Florida Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Being Injured by Falling Slot Machine During Rough Seas on Explorer of the Seas
Olga H. Farhat, a Florida resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24845-JB, alleges that Farhat suffered serious injuries on November 7, 2024, when the Explorer of the Seas suddenly lurched during rough weather, causing her to be thrown from her seat in the ship’s casino and struck by a falling slot machine.
Cruise Passenger Injured During Unexpected Lurch of Explorer of the Seas While Seated in Casino Area
According to the lawsuit, Farhat and her husband were in the casino when the vessel began to rock, lurch, and list without warning as it navigated through rough seas while returning to Miami. The complaint alleges that Farhat was abruptly ejected from her seat and fell to the floor near her husband. As she attempted to shield him, a nearby slot machine, which was allegedly unsecured, toppled onto her hip and side, causing serious and lasting injuries.
The incident occurred inside the vessel, where passengers had no reason to anticipate sudden movements or weather-related hazards. The complaint asserts that no warning announcements were issued prior to the event and that only hours later did the ship’s captain direct passengers to remain in their cabins due to inclement weather and a prior injury onboard.
Lawsuit Claims Royal Caribbean Failed to Warn of Rough Seas and Failed to Secure Casino Equipment
Farhat alleges that Royal Caribbean knew or should have known about the rough weather conditions that the vessel would encounter and failed to take necessary precautions to warn passengers or adjust the ship’s operations. The lawsuit states that the cruise line had access to live weather data, navigational controls, and ship stabilizers but failed to alter course or speed to minimize movement or ensure onboard safety.
The complaint also accuses Royal Caribbean of failing to properly secure heavy casino equipment like slot machines, which allegedly contributed directly to the plaintiff’s injuries. The lawsuit references prior similar incidents on Royal Caribbean vessels dating back to at least 2010, including accidents on the Anthem of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and even a past incident on the Explorer of the Seas involving injuries due to sudden vessel movement during rough weather.
Plaintiff Brings Multiple Claims of Negligence and Vicarious Liability Against Royal Caribbean
Farhat brings five counts against Royal Caribbean, including vicarious liability for the captain’s negligence in navigating the vessel and failing to warn of anticipated weather conditions. The lawsuit also asserts direct negligence for failure to maintain the vessel in a reasonably safe condition, particularly the casino and its equipment.
Specific allegations include failing to monitor and respond to weather data, failing to provide passenger warnings, navigating through known rough seas, and not securing heavy objects in passenger-accessible areas. Farhat also claims the cruise line did not enact or enforce policies to prevent injuries during rough sea conditions.
Passenger Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Expenses, and Disrupted Vacation Due to Casino Accident
As a result of the incident, Farhat claims she suffered permanent physical injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, and the loss of enjoyment of her cruise. The lawsuit seeks damages for her injuries and for the loss of value of her vacation and related travel costs.
Contact a Cruise Ship Rough Weather Injury Attorney if You Were Hurt Due to Sudden Vessel Movement or Unsecured Equipment
Passengers injured on cruise ships due to sudden lurching in rough weather or improperly secured onboard equipment—such as falling slot machines—may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines have a duty to monitor weather conditions, warn passengers of foreseeable risks, and ensure that all areas of the ship are maintained in a safe condition. If you’ve suffered a similar injury, our experienced team of maritime attorneys is ready to help.
Contact us today for a consultation with a Florida cruise ship injury lawyer.
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.
