New Jersey Passenger Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Fall on Steep Gangway While Boarding NCL Encore
Suzanne Litz, a resident of New Jersey, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., doing business as Norwegian Cruise Line, in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23300, alleges that Litz suffered serious injuries, including a fractured jaw, after falling on an excessively steep gangway while boarding the NCL Encore on July 26, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured Boarding NCL Encore Due to Dangerous Gangway Angle and Lack of Handrails
According to the complaint, the incident occurred as Litz attempted to reboard the Encore using a gangway installed and maintained by Norwegian Cruise Line. The gangway was allegedly positioned at an unreasonably steep angle, lacked proper handrails, and was not equipped with stabilizing features or anti-slip surfaces. The lawsuit states that as Litz tried to navigate the incline, she lost her footing and fell forward, sustaining severe injuries.
Litz argues that Norwegian failed to take reasonable measures to ensure the gangway was safely set up, despite its own internal policies requiring crew members to inspect and adjust gangway inclines before allowing passenger use.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Negligence in Inspection, Setup, and Warning
The complaint alleges that Norwegian had both actual and constructive knowledge of the unsafe condition due to its corrective action policies and the presence of employees stationed at the gangway. Litz’s legal team claims that the crew failed to inspect the gangway properly, monitor changing conditions such as tides or vessel elevation, or provide passengers with assistance while boarding.
Additionally, the lawsuit accuses Norwegian of failing to provide adequate warnings about the steep incline. Litz asserts that no cautionary signage, verbal warnings, or alternative boarding options were offered, leaving passengers unaware of the dangerous conditions.
Plaintiff Alleges Permanent Injuries and Ongoing Medical Expenses
As a result of the fall, Litz suffered a fractured jaw, ongoing pain, mental anguish, and permanent impairment. She has required medical and hospital treatment and anticipates future medical expenses due to the long-term nature of her injuries. The lawsuit seeks damages for these costs, as well as compensation for disfigurement, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Lawsuit Highlights Norwegian’s Duty to Maintain Safe Boarding Procedures
The lawsuit brings claims of negligent inspection, maintenance, and failure to warn. Litz argues that Norwegian breached its non-delegable duty of care under maritime law to provide safe means of embarkation and disembarkation for passengers. By failing to ensure the gangway was positioned at a safe angle with proper safety features, the cruise line allegedly placed its passengers at unnecessary risk.
Contact a Cruise Ship Gangway Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt Boarding a Vessel
Slip and fall accidents on cruise ship gangways often involve unsafe angles, wet surfaces, or a lack of proper handrails or warnings. Cruise lines like Norwegian have a legal obligation to ensure these critical access points are maintained and supervised to prevent passenger injuries. If you or someone you care about suffered a similar gangway-related accident, our experienced maritime injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
