New Jersey Man Sues MSC Cruises After Violent Water Slide Collision Aboard MSC Divina
Joseph Dobleman, a resident of New Jersey, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises S.A. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20531-WPD, alleges that Dobleman suffered severe and permanent injuries while using an onboard water slide on the MSC Divina on March 16, 2025. The complaint asserts that the incident occurred because MSC failed to manage passenger flow on the attraction, leading to a high-speed collision.
Passenger Injured on MSC Divina Water Slide After Being Struck by Another Guest
According to the complaint, Dobleman was a paying passenger participating in the water slide activity during his cruise. As he attempted to exit the slide, another passenger was sent down the attraction prematurely, violently slamming into Dobleman’s back feet first. The lawsuit alleges that Dobleman was unaware that anyone had been sent down behind him. While MSC stationed crew members at both the top and bottom of the slide to manage safety, the plaintiff claims these employees failed to communicate effectively. The crew member at the top allegedly instructed the next passenger to proceed before Dobleman had cleared the exit area, while the crew member at the bottom remained unaware of the collision until Dobleman reported his injuries.
MSC Cruises Accused of Failing to Follow Safety Protocols and Industry Standards for Water Slides
The legal filing contends that MSC was aware of the risks associated with its water slides but failed to implement or enforce necessary safety measures. Dobleman’s legal team argues that industry standards and internal policies require strict communication between the entrance and exit of such attractions to ensure one guest has fully exited before the next begins their descent. The complaint alleges that MSC failed to provide adequate safety instructions, failed to place sufficient warning signs, and neglected to properly train the staff responsible for monitoring the ride. The lawsuit suggests that the implementation of these basic procedures could have prevented the hazardous situation that led to the plaintiff’s injuries.
Lawsuit Cites Prior Injuries on MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seaside as Evidence of Knowledge of Hazards
The plaintiff alleges that MSC had actual and constructive knowledge that its water slides posed a danger to passengers. To support this claim, the complaint references prior incidents involving severe injuries on other vessels in the MSC fleet. Specifically, the lawsuit points to a June 2024 incident involving a minor on the MSC Virtuosa and a July 2023 incident on the MSC Seaside. Dobleman argues that these prior claims should have prompted the cruise line to take corrective measures to protect guests. Furthermore, the complaint accuses MSC of orchestrating the concealment of other similar incidents by requiring confidentiality in settlements, which the plaintiff asserts makes it difficult for the public to determine the full extent of the hazards present on MSC vessels.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries and Loss of Vacation Value Due to MSC Negligence
Dobleman brings four counts against MSC Cruises: vicarious liability for crew member negligence, general negligence, negligent failure to warn, and negligent failure to maintain. He alleges that as a direct result of the cruise line’s failures, he suffered physical pain, mental anguish, disability, and disfigurement. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the permanent impairment of his working ability. Additionally, Dobleman is seeking to recover the lost value of his vacation and transportation costs, claiming that the negligence of the cruise line turned a recreational activity into a life-altering accident.
Contact a Cruise Ship Water Slide Accident Lawyer Today if You Were Injured on a Vessel
Cruise passengers who sustain injuries due to operator negligence, poor supervision of attractions, or lack of safety warnings may be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines have a duty to ensure that high-risk activities like water slides are operated with the highest degree of care to prevent collisions and falls. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury while participating in an onboard activity, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today to discuss your rights. We are dedicated to helping victims of cruise ship negligence hold major lines accountable for their actions.
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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.
