Florida Woman Sues Princess Cruises After Fall on Hidden Step in Dimly Lit Princess Theater on Caribbean Princess
Lynda Bethea, a Florida resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22788-BB, alleges that Bethea was seriously injured when she tripped and fell over an unmarked step in the dimly lit Princess Theater aboard the Caribbean Princess while preparing for a shore excursion on July 19, 2024.
Passenger Directed by Crew to Step Down Into Unmarked Area in Darkened Theater, Causing Fall and Injury
According to the complaint, Bethea, age 70, was seated in the Princess Theater with other passengers waiting to disembark for shore excursions. As the area became crowded and chaotic, a crew member believed to be the Cruise Coordinator urgently instructed Bethea to move forward. The area where she had been standing was flat, but as she followed the crew member’s directive, she unknowingly encountered a step down not visible due to low lighting and indistinguishable flooring. Her foot slipped off the edge, causing a fall that resulted in a serious knee injury requiring surgery.
Princess Accused of Negligent Crowd Control, Poor Lighting, and Unsafe Design in High-Traffic Theater Area
The lawsuit alleges that Princess Cruise Lines failed to safely manage passenger movement and neglected to provide adequate warnings or lighting in the Princess Theater, especially during an organized disembarkation event. Bethea claims the crew rushed passengers, failed to alert them to elevation changes, and did not mark or illuminate the step that caused her fall. The complaint highlights that Princess knew elderly passengers were more susceptible to such hazards and failed to implement safety protocols in the theater’s design and operation.
Complaint References Prior Similar Incidents and Cruise Line’s Awareness of Hidden Elevation Hazards
Bethea alleges that Princess has been aware of the risks posed by unmarked steps and elevation changes in passenger areas through internal inspections, industry safety standards, and past lawsuits. The complaint references a similar case, Malooly v. Princess, involving a passenger injury during the excursion disembarkation process. It also claims that Princess intentionally conceals prior similar incidents through confidential settlements, preventing the public from learning about repeat safety failures.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Knee Surgery, Emotional Distress, and Disrupted Cruise Due to Dangerous Conditions
Bethea seeks compensation for her physical injuries, including knee damage that required surgery, along with pain, suffering, medical costs, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of her vacation. She brings four counts against Princess: general negligence, negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to inspect and maintain, and vicarious liability for crew conduct. The lawsuit also claims the incident permanently impacted her mobility and quality of life.
Injured on a Cruise Due to Poor Lighting or Hidden Steps? Know Your Rights Under Maritime Law
Passengers injured by hidden steps or poorly lit walkways aboard cruise ships may have a legal claim under maritime law. Cruise lines are required to ensure safe conditions and provide proper warnings in passenger-accessible areas. If you or a loved one was hurt in a similar incident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship trip and fall injury attorney.
