Maryland Man Sues Royal Caribbean in Miami After Slipping on Hot Tub Steps Aboard Liberty of the Seas
For Richard Yankelov, a Maryland resident, his June 2024 Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas was meant to be a chance to relax and unwind. But on June 19, as he stepped into one of the ship’s Jacuzzis on Deck 11, that tranquility was shattered.
According to a federal lawsuit filed on April 10, 2025, in the Southern District of Florida, Yankelov slipped and fell down the steps of the hot tub, sustaining severe physical injuries. The complaint paints a picture of a preventable hazard in a known danger zone—one the cruise line allegedly failed to address despite a growing pattern of similar incidents.
Cruise Passenger Files Federal Lawsuit Against Royal Caribbean Over Jacuzzi Stairway Fall Resulting in Serious Injury
As Mr. Yankelov began to enter the jacuzzi, he claims the stairs were dangerously slick and lacked necessary safety features such as slip-resistant tape, adequate handrails, or proper visual markings. Worse still, he contends that the steps may have included raised or defective metal strips that contributed to his fall.
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean had prior notice of the dangers posed by its jacuzzi areas but failed to take action. Cited in the complaint are at least three prior lawsuits involving similar incidents on sister ships in the fleet:
- LaRowe v. Royal Caribbean (2022): Slip entering a jacuzzi on Symphony of the Seas
- Kolcynski v. Royal Caribbean (2021): Slip exiting a jacuzzi on Independence of the Seas
- Taylor v. Royal Caribbean (2021): Slip exiting a hot tub on Allure of the Seas
These cases, according to Yankelov’s attorneys, show that the cruise line **knew—or should have known—**that these jacuzzi areas posed a risk.
The Legal Claims: Three Counts of Negligence
Count I – General Negligence
Yankelov argues that Royal Caribbean failed to design and maintain its jacuzzi stairways with reasonable safety in mind. The complaint lists numerous deficiencies, including:
- Lack of handrails or adequate grip surfaces
- Improper or insufficient floor traction
- Inadequate markings to distinguish steps
- Raised metal edges that created tripping hazards
The suit claims that these conditions violated not only basic safety practices but also potentially ADA and ASTM standards.
Count II – Failure to Warn
Even if the cruise line didn’t correct the hazard, the lawsuit contends, it should have at least warned passengers. There were no signs posted alerting guests to the slippery steps or possible dangers.
Count III – Failure to Maintain
Yankelov also alleges that routine inspections and upkeep were inadequate, allowing hazards like worn flooring, loose metal strips, or standing water to persist unchecked. The suit suggests Royal Caribbean failed to implement and enforce reasonable maintenance protocols to ensure guest safety.
Alleged Injuries and Damages
As a result of the fall, Yankelov claims:
- Physical pain and long-term injury
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Lost wages and impaired ability to work
- Loss of enjoyment of his vacation and daily activities
The injuries, according to the filing, are permanent or continuing in nature, and the plaintiff seeks compensation for both current and future damages.
Legal and Industry Implications
This case highlights a growing concern in cruise ship injury litigation: hot tub and pool area safety. Slippery steps, inadequate markings, and poor visibility are recurring issues, especially on older vessels with high guest traffic.
Under general maritime law, cruise lines owe passengers a duty of “reasonable care under the circumstances.” When the area in question is inherently hazardous—as jacuzzis are—that duty expands to include clear warnings, safe design, and regular maintenance.
Cruise Industry Trends:
- Lawsuits citing unsafe pool, spa, and deck areas are on the rise
- Past incidents may help prove a cruise line’s notice of dangerous conditions
- Confidential settlements (as noted in the complaint) may obscure patterns unless uncovered through litigation
Call Today
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury while using a cruise ship’s hot tub, pool, or spa area, speak with a maritime injury attorney today.
Cruise lines have a legal duty to make these high-traffic zones as safe as possible—and to correct or warn about known hazards.
