Colorado Passenger Sues Royal Caribbean Over Cabin Shower Pipe Failure on Oasis of the Seas
A Colorado woman has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Royal Caribbean Group after allegedly being struck by a burst shower pipe in her cabin aboard the Oasis of the Seas. The complaint, filed May 9, 2025, claims Royal Caribbean negligently failed to maintain, inspect, and design safe cabin plumbing, leading to severe and permanent injuries to plaintiff Tiffany Hernandez. The case is styled Tiffany Hernandez v. Royal Caribbean Group, Case No. 1:25-cv-22148.
Passenger Struck by Burst Shower Pipe in Cabin 236 on Deck 6
The incident occurred on April 14, 2024, at approximately midnight while Tiffany Hernandez was showering in her assigned handicap-accessible cabin aboard the Oasis of the Seas. According to the complaint, a defective metal shower pipe, improperly installed and inadequately maintained, burst apart at a high-pressure connection point. The force of the rupture caused the attached shower head and pipe segment to strike Hernandez forcefully on her head, neck, and shoulder, knocking her forward into the shower wall.
As a result, Hernandez allegedly sustained a range of severe injuries, including a partial rotator cuff tear, biceps tendon damage, shoulder bursitis and tendinitis, spinal stenosis, nerve damage extending into her left arm, and post-concussive syndrome. She has undergone physical therapy, steroid injections, diagnostic imaging, and multiple surgeries to repair the damage.
Royal Caribbean Allegedly Knew of Plumbing Hazards and Failed to Remedy
The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean had actual or constructive knowledge of the defective shower pipe and similar cabin plumbing hazards through prior incidents, internal safety inspections, maintenance records, and guest reports. Hernandez argues that the dangerous condition was exacerbated by the cabin’s exposed and poorly installed piping, particularly at the high-pressure bend where the failure occurred.
The lawsuit further claims Royal Caribbean failed to conduct reasonable pre-embarkation inspections, disregarded industry and manufacturer safety standards, and ignored internal policies designed to ensure passenger cabin safety. Hernandez also alleges that the cruise line’s participation in the ship’s original design and construction process, as well as its continued approval of materials and installations, created a foreseeable risk of harm.
Legal Claims Include Failure to Remedy, Failure to Warn, Negligent Design, and Vicarious Liability
The lawsuit presents five primary legal claims:
- Negligent failure to remedy the dangerous condition before the incident
- Negligent failure to warn passengers about hidden plumbing hazards
- Negligent design, installation, and approval of the shower pipe and cabin bathroom system
- Negligence of Royal Caribbean’s employees and crew, with the cruise line held vicariously liable
- Vicarious liability for the negligent design and installation actions of Royal Caribbean departments responsible for ship construction and maintenance
Hernandez seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, permanent disability, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of independence, and diminished enjoyment of life.
Cruise Ship Cabin Injury Lawsuit Highlights Maritime Safety Duties
This lawsuit contributes to the growing legal focus on cruise ship cabin safety, particularly regarding hidden mechanical or structural hazards. Courts applying general maritime law increasingly hold cruise operators accountable for both operational negligence and design or construction defects when these create unsafe passenger conditions.
The outcome of the Hernandez case may influence how cruise lines inspect, maintain, and design onboard facilities, particularly accessible cabins, and could drive stronger industry adherence to international and domestic safety standards for onboard plumbing and fixtures.
Injured on a Cruise Ship? Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured aboard a cruise ship, you may have rights under maritime law. Protect your interests by consulting an experienced cruise ship injury attorney. Contact us today for a free consultation.
