Florida Passenger Sues MSC Cruises After Slip and Fall on Infinity Pool Steps on MSC Seashore
Rita Chenoweth, a resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The civil action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20460-KMM, alleges that Chenoweth sustained significant injuries after slipping on a set of wet stairs near the Infinity Pool aboard the MSC Seashore on November 25, 2024. The complaint asserts that the cruise line failed to provide adequate handrails or warnings about the slippery conditions in the high-traffic pool area.
Passenger Injured Near Infinity Pool Alleging Lack of Handrails and Slippery Surfaces
According to the lawsuit, the incident took place while Chenoweth was on Deck 8 of the MSC Seashore, attempting to use the Infinity Pool located at the aft of the vessel. As she approached the pool, she allegedly slipped on a series of steps that were wet due to their proximity to the water. The complaint states that the area was slippery and potentially contaminated with a foreign substance, creating an unreasonably dangerous condition for passengers. Chenoweth claims that as she lost her footing, she instinctively reached out to grab something to stabilize herself but found no adequate support. The lawsuit alleges that the railings in the Infinity Pool area were spaced too far apart or were otherwise insufficient to arrest her fall. As a result, she reportedly fell and struck her head and face on the stairs, requiring immediate medical attention in the ship’s infirmary, including several stitches.
MSC Cruises Accused of Negligent Failure to Warn and Maintain Safe Pool Deck Conditions
The legal filing contends that MSC Cruises breached its duty of care by failing to warn passengers of the known hazards associated with the Infinity Pool area. The complaint argues that the cruise line knew or should have known that the exterior decks near pools are subject to frequent wetting and heavy foot traffic, making them prone to slip and fall accidents. Despite this alleged knowledge, the lawsuit claims MSC failed to place wet floor signs, anti-slip mats, or other warnings to alert passengers to the dangerous nature of the flooring. Chenoweth’s legal team asserts that crew members were in close proximity to the area and should have observed and remedied the wet conditions or warned passengers of the danger. The failure to provide a verbal warning or adequate signage regarding the slippery deck and insufficient handrails is a central component of the negligence claim.
Lawsuit Cites Prior Slip and Fall Incidents on MSC Vessels as Evidence of Constructive Notice
To support the claim that MSC Cruises had notice of the dangerous conditions, the complaint references numerous prior lawsuits involving slip and fall incidents on MSC vessels. The filing lists over twenty specific cases filed in the Southern District of Florida between 2014 and 2020 where passengers allegedly suffered injuries on wet decks or near pool areas. Cited cases include incidents on the MSC Meraviglia, MSC Divina, MSC Armonia, MSC Orchestra, and MSC Poesia. The plaintiff argues that these substantially similar prior incidents demonstrate that the cruise line was well aware of the recurring risks posed by wet deck surfaces and inadequate safety measures but failed to take appropriate corrective action across its fleet. The complaint suggests that this history of accidents created a duty for MSC to implement stricter inspection protocols and safety features, such as better handrails and non-slip flooring.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Physical Injuries and Medical Expenses Following Pool Deck Accident
Chenoweth brings three counts of negligence against MSC Cruises: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. She is seeking damages for the physical and mental pain and suffering she endured, as well as for disability, disfigurement, and the loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. The lawsuit also seeks recovery for medical expenses related to her injuries, including the costs of hospitalization, surgery, medication, and physical therapy. Additionally, the plaintiff claims a loss of past and future earnings due to the impairment of her ability to work. The complaint emphasizes that the injuries are permanent or continuing in nature and that the accident would not have occurred had the cruise line properly maintained the vessel and provided safe access to the pool area.
Contact a Cruise Ship Pool Accident Lawyer If You Were Injured on an Unsafe Deck
Passengers who suffer injuries due to slippery pool decks, inadequate handrails, or lack of proper safety warnings on cruise ships may have grounds for legal action under maritime law. Cruise lines have a responsibility to maintain safe premises and protect their guests from foreseeable hazards in high-traffic recreational areas. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident on a cruise ship, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney to understand your rights. Our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers is dedicated to helping victims navigate the complexities of cruise ship litigation and seek the compensation they deserve.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
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.
