Illinois Resident Sues Royal Caribbean Cruises After Slipping on Wet Gangway Mat Aboard Symphony of the Seas
Norbert Wilda, a resident of Illinois, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-26174, alleges that Wilda suffered severe and permanent physical injuries after slipping on an unreasonably wet and slippery mat while disembarking the Symphony of the Seas on January 10, 2025.
Royal Caribbean Passenger Sustains Severe Ankle Injuries During Disembarkation Due to Slippery Gangway Mat
According to the legal complaint, the incident occurred as Wilda was carefully walking down the gangway to leave the vessel. Upon reaching a mat placed near the bottom of the gangway, he encountered a slippery transitory substance that caused him to fall. The lawsuit claims that the area was unreasonably dangerous and lacked any adequate warning signs to alert passengers of the hazard. As a result of the fall, Wilda reportedly suffered a left ankle fracture and a left posterior tibial deep vein thrombosis. The filing further details that the passenger now suffers from chronic pain and a permanent loss of mobility and strength in his ankle, which has significantly impacted his quality of life.
Lawsuit Alleges Royal Caribbean Had Constructive Notice of Dangerous Conditions Near Ship Exit
The plaintiff asserts that Royal Caribbean knew or should have known about the hazardous condition of the mat prior to the accident. The complaint highlights that crew members were positioned within 10 to 15 feet of the fall location and had a direct line of sight to the slippery area yet failed to remedy the hazard or block it off. Furthermore, the legal team for Wilda argues that the cruise line failed to follow its own internal safety protocols, which required regular inspections of high traffic areas every fifteen minutes to ensure the absence of slipping hazards. The lawsuit also notes that previous passengers have suffered similar slip and fall incidents on the Symphony of the Seas and other Oasis class ships, suggesting a pattern of negligence regarding the maintenance of walking surfaces during the disembarkation process.
Complaint Challenges Safety Standards and Design of Mats Used on Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Ships
A significant portion of the litigation focuses on the technical specifications and design of the mat involved in the incident. The complaint alleges that the mat provided by Royal Caribbean failed to meet industry safety standards for slip resistance and coefficient of friction. Specifically, the plaintiff points to American National Standards Institute guidelines, noting that the walking surface fell below the recommended safety thresholds for wet environments. Because the Symphony of the Seas is part of the Oasis class of ships, which share substantially similar designs and deck plans, the lawsuit suggests that the use of these specific mats may represent a broader design defect across the Royal Caribbean fleet. The plaintiff argues that the cruise line participated in the selection and installation of these mats and should have known they posed a heightened risk to passengers when exposed to moisture or maritime conditions.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Medical Expenses and Lost Earnings Following Cruise Ship Injury
Wilda has brought five counts against the cruise line, including negligent failure to remedy, negligent failure to warn, and vicarious liability for the acts of the crew. The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of 75,000 dollars for medical and nursing care, lost wages, and the loss of earning capacity. Additionally, the plaintiff is seeking compensation for mental anguish and the lost value of the cruise vacation. The complaint argues that the injuries are permanent and continuing, requiring ongoing medical attention and causing a loss of independence for the Illinois resident. By filing in the Southern District of Florida, the plaintiff is adhering to the federal forum selection clause found within the Royal Caribbean passenger contract ticket.
Contact a Cruise Ship Gangway Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt Disembarking a Vessel in Unsafe Conditions
Cruise passengers who sustain injuries due to wet surfaces, improperly maintained mats, or lack of warning signs during disembarkation may be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law. Cruise companies like Royal Caribbean have a strict legal duty to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition for all fare paying passengers. If you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall accident while leaving a cruise ship, it is essential to seek legal guidance to protect your rights and hold the negligent parties accountable. Contact our team of dedicated maritime injury attorneys today to discuss your case and explore your options for recovery.
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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.
