Florida Man Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Falling Down Escalator on Norwegian Epic When Denied Elevator Access
Charles Arnold, a resident of Cocoa Beach, Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., doing business as Norwegian Cruise Line, in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, Case No. 1:25-cv-25027-PCH, alleges that Arnold, then 83 years old, suffered serious injuries when he was directed by cruise staff to use an escalator instead of an elevator aboard the Norwegian Epic, resulting in a violent fall down the moving staircase.
Elderly Cruise Passenger Falls Down Metal Escalator After Norwegian Epic Crew Allegedly Denies Elevator Access
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on November 2, 2024, as Arnold and his party exited the Taste Restaurant on Deck 5 of the Norwegian Epic. After breakfast, they asked the restaurant’s maître d’ for directions to the nearest elevator so they could disembark the vessel. Despite Arnold’s advanced age and limited mobility, the maître d’ allegedly insisted that he use the escalator instead of the elevator.
While attempting to use the escalator against his will, Arnold reportedly lost his balance and tumbled approximately 15 feet, striking his head and body on the sharp metal steps. The complaint states that the fall was so violent he briefly lost consciousness. He sustained severe injuries that required medical treatment and resulted in long-term physical, emotional, and financial harm.
Lawsuit Cites Prior Incidents and Medical Studies Showing Escalators Are Hazardous to Elderly Cruise Guests
Arnold’s attorneys allege that Norwegian was on notice of the risks escalators pose to elderly passengers. The complaint cites multiple similar incidents, including:
- Hicks v. NCL (2022), in which another elderly guest was directed to use an escalator aboard the Norwegian Gem
- Simone v. NCL (2019), involving a passenger fall on an escalator aboard the Norwegian Epic
- Penzo v. Celebrity Cruises (2021), where a passenger fell backward while using an escalator on the Celebrity Edge
The suit also references medical research from the National Institutes of Health and Reuters Health identifying elderly individuals as particularly vulnerable to escalator-related injuries. Arnold’s legal team claims that Norwegian conceals similar incidents by resolving claims confidentially, making it difficult for the public to assess the true risk.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Provide Safe Disembarkation Route for Elderly Passenger
The lawsuit includes four counts of negligence, alleging that Norwegian:
- Failed to maintain and inspect the escalator or offer a safer alternative such as an elevator
- Failed to warn Arnold of the risks associated with using the escalator despite his mobility concerns
- Negligently directed him to use the escalator over his repeated requests for elevator access
- Is vicariously liable for the actions of the crew member under the doctrine of respondeat superior
The complaint emphasizes that cruise lines owe passengers a non-delegable duty to provide safe ingress and egress, especially when passengers are visibly elderly or mobility-impaired. Norwegian’s alleged insistence that Arnold use an escalator—rather than offering a safer alternative—violated this duty, the suit claims.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Head Injuries, Disability, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Arnold’s fall reportedly caused significant injuries to his head and other parts of his body, leading to:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Disability and disfigurement
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Loss of capacity to enjoy life
- Loss of earnings and future earning capacity
His legal team argues that these damages are ongoing and permanent, and the incident could have been avoided had Norwegian taken reasonable precautions for passengers with mobility limitations.
Elderly and Mobility-Impaired Cruise Passengers Must Be Offered Safe, Accessible Disembarkation Options
This lawsuit highlights growing concerns about how cruise lines manage accessibility and safety for older passengers. Cruise lines are legally obligated to ensure safe disembarkation procedures and must avoid directing elderly or disabled guests to use escalators when safer alternatives, like elevators, are available. Failing to do so can result in severe injuries and liability under maritime law.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe disembarkation procedures or forced use of escalators aboard a cruise ship, you may have a claim for compensation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer today.
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.
