Florida Woman Sues NCL After Slip and Fall on Protruding Bathroom Threshold Aboard Norwegian Gem
Lisa Amrell, a resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-24085-XXXX, alleges that Amrell suffered serious and permanent lower leg injuries after tripping on a defective metal threshold strip while exiting a public bathroom aboard the Norwegian Gem on June 13, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured Exiting Norwegian Gem Bathroom Due to Defective Metal Strip and Lack of Warnings
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while Amrell was a fare-paying passenger utilizing a public restroom located within the pool deck area of the vessel. As she attempted to exit the bathroom, her foot or leg became ensnared on a metal transition strip protruding from the threshold. The lawsuit claims this metal strip was dangerously raised, unsecured, and elevated above the surrounding deck surface, creating an unreasonable tripping hazard. Despite NCL maintaining regular inspection protocols, safety practices, and bathroom check-sheets, the cruise line allegedly failed to identify or correct the hazard. Furthermore, Amrell asserts that NCL crew members did not place any caution signs, cones, barriers, or warning devices near the entrance to alert passengers to the dangerous condition, leaving her with no reason to anticipate the risk.
NCL Accused of Failing to Inspect, Maintain, and Repair Unsafe Deck Transitions and Public Restrooms
The lawsuit alleges that NCL had both actual and constructive knowledge of the unsafe bathroom threshold. The plaintiff notes that public restrooms near cruise ship pool decks experience exceptionally high volumes of foot traffic, making the metal transition strips highly susceptible to repeated stress, loosening, lifting, bending, and deformation. The complaint argues that the cruise line’s crew members were in close proximity to the area and should have observed the structural defect during routine maintenance or via the ship’s active video camera monitoring system. Despite knowing that these transition zones require strict inspection and prompt repair to ensure passenger safety, NCL allegedly allowed the hazardous strip to remain in disrepair rather than blocking off the bathroom or securing the flooring material.
Complaint Identifies History of Similar Cruise Ship Tripping Incidents Involving Norwegian Cruise Line Vessels
To demonstrate that NCL had notice of the recurring danger posed by elevated thresholds, the plaintiff’s legal team points to a documented history of substantially similar accidents across the cruise line’s fleet. The complaint references multiple prior lawsuits filed by passengers who suffered injuries under similar circumstances, including Evans v. NCL involving the Norwegian Prima, Munoz v. NCL involving the Norwegian Pearl, Milibarth v. NCL involving the NCL Epic, Sams v. NCL involving the NCL Getaway, and Robles v. NCL involving the NCL Breakaway. The lawsuit argues that these prior cases prove NCL was fully aware that improper threshold transitions represent a systemic fleet-wide hazard, yet the company failed to implement adequate preventive measures, enforce safer design standards, or properly train its crew to eliminate these recurring safety risks.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Fractured Leg, Surgery, and Permanent Disability Caused by Cruise Line Negligence
Amrell brings counts of negligence against NCL, including negligent maintenance and inspection, negligent failure to warn, and general negligence. The complaint outlines severe and permanent physical injuries resulting directly from the fall, specifically a displaced trimalleolar fracture of the right lower leg, a displaced comminuted fracture of the right tibia shaft, and a displaced comminuted fracture of the right fibula shaft. These extensive fractures required the plaintiff to undergo open reduction and internal fixation surgery followed by ongoing physical therapy. Additionally, the fall allegedly caused surgical scarring, disfigurement, mental anguish, and the aggravation or acceleration of her pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis. The plaintiff is seeking compensation for past and future medical expenses, physical impairment, and the total loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life.
Contact a Cruise Ship Restroom Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt Boarding or Traveling on a Vessel
Cruise passengers injured due to structural defects, poorly maintained walkways, or raised threshold strips in public areas may be entitled to financial compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise operators like NCL have a binding legal duty to provide a reasonably safe environment and to adequately warn travelers of hidden walking hazards that can lead to severe, life-altering falls. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury due to an unmaintained deck surface or a lack of hazard signage during a vacation, contact our team of dedicated maritime injury legal professionals today to review your case and protect your 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.
