Georgia Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Automatic Sliding Door Allegedly Closes on Her Aboard Allure of the Seas
Jacqueline Allen, a resident of Georgia, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. following an alleged door malfunction aboard the Allure of the Seas. The complaint, filed in the Southern District of Florida under Case No. 1:25-cv-25359, claims that Allen was seriously injured on November 26, 2024, when an automatic sliding door suddenly and unexpectedly closed on her while she was walking toward the game room on Deck 14.
Passenger Alleges Automatic Door on Allure of the Seas Malfunctioned Without Warning Near Game Room
According to the complaint, Allen was lawfully onboard the Allure of the Seas as a fare-paying passenger when the automatic sliding door closed abruptly and struck her body. The lawsuit alleges that the door’s sensor system failed to detect her presence, and the door lacked adequate safety mechanisms such as motion detection, obstruction response, or emergency stop functionality.
In addition, the lawsuit claims there were no warning signs or visual indicators to alert passengers that the door was malfunctioning or presented a hazard. Allen asserts that the malfunction caused severe and permanent injuries.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Inspect, Maintain, and Warn About Door Hazards
Allen alleges that Royal Caribbean either knew or should have known about the unsafe condition of the automatic door. The complaint cites the cruise line’s routine inspections and video monitoring systems, arguing that the faulty behavior of the door would have been visible to crew members stationed nearby. It also states that the cruise line’s internal maintenance policies should have detected the problem during safety walk-throughs.
As evidence of actual or constructive knowledge, the complaint references prior similar incidents involving malfunctioning doors aboard Royal Caribbean ships:
- Fonseca v. Royal Caribbean: A similar door-related injury aboard Mariner of the Seas.
- Chase v. Royal Caribbean: A door allegedly opened too far and struck a passenger on Liberty of the Seas.
- Gunn v. Royal Caribbean: A passenger’s hand was crushed by a door on Mariner of the Seas.
- Simm v. Royal Caribbean: A passenger’s foot was pinned by a door on Adventure of the Seas.
These past cases are used to support Allen’s claim that the cruise line was already aware of dangers associated with automatic sliding doors across its fleet.
Lawsuit Brings Three Counts of Negligence for Design, Maintenance, and Failure to Warn
Allen’s lawsuit asserts three causes of action against Royal Caribbean:
- General negligence: Failure to provide a safe environment, identify hazards, and implement safeguards for door operation.
- Negligent failure to warn: Inadequate warnings regarding the risks posed by the automatic door and failure to alert passengers to malfunctioning equipment.
- Negligent failure to maintain: Failure to properly inspect, calibrate, and maintain the sliding door and surrounding area in a safe condition.
She claims the cruise line breached its duty of care by not rectifying a condition that had caused repeated injuries on other ships.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Pain, Medical Expenses, and Loss of Enjoyment of Cruise
As a result of the incident, Allen alleges she suffered injuries to her body and extremities, along with physical pain, emotional distress, disability, and disfigurement. The complaint claims her injuries are permanent and have affected her ability to work and enjoy life. She is also seeking damages for medical expenses, future treatment, and loss of the vacation’s value due to the injury.
Allen is demanding a jury trial and seeks compensation for all economic and non-economic damages permitted under maritime law.
Injured by a Malfunctioning Door on a Cruise Ship? Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
Injuries caused by automatic doors on cruise ships are a recurring hazard that can often be traced back to poor design, malfunctioning sensors, or insufficient inspection procedures. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean are responsible for ensuring that automatic doors are properly maintained and safe for passenger use.
If you or someone you love was hurt by a cruise ship’s sliding door or other onboard hazard, our maritime attorneys can help.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise injury lawyer about your legal rights.
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.
