Missouri Resident Sues Princess Cruise Lines After Slip and Fall During Game Show Aboard Princess Sapphire
Judy Theilen, a resident of Missouri, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20116-WPD, alleges that Theilen suffered severe and permanent injuries after slipping on a hidden liquid substance while participating in a Deal Or No Deal show aboard the Princess Sapphire on January 24, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured in Princess Theater Due to Slippery Substance During Deal Or No Deal Show
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while the vessel was in navigable waters. Theilen was attending a scheduled performance of Deal Or No Deal in the lower portion of the Princess Theater. During the event, an unidentified crew member acting as the show’s announcer called Theilen’s name and directed her to come down to the stage to participate as a contestant. As she followed the announcer’s specific instructions and moved down the carpeted stairs toward the stage, she suddenly encountered an unknown wet foreign substance. The complaint alleges the substance rendered the carpet as slick as ice, causing her foot to slip and resulting in a violent fall. Theilen asserts that the announcer continued to watch and direct her movements but failed to provide any warning regarding the hidden hazard in her path.
Princess Cruise Lines Accused of Failing to Warn of Dangerous Conditions and Negligent Passenger Direction
The lawsuit alleges that the dangerous condition was not open or obvious to a reasonable passenger. The complaint states that there were no warning signs, caution tape, or stanchions placed to prevent passengers from encountering the wet area. Furthermore, the plaintiff alleges that Princess Cruise Lines and its employees breached their duty of care by failing to properly monitor high traffic areas. Theilen’s legal team points out that the cruise line specifically markets its services to elderly passengers and is aware that this demographic may face higher risks regarding mobility or vision issues. The complaint argues that the cruise director was present on stage and witnessed the incident, and that ship personnel should have identified and remediated the slipping hazard prior to inviting a passenger to walk through the area.
Complaint References Prior Incidents and Notice of Hazardous Conditions Aboard Princess Vessels
The lawsuit contends that Princess Cruise Lines had actual or constructive notice of the risks associated with passenger movement in the theater. To support the claim of notice, the complaint cites previous litigation involving the cruise line, including Malooly v. Princess and Bethea v. Princess. These cases involved allegations of failing to safely direct passenger movement and slipping in theater areas. The plaintiff also alleges that Princess is aware that areas where beverages are served, such as the theater, are highly susceptible to spills. The complaint further suggests that the cruise line may be concealing additional similar incidents through confidential settlement agreements, which the plaintiff intends to explore during the discovery process.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Fractured Shoulder and Permanent Disability Resulting from Cruise Ship Negligence
Theilen brings four counts against Princess Cruise Lines: vicarious liability, negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to inspect and maintain, and general negligence. She alleges that the fall resulted in a broken shoulder that required surgical intervention, as well as physical pain, mental anguish, and a permanent loss of enjoyment of life. The lawsuit claims that Princess breached its duty to provide a reasonably safe environment and failed to enforce its own internal safety management systems and international safety codes. In addition to medical expenses and damages for physical handicap, Theilen is seeking compensation for the lost value of her vacation and transportation costs.
Contact a Cruise Ship Theater Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt During an Onboard Activity
Passengers who suffer injuries due to hidden hazards, wet floors, or negligent directions from crew members may be eligible for compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines are required to maintain passenger areas in a reasonably safe condition and to provide adequate warnings of foreseeable dangers. If you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall accident aboard a cruise ship, contact our team of experienced maritime injury attorneys to discuss your legal rights.
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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.
