Florida Parent Sues Royal Caribbean After Minor Child Suffers Severe Injury on Icon of the Seas Waterslide
Jennifer Rolfe, a resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit on behalf of her minor child, K.R., against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20940-JB, alleges that the minor passenger sustained permanent and debilitating injuries while participating in a waterslide activity aboard the Icon of the Seas on July 29, 2025.
Minor Passenger Injured on Icon of the Seas Waterslide After Foot Becomes Caught on Slide Edge
The lawsuit details a harrowing incident that took place while the minor was using a waterslide on the vessel. According to the complaint, the child’s foot became caught on an edge or transition point of the slide while they were in motion. This caused the minor to flip over mid-descent, resulting in a violent impact and severe physical injuries. The plaintiff alleges that the waterslide was in a hazardous condition and that Royal Caribbean failed to provide a reasonably safe means for passengers to participate in the activity. The incident occurred while the vessel was operating in navigable waters, bringing the matter under the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the federal court.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Ignoring Multiple Prior Waterslide Injuries Aboard Icon of the Seas
A central theme of the lawsuit is the allegation that Royal Caribbean had specific knowledge of the dangers posed by its onboard waterslides but failed to take corrective action. The complaint lists a series of prior incidents involving severe injuries to other passengers on the Icon of the Seas in the months leading up to the July 2025 accident. Specifically, the filing identifies incidents involving passengers on February 5, February 12, February 27, and June 5 of 2024. The plaintiff argues that these repeated accidents provided the cruise line with actual and constructive notice that the waterslide attractions were dangerous. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that the cruise line orchestrates confidential settlements in other cases to conceal the frequency of these accidents from the public and future passengers.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Failure to Warn and Inadequate Maintenance of Onboard Water Attractions
The legal action brings forward three primary counts: general negligence, negligent failure to warn, and negligent failure to maintain. Rolfe contends that Royal Caribbean breached its duty of reasonable care by failing to properly train and supervise the crew members responsible for monitoring the waterslide. Additionally, the lawsuit claims the cruise line did not provide adequate safety instructions or post sufficient warning signs to alert passengers to the specific risks of the slide. From a maintenance perspective, the plaintiff alleges that Royal Caribbean failed to regularly inspect the equipment for hazards like the sharp or protruding edges that allegedly caught the child’s foot. The complaint suggests that had the cruise line enforced industry standards or its own internal safety policies, the injury could have been prevented.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Disability and Medical Expenses Following Cruise Ship Accident
As a direct result of the incident on the Icon of the Seas, the minor passenger is alleged to have suffered significant physical pain, mental anguish, and permanent disability or disfigurement. The lawsuit seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, the loss of enjoyment of life, and the lost value of the family’s vacation and transportation costs. Because the injuries are described as continuing in nature, the plaintiff is seeking a jury trial to determine the full extent of the damages owed by the cruise line. The filing emphasizes that the cruise line’s failure to correct known hazardous conditions directly contributed to the life-altering injuries sustained by the minor child.
Contact a Cruise Ship Waterslide Injury Lawyer Today if Your Child Was Hurt During a Shipboard Activity
Passengers who suffer injuries due to dangerous conditions on cruise ship waterslides or recreational decks may be eligible for compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise operators like Royal Caribbean have a legal responsibility to maintain their attractions in a reasonably safe condition and to warn guests of any hidden dangers that are not open and obvious. If you or a family member sustained a serious injury while participating in an onboard activity, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today. We are available to help you understand your rights and the complexities of filing a claim against a major cruise corporation.
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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.
