Florida Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Motor Scooter Tips on Steep Ramp Aboard Celebrity Ascent
Benjearlene Nelson, a Florida resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. Filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23719-JB, the lawsuit alleges that Nelson sustained serious injuries on January 27, 2025, when her motorized scooter tipped over while navigating a steep, unmarked incline on Deck 5 of the Celebrity Ascent.
Cruise Passenger Injured When Motorized Scooter Falls on Undisclosed Incline Near Deck 5 Ramp
According to the complaint, Nelson was operating her motorized scooter on Deck 5 of the Celebrity Ascent, a ship owned and operated by Royal Caribbean, when the rear wheels of the scooter encountered an abrupt ramp or incline. The slope was allegedly too steep and lacked any visible warnings, signs, or barriers to alert passengers of the hazard.
As the scooter began to ascend the incline, it tipped backward, causing Nelson to fall and suffer injuries. She immediately reported the incident to ship staff and sought medical attention on board. The lawsuit claims the condition of the ramp and the absence of warning signage created an unreasonably dangerous environment for passengers using scooters or mobility aids.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Warn or Maintain Safe Accessibility for Scooter Users
Nelson alleges that Royal Caribbean failed in its duty to provide safe and accessible passageways throughout the vessel, particularly in areas frequented by passengers using mobility devices. The complaint asserts that the cruise line knew, or should have known, about the steepness of the incline and its potential to cause injury to scooter users, especially older passengers or those with limited mobility.
The lawsuit further accuses Royal Caribbean of failing to place signage, provide alternative accessible routes, or assign crew to assist or warn passengers of the ramp’s presence and hazards. These omissions, Nelson claims, constitute negligence in design, maintenance, and warning protocols for a ship marketed as accessible.
Complaint Alleges Dangerous Deck Ramp Design and Constructive Notice of Unsafe Condition
Nelson’s legal team argues that Royal Caribbean had actual or constructive notice of the unsafe condition. They allege that the ramp’s placement, slope, and lack of marking violated established safety norms and that the dangerous condition either existed long enough to be discovered or was created by Royal Caribbean itself through improper design or layout.
The complaint emphasizes that cruise operators have a duty to ensure that decks and walking surfaces are accessible and safe for all passengers, including those who require motorized assistance. Nelson asserts that Royal Caribbean failed to meet these obligations aboard the Celebrity Ascent.
Injuries Include Pain, Disfigurement, and Ongoing Medical Treatment After Cruise Ship Fall
As a result of the incident, Nelson claims to have suffered severe injuries, including physical pain, scarring, disfigurement, emotional distress, and financial losses. The lawsuit seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, diminished quality of life, and loss of earning capacity.
Nelson also requests a jury trial and seeks a full award of damages permissible under maritime law for injuries sustained due to alleged cruise line negligence.
Hurt on a Cruise Ship Ramp or While Using a Motorized Scooter? Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer
Passengers injured aboard cruise ships due to unsafe ramps, steep inclines, or inaccessible pathways may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean must provide reasonably safe and clearly marked access routes for all passengers, including those using scooters and mobility aids.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to unsafe conditions aboard a cruise ship, our experienced maritime attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue legal remedies.
Contact us now to speak with a Florida-based 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.
