Florida Resident Sues Celebrity Cruises After Slip and Fall Incident on Wet Deck of Celebrity Ascent
Patricia Hazelton, a citizen and resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Celebrity Cruises, Inc. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20714-KMW, alleges that Hazelton suffered serious and permanent physical injuries after slipping on a slippery, wet, or transitory substance while walking on an exterior deck of the Celebrity Ascent on February 6, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Celebrity Ascent Deck 14 Due to Dangerously Slippery Surface and Lack of Warnings
According to the formal complaint, the incident occurred while Hazelton was lawfully present as a fare-paying passenger aboard the vessel. While walking in an exterior area of Deck 14, she encountered a deck surface that was allegedly unreasonably slippery and dangerous. The lawsuit claims the surface either had a foreign substance on it or lacked adequate slip resistance to ensure passenger safety. Hazelton asserts that the hazard was not open or obvious because the substance blended into the deck surface, making it nearly impossible for a passenger to detect the lack of traction through ordinary observation. Despite the cruise line’s duty of reasonable care, the complaint alleges that Celebrity Cruises failed to provide a safe walking environment or warn passengers of the invisible slipping hazard on the exterior deck.
Celebrity Cruises Accused of Having Constructive Knowledge of Recurring Slip and Fall Hazards Across Edge Class Fleet
The lawsuit alleges that Celebrity Cruises had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition due to a significant history of similar accidents on its ships. Plaintiff’s legal counsel points to a series of prior slip and fall incidents on exterior decks across the Celebrity fleet, specifically highlighting other Edge-class vessels which share the same design as the Celebrity Ascent. The complaint cites multiple past cases including Bekerman v. Celebrity Cruises involving the Celebrity Edge, Defilippo v. Celebrity Cruises involving the Celebrity Beyond, and Waite v. Celebrity Cruises also involving the Celebrity Edge. Furthermore, the filing references additional incidents on the Celebrity Eclipse, Constellation, Equinox, and Infinity. These prior lawsuits are presented as evidence that the cruise line was aware of a recurring propensity for slip and fall accidents on its exterior walking surfaces but failed to take corrective action to protect future passengers like Hazelton.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Apply Non-Skid Materials on Exterior Cruise Ship Decks
Beyond the failure to warn, Hazelton alleges that Celebrity Cruises was negligent in the maintenance and upkeep of the Celebrity Ascent. The complaint argues that the cruise line failed to follow its own internal safety policies and procedures designed to prevent slip and fall accidents. Specifically, the plaintiff claims the defendant failed to apply non-skid surfacing, slip-resistant paint, or mats in high-traffic exterior areas. Additionally, the lawsuit contends that the cruise line did not staff a sufficient number of personnel to conduct routine inspections or timely clean and dry the deck surfaces. By failing to block off the area or address the lack of slip resistance, Celebrity Cruises allegedly breached its maritime duty to maintain the vessel in a reasonably safe condition for passengers traversing the exterior decks.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Spinal Injuries and Medical Expenses Following Celebrity Ascent Fall
Hazelton brings two counts of negligence against Celebrity Cruises: negligent maintenance and negligent failure to warn. The lawsuit states that as a direct result of the slip and fall, Hazelton sustained severe injuries, including a closed fracture of the second lumbar vertebra and a compression fracture of the second lumbar vertebral body. These injuries have allegedly led to ongoing pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical disability, and the inability to lead a normal life. She is seeking compensatory damages for past and future medical expenses, hospital costs, and other out-of-pocket health care needs. The complaint emphasizes that these damages are permanent and continuing in nature, requiring long-term care and financial recovery for the losses sustained during her voyage.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured on a Vessel Due to Unsafe Deck Conditions
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to slippery deck surfaces, lack of non-skid flooring, or inadequate warning signs may be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law. Cruise companies like Celebrity Cruises have a legal obligation to maintain their ships and protect passengers from foreseeable tripping and slipping hazards. If you or a loved one was injured in a similar cruise ship slip and fall accident, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today. We can help you navigate the complexities of maritime litigation and work toward securing the justice you deserve.
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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.
