Florida Woman Sues MSC Cruises After Tripping in Dimly Lit Passageway on MSC Divina
Tanya Orshansky, a resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises, S.A. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25948-JB, alleges that Orshansky suffered serious and permanent injuries after tripping over a concealed step while walking through a dark corridor aboard the MSC Divina on December 30, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured on MSC Divina Due to Concealed Step and Dim Lighting Near Golden Jazz Bar
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while Orshansky was a paying passenger navigating a passageway on Deck 7 leading toward the Golden Jazz Bar. The plaintiff asserts that as she walked through the dimly lit area, she encountered an ottoman that protruded into the narrow walkway. As she attempted to pass the furniture, she tripped and fell over a concealed step immediately adjacent to the ottoman. The lawsuit alleges that the hazardous condition was not open or obvious to passengers and that Orshansky had no way of knowing the tripping hazard existed. The fall resulted in significant injuries to her elbow that required surgical intervention.
MSC Cruises Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers of Known Tripping Hazards in Dark Ship Corridors
The lawsuit alleges that MSC Cruises had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous conditions involving unmarked steps and poor lighting. Orshansky’s legal team argues that the cruise line should have discovered the hazard through routine maintenance and inspections but failed to correct the issue or warn passengers. To demonstrate that the cruise line was on notice of such risks, the complaint cites prior litigation involving similar incidents on other MSC vessels. These include Botta v. MSC Cruises, where a passenger fell on a concealed step on the MSC Seaside in 2018, and Lagrimas v. MSC Cruises, involving a 2023 fall on the MSC Magnifica. The plaintiff contends that these prior accidents prove MSC was aware of the dangers posed by unmarked elevation changes in poorly lit areas across its fleet but failed to implement necessary safety measures.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Design and Improper Lighting Standards Aboard MSC Divina
Beyond the failure to warn, Orshansky alleges that the area near the Golden Jazz Bar was defectively designed and constructed. The complaint states that MSC Cruises participated in and approved the specific design of the passageways, including the placement of stairs and the selection of materials. Specifically, the lawsuit argues that the use of matching tile on both the floor and the step intentionally concealed the change in elevation, creating a “tripping hazard” for unsuspecting guests. Furthermore, the plaintiff claims the lighting installed in the area was insufficient for its intended purpose and did not meet industry standards for passenger safety. The complaint suggests that despite having the authority to reject unsafe designs during the ship’s construction and subsequent operations, the cruise line allowed these inherently unsafe features to persist.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Elbow Injury and Loss of Cruise Value Due to MSC Negligence
Orshansky brings four counts of negligence against MSC Cruises: negligent failure to warn, negligent design and construction, negligent maintenance, and general negligence. The lawsuit claims that as a direct result of the cruise line’s failure to provide a reasonably safe environment, the plaintiff suffered physical pain, mental anguish, disability, and disfigurement. In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, Orshansky seeks compensation for the loss of enjoyment of her vacation and the cost of the cruise itself. The complaint asserts that her injuries are permanent and will continue to cause impairment and loss into the future.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured by a Concealed Hazard Aboard a Vessel
Cruise ship passengers who suffer injuries due to poorly lit passageways, unmarked steps, or improperly placed furniture may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators like MSC Cruises have a non-delegable duty to maintain their walkways in a reasonably safe condition and to warn travelers of hazards that are not open and obvious. If you or a loved one experienced a serious fall while on a cruise due to negligent maintenance or design, contact our team of experienced maritime injury attorneys to discuss your legal rights.
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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.
