Canadian Woman Sues Holland America Line After Trip and Fall on Wet Towels Inside Bathroom Aboard M/S Eurodam
Patricia Davis, a citizen and resident of Canada, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Holland America Line Limited in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington at Seattle. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 2:26-cv-00913-DWC, alleges that Davis suffered serious and permanent injuries after tripping over wet towels left on a bathroom floor aboard the M/S Eurodam on April 4, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured Inside M/S Eurodam Restroom Due to Hidden Trip Hazard and Leaking Ceiling
According to the complaint, the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. while the vessel was in navigable waters. Davis, an 81-year-old passenger, was on her way to the women’s public restroom located near the ship casino on Deck 2. As she entered the restroom, she took a step or two toward an open stall on her left when she suddenly tripped over several towels lying on the floor. The fall caused her to land heavily on her right arm. The lawsuit notes that the dangerous condition was hidden completely behind a closed restroom door, rendering the trip hazard invisible to passengers until they entered the space. No caution signs, warning tape, or barriers were posted outside or inside the restroom to alert passengers to the hazard.
Holland America Accused of Intentionally Creating Hazard with Wet Towels to Catch Restroom Ceiling Leak
The lawsuit alleges that Holland America had actual knowledge of the hazardous situation because its own crew members directly created the dangerous condition. Following the fall, the plaintiff’s husband and another passenger noted that the ceiling directly over the towels was actively leaking water. A fellow passenger reported that a bucket had previously been placed on the floor to catch the leak but was subsequently removed, and crew members deliberately substituted the bucket with towels to soak up the dripping liquid. Because the towels were visibly wet and saturated by the time of the incident, the complaint argues the condition had existed for a sufficient period for the cruise line to implement proper remedial measures, such as blocking public access to the facility or providing explicit verbal or written warnings.
Complaint Alleges Failure to Inspect, Monitor, and Implement Fleet Safety Management Procedures on Cruise Ship
In addition to failing to warn passengers, the complaint argues that Holland America breached its duties under maritime safety standards, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the vessel’s internal Safety Management System. The plaintiff claims the cruise line failed to properly inspect, regularly monitor, and maintain high-traffic passenger areas. The lawsuit asserts that the cruise line specifically markets its services to elderly individuals and is fully aware that older passengers face higher risks of severe injury from improperly managed walkways, trip hazards, and cleaning tools left in public spaces. The complaint further notes that the cruise line routinely requires confidentiality clauses in settlements of similar prior trip and fall incidents, which the plaintiff asserts is an effort to conceal a broader historical pattern of failing to correct known walkway hazards.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Broken Arm, Multiple Surgeries, and Lost Vacation Value Caused by Negligence
Davis brings four causes of action against the cruise line: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, general negligence, and vicarious liability under the doctrine of respondeat superior for the actions of its crew members. As a direct result of the fall, Davis suffered a fractured right arm that necessitated a medical disembarkation from the ship. She underwent an initial emergency surgery at a medical clinic in Jamaica, followed by a secondary surgical procedure upon returning to Canada. The lawsuit states that her injuries have caused permanent physical pain, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, and ongoing medical expenses. She seeks damages for these permanent impairments alongside compensation for significant unexpected travel costs and the complete loss of her cruise vacation investment.
Contact a Cruise Ship Restroom Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident Onboard
Cruise passengers who sustain severe injuries due to hidden trip hazards, active ceiling leaks, or unmaintained public restrooms may be legally entitled to significant financial compensation under general maritime law. Commercial cruise operators have a strict obligation to maintain all passenger-accessible areas in a reasonably safe condition and must provide clear warnings when unexpected hazards arise. If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury during a cruise vacation due to shipboard negligence, contact our legal team today to evaluate your case.
Contact us now to speak with an experienced cruise ship slip 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.
