Florida Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Slipping on Slippery Deck While Boarding the Norwegian Epic
Linda Bentley, a Florida resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., doing business as Norwegian Cruise Line, in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24934-DPG, alleges that Bentley suffered serious injuries while boarding the Norwegian Epic due to a dangerously slick and slimy deck surface that was not properly maintained or marked with effective warnings.
Norwegian Cruise Line Passenger Slips on Slimy Deck Surface at Gangway Entrance While Boarding Norwegian Epic
According to the complaint, Bentley was embarking on the Norwegian Epic on November 2, 2024, when she was directed by ship personnel to walk across a specific section of the deck to complete boarding. This area, located near the entrance from the gangway, was allegedly covered in a slimy and slick substance that made the surface hazardous for passengers. Although the cruise line placed a cone or warning sign near the area, Bentley argues that it was insufficient to communicate the extreme slipperiness of the surface or prevent injury. She contends that crew members, rather than redirecting passengers or cordoning off the area, actively directed passengers—including herself—through the hazardous zone.
Lawsuit Claims NCL Failed to Maintain Safe Embarkation Area and Ignored Slip and Fall Risks
The complaint accuses Norwegian Cruise Line of failing to maintain the deck surface in a reasonably safe condition for boarding passengers. Bentley asserts that NCL had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition based on the fact that crew had placed a warning cone at the site, signaling prior awareness of the slippery condition. Furthermore, the lawsuit notes that the hazardous area was located in a high-traffic zone used by all embarking passengers, further supporting claims that NCL should have taken more robust corrective actions. Bentley alleges the cruise line failed to apply non-slip materials, clean or dry the deck, or provide handrails or assistance to passengers navigating the area.
Plaintiff Sustains Femur Fracture Requiring Surgery Due to Alleged Cruise Line Negligence
While traversing the slippery section of the deck, Bentley slipped and fell, suffering an intertrochanteric fracture of her left femur. The injury required surgical intervention and resulted in ongoing physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. According to the complaint, Bentley continues to incur medical expenses and is expected to need future medical treatment as a result of her injuries. The lawsuit contends that her injuries are permanent and continuing in nature.
Norwegian Epic Crew Allegedly Directed Passengers Into Known Hazard Without Adequate Warnings or Safety Measures
Bentley’s legal team argues that crew members stationed near the dangerous area failed to warn passengers adequately or provide any alternative path. Instead, they allegedly directed all passengers to board through the slippery zone without assistance. The lawsuit highlights that the presence of caution cones did not alleviate the risk and may have given passengers a false sense of security when combined with staff directions to proceed. The suit also claims the dangerous deck conditions were not obvious to a reasonable passenger and could not have been fully appreciated from visual observation alone.
Complaint Cites Failure to Suspend or Modify Unsafe Boarding Process Despite Known Hazards
The lawsuit brings multiple negligence-based counts against Norwegian Cruise Line, including negligent maintenance, negligent failure to warn, and negligent failure to suspend or alter boarding procedures. Bentley claims NCL violated internal safety protocols and failed to follow industry standards that require cruise lines to keep passenger walkways safe and accessible. Despite allegedly knowing that the slimy surface posed a serious risk of injury, the cruise line continued boarding operations as usual, requiring passengers to walk directly through the unsafe area.
Passenger Seeks Damages for Long-Term Medical Needs and Cruise Disruption
Bentley is seeking damages for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the diminished value of her cruise experience. Her attorneys argue that Norwegian Cruise Line breached its non-delegable duty to provide safe boarding conditions and that its actions—along with the acts of its crew—constitute direct and vicarious negligence.
Injured While Boarding a Norwegian Cruise Ship? Know Your Rights Under Maritime Law
Cruise lines have a duty under maritime law to provide passengers with a safe means of boarding and disembarking. Failure to maintain clean, dry, and hazard-free gangways and deck surfaces can result in serious injuries. If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall injury while boarding or disembarking a cruise ship due to a wet or slippery deck, lack of warning signs, or crew negligence, you may have legal options. An experienced maritime injury lawyer can help you evaluate your claim and pursue compensation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury 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.
