Georgia Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Elevator Doors Allegedly Malfunction on Wonder of the Seas
Georgia resident Donna Stephens has filed a federal negligence lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., alleging that she was seriously injured when elevator doors abruptly closed on her aboard the Wonder of the Seas. The complaint, filed May 1, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, asserts that Royal Caribbean had prior notice of similar elevator and automatic door incidents and failed to maintain its safety systems. The case is styled Donna Stephens v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Case No. 1:25-cv-22015-KMW.
Elevator Doors Allegedly Closed Without Warning on Deck 15
According to the complaint, Stephens was exiting an elevator on Deck 15 on June 23, 2024, when the doors suddenly closed on her. She claims she sustained severe injuries as a result of the impact. The lawsuit contends that the elevator malfunctioned due to faulty sensors or automatic controls and that Royal Caribbean failed to correct a dangerous condition despite repeated prior incidents involving similar equipment.
Stephens alleges permanent physical injuries, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, and vacation-related damages.
Prior Similar Incidents Cited as Evidence of Notice
The complaint details several prior passenger injuries allegedly caused by elevator or automatic door malfunctions aboard other Royal Caribbean ships:
- March 17, 2024 – Vision of the Seas: passenger injured by closing elevator doors while on a scooter
- October 5, 2023 – Liberty of the Seas: elevator doors closed on a passenger
- May 4, 2023 – Mariner of the Seas: automatic door failed to open, causing wrist and arm injuries
- February 11, 2019 – Adventure of the Seas: automatic door closed on a passenger’s foot
The plaintiff also alleges that Royal Caribbean systematically uses confidentiality clauses in injury settlements to conceal the extent and frequency of similar incidents, shielding the dangers from the public.
Complaint Asserts Three Negligence Counts
Stephens brings three claims under general maritime law:
- General negligence for failure to identify, repair, or remove hazardous elevator equipment
- Negligent failure to warn passengers of known and recurring elevator and door malfunctions
- Negligent failure to maintain the elevator and associated safety systems, including sensors and auto-stop mechanisms
The complaint asserts that the cruise line’s duty to provide reasonable care was breached through inadequate inspection policies, failure to correct a known hazard, and lack of warning signage or staff intervention.
Broader Implications: Elevator and Door Safety Under Maritime Law
This case contributes to a growing focus on mechanical hazards aboard large cruise ships, especially automated systems such as elevators and sliding doors that are used by thousands of passengers each day. As ships grow in size and complexity, courts are increasingly being asked to assess how cruise lines maintain, inspect, and manage these systems.
A favorable ruling for the plaintiff may encourage cruise lines to implement more rigorous inspection protocols and public-facing reporting procedures regarding mechanical failures. It may also raise questions about the enforceability of nondisclosure clauses when public safety is implicated.
Injured by an elevator or automatic door malfunction aboard a cruise ship? Contact a Cruise Ship Lawyer Today.
