Florida Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall on Wet Floor Aboard Freedom of the Seas
Elena Valhuerdi, a resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Group in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The civil action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20406-DSL, alleges that Valhuerdi sustained severe and permanent injuries after slipping on a foreign substance on the floor of the Freedom of the Seas. The incident reportedly took place on December 26, 2024, while the vessel was navigating navigable waters.
Passenger Alleges Negligence After Slipping on Liquid Near Cafe Promenade on Deck Five
According to the complaint filed by her attorneys, the incident occurred while Valhuerdi was walking on Deck 5 in the popular onboard area known as the Royal Promenade. The lawsuit details that she was in close proximity to the Café Promenade, a high-traffic food service location, when she suddenly fell due to a foreign transitory substance on the deck surface. Valhuerdi asserts that the dangerous condition was not open or obvious to her or other similarly situated passengers. The filing claims that the area where she fell is known to be regularly used by many passengers and is prone to spills from water and drinks that accumulate on the deck. Despite the heavy foot traffic and the likelihood of spills in a dining area, the complaint alleges that crew members failed to place any warning signs or caution cones in the vicinity to alert passengers to the hazard.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Ignoring Prior Slip and Fall Incidents in Food Service Areas
The lawsuit argues that Royal Caribbean had constructive knowledge of the risk posed by wet floors in food service areas due to a history of substantially similar incidents across its fleet. To support the claim that the cruise line was on notice of these dangerous conditions, the complaint references numerous prior lawsuits filed against Royal Caribbean. These include incidents involving passengers Isra Hassan on the Mariner of the Seas, Evelyn Rodriguez and Gina Yohe on the Anthem of the Seas, Richard Loder on the Allure of the Seas, Mickel White and Tamara Lockett on the Harmony of the Seas, Wayne Shipe on the Oasis of the Seas, and Althea and Stephon Tyson on the Brilliance of the Seas. The legal filing contends that these past accidents, which involved slips on transitory substances in or near onboard cafés and dining rooms, demonstrate a pattern of negligence that the cruise line failed to address effectively.
Complaint Claims Unsafe Floor Friction and Lack of Warning Signs Created Hazardous Condition
In addition to the failure to warn passengers of the specific spill, the lawsuit alleges broader issues with the maintenance and safety procedures regarding the vessel’s flooring. Valhuerdi’s legal team contends that Royal Caribbean regularly conducts coefficient of friction testing to ensure floor safety but failed to maintain safe traction levels in the Royal Promenade. The complaint includes counts for negligent failure to warn, negligent maintenance, and general negligence. It asserts that the cruise line failed to promulgate adequate policies regarding water-saturated deck flooring and did not employ reasonable safeguards to prevent passenger injuries. The plaintiff argues that the flooring materials used in these high-traffic food service areas were unreasonably slippery and that the cruise line failed to rectify the hazard despite having the time and resources to do so.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Injuries and Lost Cruise Vacation Value
As a result of the fall, Valhuerdi claims to have suffered injuries to her body and extremities, resulting in physical pain, mental anguish, disability, and permanent scarring. The lawsuit states that these injuries have aggravated previously existing conditions and have led to significant medical expenses and lost wages. Furthermore, the plaintiff alleges that her ability to work has been impaired and that she has lost the enjoyment of life. Seeking a trial by jury, Valhuerdi is requesting judgment for all recoverable damages under maritime law, including the costs associated with her medical care and the loss of the benefit of her vacation and transportation costs.
Contact a Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Cruise lines have a duty to maintain safe premises for their passengers, particularly in high-traffic dining and promenade areas where spills are common. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury due to a slip and fall accident on a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our experienced maritime attorneys understand the complexities of suing major cruise lines and are dedicated to holding them accountable for negligence.
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.
