Florida Resident Sues NCL After Tripping on Sticky Flooring Aboard Norwegian Joy
Kareema Baksh, a resident of Florida, has initiated a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The legal action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-21103, alleges that Baksh suffered significant and permanent bodily injuries after falling on a dangerously maintained floor surface while sailing as a passenger aboard the Norwegian Joy on November 20, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Norwegian Joy Deck 6 Following Trip and Fall on High Traction Flooring
The complaint states that the incident occurred as Baksh was walking on Deck 6 of the vessel, specifically in an area featuring polished, hard flooring often identified as the atrium or main portion of that deck. According to the filing, Baksh encountered a section of the floor that possessed an unnatural grip or was contaminated by a foreign transitory substance. This condition caused the sole of her shoe to become stuck unexpectedly, propelling her forward and causing her to fall face-down with considerable force. The plaintiff asserts that the floor lacked a proper coefficient of friction due to either a chemical treatment or a sticky substance, creating a deceptive hazard that was not open or obvious to her at the time of the accident.
NCL Accused of Constructive Notice Due to Frequent Floor Testing and Similar Prior Trip and Fall Incidents
The lawsuit contends that NCL had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous flooring conditions. The plaintiff’s counsel points to NCL’s own representations regarding safety standards and their adherence to high shipbuilding specifications as evidence that the cruise line should have been aware of the risks. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that the cruise line regularly conducts coefficient of friction testing and maintains rating tables for its flooring, suggesting that NCL was well-positioned to identify and remedy the defect. Baksh also highlights that the area in question is a high-traffic zone subject to significant wear and tear, requiring frequent inspection and maintenance that the cruise line allegedly failed to perform adequately on the date of the injury.
Lawsuit References Previous Falls Aboard Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic to Establish Notice
To further establish that the cruise line was on notice of the hazards, the complaint cites several prior incidents involving passengers who suffered similar falls on the Norwegian Joy and other vessels within the NCL fleet. These include a trip and fall in the atrium of the Norwegian Breakaway in April 2024, a fall on marble-like flooring aboard the Norwegian Pride of America in February 2024, and a similar incident on Deck 6 of the Norwegian Epic in December 2023. By referencing these cases, the plaintiff argues that NCL was aware of the recurring nature of dangerous floor conditions and the potential for “sticky” surfaces to cause passenger injuries but failed to implement necessary safety modifications.
Count for Negligent Failure to Warn and Maintenance Omissions Against NCL Bahamas Ltd
The legal complaint brings three counts of negligence against the defendant: negligent maintenance and inspection, negligent failure to warn, and general negligence. Baksh alleges that NCL breached its duty of reasonable care by failing to maintain the subject area in a safe condition, failing to keep the floor free of sticky or high-traction substances, and neglecting to provide adequate warnings regarding the risks of the flooring. The plaintiff claims that had NCL properly monitored the area via crew members or video cameras, or simply closed off the hazardous section, her injuries could have been avoided. The lawsuit seeks damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and the loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life.
Contact a Norwegian Joy Slip and Fall Attorney if You Suffered an Injury Due to Unsafe Ship Flooring
Cruise ship passengers who are injured due to improperly maintained walking surfaces or hazardous flooring conditions may be eligible for compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators like NCL are legally required to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition for fare-paying guests. If you or a loved one experienced a fall on a cruise ship because of a sticky substance, a lack of non-slip treatment, or a failure to warn of known dangers, it is important to understand your rights. Contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today to discuss your potential claim and explore your legal options for recovery.
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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.
