Florida Passenger Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Trip and Fall Over Raised Threshold on Gangway Ramp Aboard Norwegian Breakaway
Kelly Jo Beach, a Florida resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., doing business as Norwegian Cruise Line, alleging negligence during her disembarkation from the Norwegian Breakaway. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23424, claims that Beach suffered serious and permanent injuries after tripping over a raised threshold on the gangway ramp at the Port of Miami on August 4, 2024.
Passenger Alleges Tripping Hazard on Gangway Ramp While Disembarking Norwegian Breakaway
According to the complaint, Beach was following NCL’s instructions and rolling her suitcase down the gangway ramp provided by the cruise line when the suitcase wheels became caught on a raised and dangerous threshold embedded in the ramp flooring. The obstruction allegedly caused her to fall forward, injuring her right wrist.
The plaintiff asserts that the hazard was not open and obvious to passengers and that NCL had prior notice of the dangerous threshold. The complaint alleges NCL created, installed, or approved the threshold, encountered it during prior inspections, received previous complaints, and knew that passengers or their luggage had caught on it before.
Lawsuit Claims NCL Failed to Maintain, Inspect, and Warn of Dangerous Gangway Threshold
The lawsuit accuses NCL of breaching its duty of reasonable care by allowing the raised threshold to remain in place without adequate safety measures. Specific allegations include:
- Creating or approving a gangway ramp connector that was unreasonably high and hazardous
- Failing to assign appropriately trained staff to monitor passengers disembarking via the ramp
- Neglecting to implement inspection procedures to detect and address such hazards
- Failing to warn passengers of the threshold’s danger before directing them to use the ramp
The complaint also alleges vicarious liability, claiming that NCL’s crew members failed to identify and warn of the dangerous condition during disembarkation operations.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Serious and Permanent Injuries
Beach claims the fall caused serious and permanent injuries, including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. She also seeks compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. The lawsuit asserts that these damages are ongoing and will continue into the future.
Cruise Ship Gangway Accidents Pose Significant Passenger Safety Risks
Gangway ramps are a critical transition point between the ship and shore, and maritime law requires cruise lines to ensure they are safe for passenger use. Raised thresholds, uneven flooring, or unsecured sections can cause trips, falls, and serious injuries, particularly when passengers are carrying or rolling luggage.
Prior lawsuits against multiple cruise lines have alleged similar hazards. In Smith v. Carnival Corporation, a passenger tripped over a protruding metal plate on a gangway, while Johnson v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. involved a fall caused by an uneven ramp section during tender operations. These cases highlight that gangway accidents are a recurring issue in the cruise industry.
Contact a Cruise Ship Gangway Injury Attorney if You Were Hurt During Boarding or Disembarkation
Passengers injured on cruise ship gangways may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines have a legal duty to maintain, inspect, and supervise gangway operations to ensure passenger safety. If you or a loved one has suffered a gangway accident during boarding or disembarkation, you should speak with an experienced maritime injury lawyer to protect your rights.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship gangway accident attorney.
