California Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Trip and Fall on Unmarked Threshold in Solarium Aboard Quantum of the Seas
Josette G. Warnow, a resident of California, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24130, alleges that Warnow suffered serious injuries after tripping on an unmarked threshold and separated flooring in the Solarium area of the Quantum of the Seas on October 4, 2024.
Passenger Alleges Trip and Fall on Hazardous Threshold and Slat Flooring
According to the complaint, Warnow was walking to her lounge chair in the Solarium deck area when she unexpectedly tripped over a hazardous threshold or separated slat flooring. She alleges the flooring was unmarked, uneven, and not open or obvious, leaving her no reasonable opportunity to avoid the fall.
Warnow claims she suffered severe injuries that required medical treatment and caused long-term physical and emotional harm.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Negligence Despite Prior Incidents Across Its Fleet
The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean had prior notice of similar flooring hazards aboard other vessels in its fleet. It cites incidents between 2022 and 2023 where passengers tripped on unmarked thresholds and uneven flooring aboard the Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas.
Warnow alleges these incidents demonstrate that Royal Caribbean knew or should have known of the risks posed by unmarked thresholds and uneven flooring surfaces but failed to implement effective corrective measures across its vessels.
Complaint Brings Multiple Negligence Counts Against Royal Caribbean
Warnow’s lawsuit includes three counts of negligence:
- General negligence for failing to provide safe flooring and thresholds.
- Negligent failure to warn of the unmarked hazard.
- Negligent failure to maintain the Solarium flooring in a safe condition.
She alleges that Royal Caribbean failed to inspect, repair, or close off the unsafe area, failed to post adequate warnings, and failed to enforce industry standards requiring safer thresholds and contrasting flooring.
Legal Background: Threshold and Flooring Hazards in Maritime Slip-and-Fall Cases
Thresholds, seams, and flooring transitions are recurring sources of litigation in cruise ship slip-and-fall cases. Courts applying maritime law assess whether such hazards were open and obvious or whether they presented a hidden danger that required warnings or corrective action.
When flooring or thresholds are uneven, unmarked, or poorly maintained, passengers may claim they create an unreasonable risk of tripping. Plaintiffs often argue that industry standards call for contrasting colors, visible markings, or slip-resistant surfacing to alert passengers to changes in elevation.
Cruise lines frequently defend these claims by arguing that minor thresholds and seams are part of normal ship construction and should be reasonably anticipated by passengers. Courts then analyze whether the condition was concealed, whether prior incidents showed a pattern of risk, and whether safer alternatives were available.
These cases highlight the tension between ordinary ship design and passenger expectations of safe, clearly marked walking surfaces.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries and Lost Value of Cruise
Warnow alleges that her injuries are permanent and continuing, resulting in pain, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and medical expenses. She also claims damages for the loss of the value of her vacation, including the cost of the cruise and related travel.
The complaint seeks damages exceeding $75,000 and demands a jury trial.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Lawyer if You Were Injured on Hazardous Flooring or Thresholds
Passengers who suffer injuries due to unmarked thresholds, uneven flooring, or poorly maintained walking surfaces may have legal rights under maritime law. Cruise lines are obligated to inspect and maintain passenger areas and warn of hidden hazards. If you or someone you love was injured in a similar incident, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship trip and fall attorney.
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.
