MSC Cruises Sued After Passenger Slips on Buffet Floor Aboard MSC Magnifica
Suzanne Tatkow, a resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises S.A. in the Southern District of Florida. The case, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25407, stems from a September 20, 2024 incident aboard the MSC Magnifica, in which Tatkow claims she slipped on a wet and dangerous surface near the ship’s Deck 13 buffet area, sustaining serious and permanent injuries.
Cruise Passenger Slips Near Buffet on MSC Magnifica Due to Hidden Transitory Substance on Deck 13
According to the complaint, Tatkow was walking near the buffet area on Deck 13 when she slipped on what she describes as a transitory substance—believed to be water or another clear liquid—that blended with the flooring and was not easily visible. She alleges that the surface was unreasonably slippery and that the location lacked warning signs or other safety measures to alert passengers of the hazard. The incident allegedly occurred in a high-traffic area with several nearby crew members present, none of whom offered assistance or placed any barrier or signage to address the risk.
Tatkow claims the fall resulted in a concussion, memory issues, dizziness, and injuries to her left knee and shoulder, all of which have required ongoing medical treatment.
MSC Cruises Accused of Failing to Maintain and Monitor Buffet Walkway for Known Wet Floor Hazards
The lawsuit alleges that MSC had both actual and constructive knowledge of the hazardous condition due to the location’s close proximity to food service areas and prior similar incidents. Tatkow’s legal team identifies multiple earlier lawsuits against MSC Cruises involving falls on wet flooring, including Guerra v. MSC, Lombardo v. MSC, Iacoli v. MSC, Shipman v. MSC, Garcia v. MSC, Long v. MSC, and Jones v. MSC. These previous complaints are cited as evidence that MSC was aware of recurring issues involving slippery surfaces aboard its ships and failed to take adequate steps to prevent further passenger injuries.
In this case, Tatkow asserts that MSC failed to monitor the area, left a dangerous condition unaddressed, and took no action despite crew members being in the vicinity at the time of the fall.
Complaint Alleges Dangerous Floor Design and Violation of Industry Slip Resistance Standards
Beyond negligent maintenance, the lawsuit also alleges that MSC actively participated in the design, approval, and installation of the flooring materials used in the buffet area. According to the complaint, the surface was not appropriate for use in wet environments and failed to meet applicable industry standards, including ANSI A137.1 and B101.3, which govern coefficient of friction for pedestrian surfaces.
Tatkow contends that the floor lacked appropriate slip-resistant properties, especially when wet, and that MSC failed to install handrails or other safeguards in the area. The lawsuit further alleges the lighting was inadequate, contributing to the lack of visibility of the clear liquid on the floor.
MSC Sued for Negligent Design, Maintenance, and Failure to Warn After Buffet Area Slip and Fall
Tatkow brings multiple negligence counts against MSC Cruises, including negligent design and construction, negligent maintenance, and negligent failure to warn. She also alleges vicarious liability, asserting that MSC personnel witnessed or should have observed the hazard but failed to act. The complaint states that no verbal warnings or signage were provided, and no effort was made to block or clean the affected area prior to her fall.
She claims the condition was not open or obvious to passengers and that MSC failed in its duty to provide a safe environment under maritime law.
Florida Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Concussion, Knee and Shoulder Injuries, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
As a result of the incident, Tatkow alleges that she suffered a concussion with cognitive effects, a knee injury requiring medical treatment, and a shoulder injury with ongoing complications. She claims her injuries are permanent or continuing in nature and have affected her ability to enjoy daily activities and independence.
Tatkow seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the lost value of her cruise and related travel. The complaint requests a jury trial.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Attorney If You Were Hurt Near a Buffet, Pool, or Wet Deck Area
Slip and fall injuries aboard cruise ships—particularly in buffet areas, around pools, or on wet decks—can result in serious, lasting harm. Cruise lines like MSC are obligated under maritime law to maintain safe walking surfaces, issue proper warnings, and adhere to industry safety standards. If you or a loved one slipped on a cruise ship due to a wet floor or dangerous condition, legal remedies may be available.
Contact us now to speak with an experienced cruise ship injury attorney.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information above is based on public court filings and is for informational purposes only. We make no representations about the accuracy of the allegations, nor do we offer legal conclusions about the case’s merit.
