Florida Woman Sues Royal Caribbean Group After Slipping on Wet Stairs Onboard Independence of the Seas
Tria Barbara Galang Dion, a resident of Miami, 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 lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-21156-MD, alleges that Dion suffered severe and permanent injuries after slipping and falling on a wet substance while navigating a staircase on the Independence of the Seas on February 21, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Independence of the Seas Staircase Due to Wet Surface and Lack of Warning Signs
According to the formal complaint, the incident occurred as Dion was walking down the stairs from deck twelve to deck eleven while the vessel was in navigable waters. As she reached the bottom of the staircase, she suddenly slipped and fell on a wet substance. The plaintiff alleges that Royal Caribbean employees failed to post any yellow caution signs, cones, or other visual warnings to alert passengers to the hazard. Furthermore, the area was not blocked off, and no crew members were present to guard the location or provide verbal warnings. Dion asserts that the slippery condition was not readily apparent or open and obvious, leading to an unexpected fall that left her in such severe pain she was unable to return to her feet without assistance.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Overlooking Prior Slip and Fall Incidents on Vessel Stairways and Pool Decks
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive notice of the dangerous condition on its stairways. To support this claim, the plaintiff’s legal team points to a history of similar incidents documented in the Southern District of Florida involving Royal Caribbean vessels. The complaint specifically references recent cases such as Hickok v. Royal Caribbean Group, which involved a fall on a wet staircase, as well as Keeley v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and Martinez v. Royal Caribean Cruises Ltd, both of which involved slips on wet surfaces near pool areas and staircases. These prior cases are cited as evidence that the cruise line was well aware of the recurring risks associated with wet flooring and synthetic decking materials but failed to take adequate preventive measures to protect passengers like Dion.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Design and Selection of Unreasonably Slippery Flooring Materials Throughout Fleet
In addition to the failure to warn, Dion alleges that the Independence of the Seas features construction and design defects that contribute to passenger injuries. The complaint argues that the cruise line uses a specific type of shiny synthetic flooring on its exterior decks and stairs that becomes unreasonably slippery when wet. Because Royal Caribbean participates in the custom design and material selection for its ships, the plaintiff contends the company is responsible for choosing materials that fail to meet industry safety standards, such as those promulgated by the International Maritime Organization and ASTM International. The lawsuit further suggests that the cruise line maintains ultimate control over these design specifications and has failed to modify or repair these surfaces despite knowing they pose a significant risk of injury to invitees.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Spinal Fractures and Permanent Disability Following Negligent Maintenance and Supervision
The lawsuit brings five counts against Royal Caribbean Group including negligent failure to warn, negligent design and selection of materials, negligent failure to maintain, negligent training, and negligent supervision. Dion claims that as a direct result of the fall, she suffered debilitating injuries including fractures to her lumbar spine, a torn rotator cuff, and a vertebral compression fracture resulting in a loss of vertebral height. These injuries are described as permanent and life-altering, causing ongoing physical impairment, mental anguish, and a loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. The plaintiff is seeking compensation for economic damages such as past and future medical expenses and household assistance, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering.
Contact a Cruise Ship Staircase Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to wet stairs, defective flooring, or a lack of warning signs may be entitled to seek compensation under general maritime law. Cruise companies like Royal Caribbean have a duty to exercise reasonable care and must ensure that their vessels are maintained in a safe condition for all passengers. If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident while on a cruise, contact our team of dedicated maritime injury attorneys to discuss your case and explore your potential for recovery.
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.
