Florida Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Sudden Ship Movement in Casino Leads to Fall and Slot Machine Injury
A Florida resident has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida, alleging he suffered serious injuries after being violently thrown from his seat and struck by a falling slot machine aboard the Explorer of the Seas. The incident allegedly occurred during rough sea conditions on November 7, 2024. The case was filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24737 and names Royal Caribbean as liable for both negligent navigation and failure to warn.
Passenger Thrown from Casino Chair as Explorer of the Seas Lurched Without Warning in Rough Seas
According to the complaint, plaintiff Salim E. Farhat was in the ship’s casino with his wife when the Explorer of the Seas suddenly and unexpectedly lurched while navigating rough weather en route to Miami. The ship’s abrupt motion allegedly caused Farhat to be thrown off his chair, striking his head and then his body against another slot machine that had become dislodged from its mount. That machine fell directly onto his hip and side, causing serious physical injuries.
The lawsuit claims the vessel was traversing through known rough seas and that Royal Caribbean failed to warn passengers of the hazardous conditions or secure equipment such as the slot machine that fell on Farhat. He asserts the ship’s crew made no announcements warning of turbulent conditions until hours after the incident, when passengers were advised to remain in their cabins.
Lawsuit Alleges Royal Caribbean Knew of Rough Weather but Failed to Navigate Safely or Warn Guests
Farhat contends that Royal Caribbean knew or should have known of the dangerous weather conditions the ship would encounter during its return to Miami and failed to take preventive action. The complaint references industry protocols requiring cruise lines to hold meetings prior to port calls to discuss anticipated weather threats and safety planning. Farhat alleges the vessel was equipped with live weather tracking systems and stabilizers that could have helped avoid or reduce the risk of injury but were either not used properly or were malfunctioning.
The lawsuit further asserts that Royal Caribbean has a documented history of similar incidents, citing four prior cases where passengers aboard the Independence of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and the Explorer of the Seas were injured during sudden ship movements. Farhat alleges that these prior events placed Royal Caribbean on notice of the risks associated with navigating through rough weather without proper communication or precautions.
Plaintiff Brings Multiple Negligence Claims Including Vicarious Liability for Captain’s Navigation Decisions
The complaint brings five counts against Royal Caribbean: negligent navigation, failure to warn, general negligence, negligent failure to warn, and negligent failure to maintain shipboard equipment. Two of the counts allege vicarious liability for the ship’s captain, citing the failure to alter course, stabilize the ship, or provide timely safety warnings.
Farhat also claims the casino’s slot machines were inadequately secured and that Royal Caribbean failed to maintain them in a safe condition. He asserts that proper inspection and fastening of the equipment could have prevented the secondary injury caused when the machine struck him during the lurch.
Passenger Seeks Damages for Physical Pain, Emotional Distress, and Disruption of Cruise Due to Rough Seas Incident
Farhat claims that, as a result of the incident, he suffered injuries to his body and extremities, physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and lasting disability. He also seeks compensation for lost vacation value, medical costs, and long-term impairments.
The lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks monetary damages exceeding $75,000. It was filed under general maritime law and pursuant to the forum selection clause included in Royal Caribbean’s ticket contract.
Injured on a Cruise Ship Due to Rough Seas or Unsecured Equipment? Know Your Rights Under Maritime Law
Cruise lines are legally required to navigate with reasonable care and warn passengers of known hazards—including rough seas or sudden ship movement. They must also properly maintain and secure all onboard equipment to prevent injuries. If you were injured during a cruise due to a sudden lurch, falling equipment, or failure to warn of bad weather, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact us today to speak with a maritime injury attorney experienced in cruise passenger claims involving rough sea incidents and onboard equipment hazards.
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.
