious liability for failure to warn, negligent training of crew, and negligent design and material selection of the Windjammer flooring.
Contact a Cruise Ship Injury Attorney for Buffet Slip-and-Fall Claims
Cruise ship passengers who slip and fall in buffet areas, especially on wet or greasy floors without proper warnings, may have legal rights under maritime law. Cruise lines have a duty to maintain clean and safe walking surfaces in dining zones like the Windjammer Buffet. If you suffered a knee injury or similar harm aboard Navigator of the Seas or another Royal Caribbean ship, contact our cruise ship injury lawyers to discuss your options.
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.
