Florida Woman Sues Princess Cruise Lines After Slip and Fall on Wet Lido Deck Aboard Emerald Princess
Bella Zahavi, a resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-21552-KMM, alleges that Zahavi suffered severe and permanent physical injuries after slipping on a dangerously wet and slippery floor while walking on the Lido Deck of the Emerald Princess on March 14, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Emerald Princess Lido Deck Due to Accumulated Water and Food Spills
According to the complaint, the incident occurred during a twelve night Panama Canal cruise that departed from Fort Lauderdale. Zahavi was walking past the Neptune’s Reef and Pool area toward the Slice and Coffee and Cones eatery at approximately 9:15 p.m. when she suddenly slipped and fell forward. The lawsuit alleges that the floor was in a hazardous condition due to a buildup of water tracked from pools and showers, as well as greasy food and drink spills from nearby poolside eateries. Zahavi claims the flooring became unreasonably slippery and that the presence of water was difficult to detect at night as it blended into the deck surface.
Princess Cruise Lines Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers of Slippery Deck Conditions and Flooring Hazards
The legal filing asserts that Princess Cruise Lines had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition but failed to provide any warnings to passengers. Despite internal company policies requiring crew members to place yellow caution signs in areas with wet or slippery floors, no signs, cones, or barriers were present at the time of the accident. The complaint highlights that Princess was aware of the recurring nature of these hazards on the Lido Deck, where high foot traffic and proximity to water features create a constant risk of slip and fall incidents. Zahavi alleges that the cruise line failed to station personnel to guard the area or orally warn travelers of the invisible hazard.
Lawsuit Alleges Negligent Maintenance and Improper Training of Crew Members on the Emerald Princess
The plaintiff brings multiple counts against the cruise line, including negligent maintenance and vicarious liability for the actions of its employees. The complaint argues that the pool attendants and deck supervisors failed to inspect and maintain the Lido Deck with sufficient regularity to prevent the accumulation of slippery substances. Furthermore, the lawsuit includes a count for negligent training and supervision, alleging that Princess failed to ensure its crew followed standard safety protocols for identifying and remediating deck hazards. Zahavi contends that had the crew properly squeegeed the floor or followed mopping procedures correctly, the accident would have been avoided.
Complaint Challenges the Safety and Slip Resistance of Flooring Materials Used on Princess Cruise Ships
A significant portion of the lawsuit focuses on the selection and maintenance of the flooring material itself. Zahavi alleges that Princess was negligent in using a flooring surface near the pool area that failed to maintain an adequate coefficient of friction when wet. The complaint suggests that the cruise line knew or should have known the material was inadequate for a high traffic maritime environment. Additionally, the plaintiff points out that Princess’s own maintenance practices, such as mopping greasy surfaces, can actually increase slipperiness if not managed correctly. The lawsuit seeks damages for a fractured wrist that required surgery, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and loss of life enjoyment.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured on a Vessel Due to Unsafe Deck Conditions
Cruise passengers who sustain injuries due to wet decks, lack of warning signs, or improper maintenance may be entitled to seek compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise operators are legally required to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition and to warn guests of any hidden dangers that could cause harm. If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall injury while on a cruise vacation, contact our team of experienced maritime attorneys to discuss your rights. We are dedicated to helping injured passengers navigate the complexities of maritime litigation and hold negligent cruise lines accountable.
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.
