Illinois Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Tripping Over Raised Concrete Berm While Disembarking NCL Dawn in Italy
Patricia Mook, a resident of Illinois, 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, Case No. 1:25-cv-25035-DSL, arises from an incident on November 3, 2024, when Mook tripped and fell over an uneven concrete surface while disembarking the Norwegian Dawn at the Port of Livorno, Italy.
Cruise Passenger Injured in Port of Livorno Due to Raised and Uneven Concrete Berm in Excursion Loading Zone
According to the complaint, the incident occurred after Mook disembarked from the Norwegian Dawn and was walking through the passenger parking and transportation area to board her cruise-sponsored excursion bus. While traversing the terminal area, she tripped over a raised, uneven concrete berm that was not clearly marked or roped off.
Mook alleges that the disembarkation zone, used daily by hundreds of cruise passengers, was under the care, custody, or control of Norwegian and/or its contractors. Despite its visibility and daily use, the hazard allegedly remained uncorrected and unmarked, creating an unreasonable risk of tripping injuries for disembarking guests.
Norwegian Accused of Failing to Inspect and Maintain Disembarkation Area for Passenger Safety
The lawsuit claims Norwegian was negligent in its duty to provide a reasonably safe disembarkation environment, particularly in areas it actively supervised or coordinated for passenger excursions. Mook’s legal team asserts the cruise line:
- Failed to inspect and repair the raised pavement
- Failed to warn passengers of the hazard despite the area’s high foot traffic
- Allowed an unreasonably dangerous condition to persist in an area designed for NCL guests
- Did not properly supervise contractors, agents, or employees responsible for disembarkation logistics
The complaint emphasizes that the uneven concrete berm was located in a well-traveled portion of the terminal and would have been apparent to Norwegian’s employees or agents had they exercised reasonable care. The hazard is described as a permanent fixture, which allegedly existed for a sufficient period to constitute constructive notice.
Complaint Cites Lasting Injuries, Pain, and Loss of Cruise Enjoyment After Tripping Incident
As a result of the fall, Mook claims she sustained serious injuries to her body and extremities, along with:
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Disability and impairment
- Medical expenses and future treatment needs
- Shame and humiliation
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of the value of the cruise vacation
Her injuries are described as permanent or continuing in nature, and she seeks full compensation for all damages related to the fall, including lost cruise enjoyment and related travel expenses.
Cruise Lines May Be Liable for Injuries in Port Areas Used for Excursions and Passenger Movement
Cruise passengers injured while walking through cruise-controlled or excursion-related port zones may be entitled to pursue legal action under maritime law. Cruise lines have a duty to ensure that embarkation and disembarkation areas are safe, inspected, and free from trip hazards, especially when those areas are used in conjunction with cruise-sponsored excursions.
If you were injured while disembarking or boarding a cruise ship due to unsafe walking surfaces or terminal hazards, you may have a claim against the cruise line.
Contact us now to speak with an experienced cruise trip and fall injury 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.
