New Hampshire Woman Sues Celebrity Cruises After Tripping on Dangerous Threshold Aboard the Celebrity Silhouette
Kathryn Manning, a resident and citizen of New Hampshire, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Celebrity Cruises, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20118, alleges that Manning suffered severe and permanent shoulder injuries after tripping on an unreasonably dangerous threshold while walking on Deck 4 of the Celebrity Silhouette on January 12, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Celebrity Silhouette Deck 4 Due to Unsafe Threshold and Lack of Warning Signs
According to the factual allegations in the complaint, Manning was walking carefully on Deck 4 when she suddenly tripped on a threshold that the lawsuit describes as a significant hazard. The plaintiff asserts that the threshold was greater than one half inch in height and lacked a beveled edge, making the sides perpendicular to the floor. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that the threshold did not provide any visual contrast with the adjoining flooring and was located in a high foot traffic area. Manning claims that the area lacked adequate warning signs or other reasonable measures to mitigate the risk of falls, despite being in a location where passengers are at a heightened risk of injury.
Celebrity Cruises Accused of Having Actual Knowledge of Tripping Hazards and Failing to Inspect the Subject Area
The lawsuit alleges that Celebrity Cruises had both actual and constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition before Manning fell. The complaint notes that crew members were present in the immediate vicinity, within ten to fifteen feet of the fall, and had a direct line of sight to the hazard but failed to warn the plaintiff or block off the area. Furthermore, the plaintiff points out that Celebrity had placed yellow caution tape with the words “Watch Your Step” on part of the threshold, which allegedly serves as an admission that the cruise line knew the area was dangerous. Manning also claims that Celebrity failed to follow its own internal policies requiring inspections of the subject area at specific intervals, which would have allowed them to address the hazard.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Design and Violation of Industry Safety Standards for Threshold Height and Visibility
Manning’s legal team argues that the threshold on the Celebrity Silhouette violated several industry standards and federal regulations, including the International Building Code and the American National Standards Institute. These standards generally prohibit thresholds from exceeding one half inch in height and require contrasting colors or beveled slopes to prevent tripping. The lawsuit further alleges that Celebrity participated in the design and installation process of the Silhouette and other Solstice class ships, yet approved the use of these defective thresholds throughout its fleet. The complaint asserts that Celebrity had the right to inspect and reject these design elements during the construction and refurbishment of the vessel but failed to ensure the safety of its passengers.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery and Permanent Loss of Mobility
The lawsuit brings five counts against Celebrity Cruises, including negligent failure to remedy, negligent failure to warn, and vicarious liability for the actions of its employees and design departments. Manning claims that as a result of the trip and fall, she sustained a dislocated right shoulder and multiple tendon tears, which ultimately required her to undergo reverse total shoulder replacement surgery. She seeks damages for her physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical and nursing care expenses, and the permanent loss of mobility and strength in her shoulder. Additionally, the plaintiff is seeking recovery for the lost value of her vacation and cruise costs, asserting that her injuries are continuing in nature and will affect her for the rest of her life.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured by a Hazardous Surface or Design Defect
Cruise ship passengers who suffer injuries due to improper threshold heights, lack of floor contrast, or poorly designed walkways may have grounds for a legal claim under maritime law. Cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises have a duty to exercise reasonable care for the safety of their guests, which includes maintaining safe walking surfaces and providing adequate warnings about known hazards. If you or a loved one experienced a similar accident aboard a cruise vessel, it is important to understand your rights regarding compensation for medical bills and long term disability. Contact our team of experienced maritime attorneys to discuss your case and explore your options for recovery.
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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.
