Florida Passenger Sues Norwegian Cruise Line Over Slip and Fall on Aqua Park Stairs Aboard Norwegian Epic
A Florida man has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) after allegedly slipping on wet, defective stairs near the kids’ Aqua Park aboard the Norwegian Epic. The complaint, filed May 8, 2025, claims NCL negligently failed to maintain the stairway, inspect for hazards, and warn passengers, resulting in severe injuries to plaintiff Vishwa P. Sooklall. The case is styled Vishwa P. Sooklall v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., Case No. 1:25-cv-22123-RKA.
Passenger Slipped on Wet, Worn Stair Treads Near Aqua Park on Deck 16
On March 19, 2024, Sooklall was accompanying his cousin’s children at the Aqua Park on Deck 16 of the Norwegian Epic. After the children removed their footwear to access the waterslides, Sooklall, who remained in shoes, began descending the stairs back toward Deck 15.
According to the complaint, only three steps from the bottom, Sooklall slipped on what was believed to be a wet and slippery step missing its anti-slip edging and tread. With only the railing to try to break his fall, he slid down the staircase, suffering severe bodily injuries. Only after his fall did Sooklall notice the missing stair features, which allegedly contributed to the hazard.
Norwegian Cruise Line Allegedly Ignored Known Safety Issues and Failed to Warn
The lawsuit claims NCL had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazardous stair condition through past passenger complaints, online reviews, and prior incidents, including reports of crew members regularly squeegeeing water off the Aqua Park decks and stairs. Sooklall alleges NCL knew or should have known that wet stairs near water attractions, combined with slippery residues from sunscreen, soap, and pool use, created foreseeable and recurring slip hazards.
The complaint also references NCL’s promotional materials and safety claims, arguing that the cruise line failed to live up to its advertised commitments to passenger safety and adherence to international maritime standards, such as SOLAS.
Legal Claims Include Negligent Maintenance, Inspection, and Failure to Warn
The lawsuit asserts three primary negligence claims:
- Negligent maintenance: Allowing the stairs to deteriorate, leaving them without necessary slip-resistant treads and edging.
- Negligent failure to inspect: Failing to regularly check and repair stair conditions, despite the high-traffic, high-risk Aqua Park environment.
- Negligent failure to warn: Failing to post warning signs, block access, or otherwise alert passengers to the hazardous condition.
Sooklall seeks compensation for physical injuries, pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, permanent impairment, aggravation of preexisting conditions, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawsuit Reinforces Industry Safety Expectations
This lawsuit reinforces the legal expectations placed on cruise lines under general maritime law to provide a reasonably safe environment for passengers. Courts consistently hold cruise operators to account for hazards arising from poor maintenance, especially in known wet zones like waterparks and pools.
The outcome of the Sooklall case may impact how cruise lines inspect, maintain, and warn about water-related hazards in family-friendly onboard attractions, particularly where repeated passenger reports and prior incidents establish constructive notice.
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 consulting an experienced cruise ship injury attorney. Contact us today for a free consultation.
