Georgia Man Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Slipping on Wet Pool Deck Aboard NCL Jade
James Joseph Brown, a Georgia resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., doing business as Norwegian Cruise Line, in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25002-FAM, arises from an incident aboard the Norwegian Jade in which Brown slipped and fell on a wet and slippery pool deck surface near a restroom on November 2, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Slips Outside Restroom on Pool Deck of NCL Jade Due to Wet and Slippery Surface
According to the complaint, Brown was walking on Deck 12 near the entrance to a public restroom on the pool deck when he slipped on a wet, transitory, and slippery substance that was not visible or obvious. While a yellow caution sign had been placed over a nearby drain, the lawsuit alleges that the sign failed to warn passengers about the full extent of the surrounding hazard and did not identify the dangerously slippery condition near the restroom entrance.
Brown claims that the wet condition was not adequately addressed by crew members, nor was the area blocked off or dried despite its proximity to a high-traffic zone near the pool and restrooms. The hazard was allegedly aggravated by poor surface traction and an insufficiently maintained walking surface.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Maintain Pool Deck and Warn of Slippery Conditions on NCL Jade
The complaint alleges that Norwegian had actual and constructive knowledge of the hazard due to its inspection practices, crew presence in the area, and a history of similar incidents aboard its fleet. Several prior lawsuits are cited as evidence that Norwegian was aware of the risks posed by wet, slippery surfaces on its pool decks. These include:
- Schuetz v. NCL, involving a slip on a wet surface on Deck 16 of the NCL Joy
- Simon v. NCL, a fall near the Surf Bar area on the Joy
- McCoy v. NCL and Monaco v. NCL, both citing slippery pool deck incidents aboard the Joy
- Additional similar incidents aboard the Escape, Pearl, and Prima
Despite knowledge of these hazards, Norwegian allegedly failed to install proper slip-resistant flooring, adequately dry or clean the area, or implement industry-standard precautions such as cordoning off dangerous surfaces. The plaintiff also claims the slippery material was colorless and not visible, making the hazard undetectable by passengers exercising reasonable care.
Plaintiff Alleges Norwegian Knew of Dangerous Deck Conditions Yet Failed to Remedy or Warn
Brown’s complaint brings four counts of negligence against Norwegian, including:
- Negligent maintenance of the pool deck
- Negligent failure to warn of the dangerous surface
- Vicarious liability for crewmembers who allegedly failed to act upon seeing the hazard
- Failure to comply with industry safety standards, such as ASTM F1166-07 and ASTM F1637-13, which require slip-resistant walking surfaces in wet areas
Brown alleges that Norwegian’s own crew members had just exited the nearby restroom and were present at the scene shortly before the fall, giving them an opportunity to notice and correct the unsafe condition. The presence of the wet floor sign, according to the suit, confirms Norwegian’s awareness of the risk yet highlights their failure to take effective preventative measures.
Passenger Seeks Compensation for Serious Leg and Shoulder Injuries Requiring Surgery
The fall resulted in significant injuries for Brown, including a right quadricep tear and a right shoulder injury, both requiring surgical repair. He claims to have suffered:
- Ongoing pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
The complaint states that these damages are permanent or continuing in nature, and that the injuries have resulted in long-term impairment to Brown’s quality of life.
Injured on a Wet Cruise Ship Pool Deck? You May Have a Claim Under Maritime Law
Cruise passengers injured due to slippery surfaces near pools or restrooms may have grounds to pursue compensation if cruise lines fail to warn of known hazards or maintain safe walking areas. Cruise lines have a duty under maritime law to provide safe conditions aboard their vessels and to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable injuries caused by water accumulation and poor surface traction.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a similar slip and fall incident aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship or another major cruise operator, our experienced maritime attorneys are here to help you understand your rights.
Contact us now to speak with a 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.
