Florida Passenger Files Lawsuit After Slipping on Wet Pool Deck Aboard MSC Seashore
Lawrence Duncan has filed a negligence lawsuit against MSC Cruises S.A. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, alleging he suffered serious injuries after slipping on an unreasonably wet and slippery pool deck while sailing aboard the MSC Seashore. The complaint, filed April 25, 2025, is styled Lawrence Duncan v. MSC Cruises S.A., Case No. 1:25-cv-21902-KMM.
Lawsuit Alleges MSC Failed to Maintain and Warn About Slippery Pool Deck Conditions
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on May 17, 2024, while Duncan was walking near the Long Island Pool on Deck 18 during a sunny afternoon. As he passed an outdoor shower area, Duncan allegedly slipped on a one-foot-wide puddle of clear liquid, which he claims was neither marked with signage nor discernible by sight.
Although MSC had deployed yellow warning cones elsewhere on the deck, none were placed where Duncan fell. The complaint further alleges that nearby pool attendants—tasked with patrolling for hazards—were observed sitting idly in the shade rather than inspecting the deck.
Duncan suffered a comminuted fracture of the left patella and a broken finger in his right hand, requiring multiple surgeries and ongoing physical therapy.
Prior Incidents and Similar Lawsuits Cited to Establish Notice
The lawsuit accuses MSC of negligent maintenance and failure to warn, arguing that the pool deck surface was unreasonably slippery when wet and may not meet industry safety standards for slip resistance. Duncan also contends that the danger was not open and obvious, as the liquid was visually undetectable against the synthetic decking.
To support his claim that MSC knew or should have known about the hazard, the complaint references multiple prior slip and fall lawsuits involving similar conditions on MSC ships, including:
- Williams v. MSC Cruises S.A., No. 23-CV-22340
- Milana v. MSC Cruises S.A., No. 20-CV-21482
- Haiser v. MSC Cruises (USA) Inc., No. 18-CV-60964
The suit also alleges MSC had policies requiring at least six pool attendants to monitor the deck and place warning signage when needed, but that these policies were not followed on the date of the incident.
Potential Implications for Cruise Industry Pool Deck Liability
This case highlights ongoing litigation over cruise ship pool deck safety, particularly when flooring materials become dangerously slippery when wet. Plaintiffs in similar cases have argued that cruise lines often choose visually appealing but low-friction materials that create hidden slip hazards.
Courts reviewing these claims often examine whether the cruise line had prior notice of similar incidents and whether any warning systems or inspection protocols were in place and followed. Duncan’s complaint attempts to establish both actual and constructive notice based on prior lawsuits, visible safety warnings placed elsewhere, and MSC’s own internal procedures.
If successful, the lawsuit could further reinforce the principle that cruise lines must actively monitor pool decks and take remedial action—particularly where hazards are not obvious to passengers using ordinary care.
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