Canadian Resident Sues MSC Cruises After Traumatic Brain Injury from Wheelchair Incident on MSC Meraviglia Gangway
Yiu Fai Thomas Chow, a citizen of Canada residing in Toronto, has filed a significant maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises S.A. and shipboard physician Ulises Cifuentes in the Southern District of Florida. The legal action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-22393-BB, alleges that Chow suffered a life-altering traumatic brain injury due to an unsafe gangway configuration and subsequent medical negligence while a passenger aboard the MSC Meraviglia in June 2025.
Cruise Passenger Suffers Traumatic Brain Injury Following Wheelchair Fall on Steep MSC Meraviglia Gangway
The complaint states that the incident occurred on June 12, 2025, while the vessel was docked at Ocean Cay, Bahamas, which is a private destination operated by MSC Cruises. As Chow attempted to reboard the ship in his wheelchair, the wheelchair allegedly tipped backward on the gangway, causing the back of his head to strike the ground with extreme force. The lawsuit describes the gangway as being in a dangerously disjointed state, constructed of multiple aluminum or steel pieces set at unsafe angles and featuring an unreasonably steep incline. Despite MSC stationing crew members at the boarding station, the complaint alleges they provided no assistance to Chow during the boarding process, even though assisting passengers with mobility needs fell within their required job duties.
MSC Cruises Accused of Negligence Regarding Unsafe Gangway Design and Knowledge of Fall Hazards
Chow’s legal team argues that MSC Cruises had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazardous boarding conditions. The complaint highlights that MSC utilizes a warning strip at the site of the steep incline and uneven gap, which serves as an admission of the potential for trips and falls. Furthermore, the lawsuit cites prior litigation, such as Patricia Tromp v. MSC Cruises, S.A., where another passenger was allegedly injured on the MSC Meraviglia gangway under similar circumstances involving gaps and uneven openings. The plaintiff asserts that MSC’s own corrective action policies require crew members to inspect gangway grades and inclines to ensure they are safe for passenger use, a protocol that was allegedly ignored during this voyage.
Lawsuit Alleges Shipboard Medical Negligence and Failure to Diagnose Life Threatening Brain Bleed
Beyond the initial fall, the complaint levels serious allegations against MSC and Dr. Ulises Cifuentes regarding the medical care provided following the accident. Although shipboard medical records noted hallmarks of serious head trauma, including raccoon eyes and swelling, the medical staff allegedly failed to recognize the urgency of the situation. Despite knowing that Chow was on blood-thinning medication, which significantly increases the risk of a fatal brain bleed, the shipboard doctors did not order an emergency evacuation or utilize available diagnostic tools like x-rays. Instead, the medical team allegedly discharged Chow to his cabin for rest and prescribed Naproxen, a medication that is generally contraindicated for suspected head injuries because it can exacerbate bleeding.
MSC Medical Personnel Accused of Violating ACEP Health Care Guidelines for Cruise Ship Medical Facilities
The lawsuit further contends that MSC Cruises failed to adhere to the American College of Emergency Physicians Health Care Guidelines, which the cruise line publicly claims to follow throughout its fleet. Specifically, the complaint points to a failure in rapid medical response and a breach of the professional standard of care for shipboard healthcare providers. When Chow finally reached a shoreside hospital several days later, he was diagnosed with bilateral frontal hemorrhagic contusions, a subdural hematoma, a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and an occipital skull fracture. The plaintiff argues that the delay in proper diagnosis and the administration of improper medication directly worsened his condition, leading to permanent functional limitations that affect his daily life.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Disability and Medical Expenses Caused by MSC Negligence
Chow brings multiple counts against the defendants, including general negligence, negligent maintenance, failure to warn, and medical negligence. The lawsuit seeks to hold MSC vicariously liable for the actions of its crew and medical staff under theories of respondeat superior and apparent agency. The plaintiff claims that because MSC controls the training, hiring, and daily activities of the medical staff, and displays its logo on their uniforms and medical facilities, passengers reasonably believe these doctors are agents of the cruise line. Chow is seeking damages for physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, and the loss of the value of his vacation and transportation costs.
Contact a Cruise Ship Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Injured on a Vessel Gangway
Passengers who suffer serious injuries such as brain trauma or spinal damage due to unsafe gangway conditions or inadequate shipboard medical care have specific rights under maritime law. If you or a loved one experienced a fall on a steep incline or received negligent medical treatment while on a cruise, it is essential to speak with an experienced maritime attorney who understands how to hold major cruise lines accountable for safety failures. Our legal team is dedicated to helping injured passengers navigate the complexities of maritime litigation and secure the compensation they deserve for their medical bills and long term care.
Contact us now to speak with a maritime 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.
