New Hampshire Man Sues Celebrity Cruises After Slipping on Slippery Baja Shelf in Pool on Celebrity Eclipse
Troy Dean, a resident of New Hampshire, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Celebrity Cruises, Inc. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24630-DPG, alleges that Dean was seriously injured on October 14, 2024, after slipping on a slick and unmarked Baja Shelf while entering a swimming pool aboard the Celebrity Eclipse.
Cruise Passenger Slips on Slippery Baja Shelf While Entering Pool on Celebrity Eclipse
According to the lawsuit, Dean was descending into the pool from the deck using a ladder when he stepped onto a Baja Shelf—a shallow ledge built into the side of the pool—and slipped violently. The Baja Shelf allegedly lacked any non-slip surfacing or traction treatment, making it unreasonably slick and dangerous when wet. Dean contends that he was using reasonable care and that the slipperiness of the shelf was not open or obvious. The complaint states that Celebrity failed to apply any slip-resistant material to the pool shelf, even though passengers frequently use it to enter or sit in the pool.
Celebrity Accused of Failing to Maintain Safe Pool Surface and Ignoring Prior Slip Incidents
The lawsuit alleges that Celebrity had both actual and constructive knowledge of the hazardous condition of the Baja Shelf. According to the complaint, other passengers aboard the Celebrity Eclipse slipped and fell on the same shelf before and after Dean’s incident, suggesting a recurring and known hazard. Despite this, Celebrity allegedly failed to take corrective action, such as applying a non-slip treatment or closing off the area. Dean’s attorneys argue that this failure to act constitutes a breach of the cruise line’s duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for passengers.
Lawsuit Claims Dangerous Design and Poor Construction of Pool Area on Celebrity Eclipse
In addition to negligent maintenance, the complaint accuses Celebrity Cruises of contributing to the injury through negligent design and construction. Dean claims that Celebrity’s in-house designers and engineers participated directly in the selection and approval of the Baja Shelf’s design and materials. The lawsuit argues that the shelf was poorly designed for a wet environment and failed to account for basic safety principles regarding traction and passenger use. Celebrity is further alleged to have ignored post-construction warning signs about the safety risks posed by the shelf’s surface.
Plaintiff Alleges Cruise Line Failed to Warn About Non-Obvious Slip Hazard in Pool Area
Dean also brings a separate claim for failure to warn, arguing that Celebrity knew about the slipperiness of the Baja Shelf but failed to alert passengers. He alleges there were no signs advising caution or encouraging passengers to use the handrail when entering the pool via the shelf. The lawsuit claims that the dangerous condition was concealed, and Dean had no reason to anticipate the risk until it was too late.
New Hampshire Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Surgery, Pain, and Loss of Enjoyment from Celebrity
Dean seeks damages for serious and permanent injuries to his body, including those requiring surgery. The lawsuit claims he suffered physical pain, emotional distress, medical expenses, and loss of enjoyment of his vacation. It also alleges ongoing limitations to his ability to work and participate in normal life activities. He brings three counts against Celebrity Cruises: negligence, negligent design and construction, and failure to warn of a known dangerous condition.
Hurt by a Slippery Pool Surface or Baja Shelf Aboard a Cruise Ship? Know Your Legal Rights
Passengers injured on cruise ships due to unsafe pool features, such as slippery Baja Shelves, may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Celebrity have a duty to ensure passenger safety through proper design, maintenance, and warnings. If you were injured due to a pool-related hazard while on a cruise, our legal team can help you explore your rights and options.
Contact our maritime injury attorneys for a free consultation today.
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.
