Florida Woman Sues MSC Cruises After Slip and Fall on Wet Deck 8 Flooring Aboard MSC Seascape
Ayana Powell, a resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises S.A. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 0:26-cv-60371, alleges that Powell suffered permanent physical injuries and emotional distress after slipping on a wet and slippery flooring surface while navigating the MSC Seascape on August 31, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on MSC Seascape Due to Slippery Flooring Near Deck 8 Stairway
According to the legal filing, the incident occurred while Powell was a fare-paying passenger aboard the vessel. As she was ascending the stairs on Deck 8, she encountered a flooring surface that was allegedly wet and dangerously slick. The fall resulted in significant physical trauma, specifically a dislocated index finger on her right hand and debilitating back pain. Powell contends that the area lacked appropriate traction and that the cruise line failed to maintain the surface in a reasonably safe condition for passengers moving between different levels of the ship. The complaint highlights that MSC Cruises promotes a message of total peace of mind regarding safety on its website, yet the conditions on Deck 8 allegedly contradicted these corporate assurances.
MSC Cruises Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers of Interior Hazards Caused by Rainwater
The lawsuit alleges that MSC Cruises had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous conditions that led to the accident. Specifically, the plaintiff asserts that the cruise line was aware that it was actively raining at the time and that water was being tracked into the interior of the ship by both passengers and crew members. This accumulation of rainwater created a foreseeable risk of slippery walking surfaces, particularly in high-traffic zones like the area near the Deck 8 stairs. Despite this knowledge, the cruise line allegedly failed to place warning signs, cones, or cautionary devices in the immediate vicinity of the fall. While a caution cone had been placed near an elevator some distance away, the complaint argues this was insufficient to alert passengers to the specific hazard located by the stairway where the carpeted surface transitioned to a different material.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Follow Safety Procedures Aboard MSC Fleet
The legal action further claims that MSC Cruises breached its duty of care by failing to implement and enforce adequate safety protocols. Powell’s legal team argues that the cruise line did not reasonably clean or dry the subject area and failed to utilize flooring materials with sufficient slip resistance for the anticipated use of the space. The complaint suggests that the defendant failed to adequately monitor the vessel for wet spots and dangerous substances, despite having staff who routinely patrolled the ship as part of their assigned duties. Furthermore, the lawsuit references a propensity for falls on similar surfaces fleetwide, suggesting that MSC was on notice of repeated safety issues involving these specific types of flooring transitions and contaminations but failed to take corrective action to prevent future incidents.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Disability and Loss of Vacation Value Following Cruise Injury
Powell brings a count of negligence against MSC Cruises, seeking judgment for a wide range of damages. The lawsuit states that as a direct result of the fall, the plaintiff suffered physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and a loss of enjoyment of life. Because the injuries are alleged to be permanent and continuing, Powell claims her future working ability has been impaired and she will continue to incur significant medical expenses for care and treatment. Beyond the physical and economic toll, the plaintiff seeks to recover the lost value of her cruise vacation and related transportation costs, asserting that the negligence of the cruise line effectively deprived her of the benefit of her travel. Powell has demanded a trial by jury to resolve all issues of fact in the case.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured in a Maritime Accident
Passengers who suffer injuries due to wet decks, improper maintenance, or a lack of warning signs on a cruise ship may be entitled to seek compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise companies have a clear legal obligation to maintain their vessels in a condition that ensures the safety of their guests. If you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall accident while on a cruise, it is essential to understand the specific legal standards that apply to maritime claims. Our team is dedicated to helping injured passengers navigate the complexities of maritime litigation and hold cruise lines accountable for safety failures.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
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.
