Kentucky Woman Sues MSC Cruises After Suffering Burns from Overheated Faux Teak Decking Aboard MSC Seascape
Tina Cocanougher, a resident of Kentucky, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises S.A. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24115, alleges that Cocanougher sustained serious and permanent burn injuries to both feet after walking barefoot on an unreasonably hot faux teak deck near the infinity pool aboard the MSC Seascape on September 12, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Burned While Walking Barefoot Near Infinity Pool on MSC Seascape in Absence of Warning Signs
According to the complaint, Cocanougher was a paying passenger aboard the MSC Seascape when she removed her sandals at a lounge chair and walked approximately 15 feet across the Deck 8 pool area to enter the infinity pool. After swimming, she returned to her lounge chair and allegedly began experiencing sharp pain in her feet. Upon removing her shoes later, she discovered that her feet had blistered and bled due to second-degree burns caused by the overheated faux teak decking.
The lawsuit alleges that the surface, commonly used on pool decks aboard MSC vessels, had absorbed extreme heat due to sun exposure and posed a burn hazard to barefoot passengers. No warning signs, visual indicators, or announcements were made to alert guests about the risk of thermal injuries. The condition was not obvious, especially in an area where passengers are expected to walk barefoot.
MSC Cruises Accused of Failing to Warn About Known Risk of Burn Injuries from Overheated Pool Deck Surfaces
The complaint asserts that MSC had both actual and constructive knowledge of the hazard. According to Cocanougher’s legal team, prior burn incidents involving faux teak surfaces had occurred on MSC vessels and were publicly reported. The lawsuit references at least two such incidents, including a similar case aboard the MSC Seashore, where another passenger allegedly sustained foot burns while walking on the pool deck.
Despite these prior occurrences, MSC allegedly failed to implement safety protocols such as signage, verbal warnings, shaded walkways, or cooling systems to reduce deck temperature. The suit also claims that MSC crew members—including a lifeguard stationed near the scene—were in close proximity but did not intervene or inform passengers of the risk.
Complaint Alleges MSC Negligently Designed, Maintained, and Failed to Inspect Deck Surface on MSC Seascape
In addition to failing to warn, Cocanougher brings claims for negligent design, negligent maintenance, negligent inspection, and negligent crew training. The complaint argues that MSC selected a faux teak decking material known to absorb high heat in tropical climates, and failed to use alternative materials with lower thermal retention properties. The deck allegedly lacked adequate shading and was not monitored for surface temperature during peak hours.
The suit also alleges that MSC failed to train its crew to recognize, inspect, or mitigate hazardous conditions such as overheated flooring. Furthermore, the complaint states that despite the presence of crew and pool staff near the area, no action was taken to protect passengers from foreseeable injuries caused by the deck design.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Second-Degree Foot Burns, Disfigurement, and Loss of Enjoyment of Cruise
Cocanougher claims that she sustained second-degree burns to both feet, which caused blistering, bleeding, and disfigurement. The injuries required medical attention and allegedly resulted in ongoing pain, emotional distress, and long-term impairment. She seeks damages for medical expenses, permanent injury, loss of enjoyment of life, and the lost value of her cruise due to the incident.
The lawsuit includes a jury trial demand and alleges that MSC breached its non-delegable duty to provide reasonably safe conditions aboard its vessel under applicable maritime law.
Contact a Cruise Ship Burn Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt by Hot Decking or Unsafe Surface Conditions
Burn injuries caused by overheated deck surfaces aboard cruise ships can result in serious long-term harm. Cruise lines like MSC are required to provide reasonably safe walking surfaces, especially in areas where guests are barefoot, such as pool decks and spa areas. If you or someone you know suffered a burn injury aboard a cruise ship due to dangerously hot flooring, you may be entitled to compensation under federal maritime law.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship burn 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.
