Florida Passenger Sues Norwegian Cruise Line Over Slip and Fall Injury on Norwegian Epic Deck 15
A Florida woman has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) after allegedly slipping and falling on dangerously slippery flooring aboard the Norwegian Epic. The complaint, filed May 6, 2025, claims NCL failed to provide slip-resistant surfaces, properly clean the area, or warn passengers of hazards, resulting in severe injuries to plaintiff Elizabeth Geiger. The case is styled Elizabeth Geiger v. Norwegian Cruise Line, Case No. 1:25-cv-22099.
Passenger Slipped on Indoor-Outdoor Transition Flooring on Rainy Deck
On March 25, 2025, while on the fourth day of a Caribbean cruise departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, 67-year-old Elizabeth Geiger slipped and fell on Deck 15 of the Norwegian Epic. According to the complaint, the area where the fall occurred featured a transition between outdoor-style, grainy flooring and smooth indoor-style flooring under an awning, which became wet when rain blew in.
Geiger describes the surface as “absurdly” slippery, like black ice, due to the use of inappropriate indoor flooring in an area exposed to the elements. She claims NCL should have installed friction strips or slip-resistant coverings and should have been aware of the recurring hazard through crew experience and prior incidents.
Severe Injuries Alleged, Including Fractured Ribs and Permanent Impairment
The lawsuit details multiple injuries suffered by Geiger, including displaced rib fractures, head and neck injuries, a fractured left finger, extensive hematomas, hip swelling, bleeding from her left elbow, and severe pain resulting in sleep deprivation. After receiving emergency care at the ship’s medical center, Geiger was told to follow up with an orthopedic surgeon upon returning home.
The complaint alleges that Geiger’s injuries have caused and will continue to cause physical impairment, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and aggravation of preexisting conditions.
Legal Claims Include Unsafe Flooring, Inadequate Cleaning, and Failure to Warn
Geiger’s lawsuit brings three primary negligence claims against Norwegian Cruise Line:
- Substandard flooring: Failure to install appropriate slip-resistant flooring for an area regularly exposed to rainwater.
- Failure to clean adequately: Allowing weeks or months of dirt buildup, which, when wet, increased slipperiness.
- Failure to warn: Neglecting to post wet floor signs or other hazard warnings in a known problem area.
The complaint asserts that NCL had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard and failed to act, breaching its duty of reasonable care under maritime law.
Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawsuit Highlights Industry-Wide Safety Responsibilities
This case emphasizes cruise operators’ legal obligations under general maritime law to protect passengers from foreseeable hazards, particularly in areas where indoor and outdoor spaces blend, and where flooring materials must accommodate environmental exposure.
The outcome of the Geiger lawsuit may influence how cruise lines approach the selection of flooring materials, implement cleaning protocols, and communicate hazards to passengers, especially in semi-enclosed areas prone to rain and wind.
Injured on a Cruise Ship? Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured aboard a cruise ship, you may have rights under maritime law. Protect your legal options by speaking with an experienced cruise ship injury attorney. Contact us today for a free consultation.
