New Jersey Passenger Sues Royal Caribbean After Tripping on Damaged Step Nosing in Buffet Area Aboard Liberty of the Seas
Deborah Paton, a resident of New Jersey, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24812-JB, alleges that Paton suffered a serious knee injury after tripping on a worn and broken stair nosing in the buffet dining area of Liberty of the Seas during her October 2024 cruise.
Cruise Passenger Injured in Buffet Area After Shoe Caught in Broken Stair Nosing on Liberty of the Seas
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on October 24, 2024, while Paton was walking through the buffet area on Deck 11 aboard the Liberty of the Seas. As she navigated toward a seating area, her left shoe allegedly caught in a deteriorated and damaged stair nosing, causing her to fall abruptly and land on both knees. She suffered a complex medial meniscus tear in her right knee that required surgical repair.
Photograph from Complaint
Paton claims that the worn condition of the nosing was not visible or marked and that the hazard was not open and obvious to passengers. It was her first time in that specific area of the ship. She asserts that only after the fall did she realize the step was defective. The incident was promptly reported to ship personnel, and Royal Caribbean documented the scene and her injuries.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Maintain and Warn About Worn Stair Nosings in High-Traffic Buffet Walkways
The lawsuit alleges Royal Caribbean was negligent in its maintenance, inspection, and oversight of the buffet area walkways and steps. Specifically, it claims that the cruise line allowed a damaged nosing on a heavily trafficked stair to remain in place despite the high volume of daily use. The plaintiff further alleges that crew members failed to inspect the step or place visual cues or caution signage around the hazard.
Paton’s legal team argues that Royal Caribbean knew or should have known of the dangerous condition due to the repetitive foot traffic and natural deterioration of flooring materials aboard the ship. The complaint references Royal Caribbean’s internal maintenance protocols and training programs that require crew members to inspect walkways, provide clear warnings for tripping hazards, and conduct repairs on worn materials.
Complaint Cites Similar Past Incidents and International Safety Regulations Violations
The complaint points to prior similar incidents involving passengers tripping on damaged nosings aboard other Royal Caribbean vessels, including:
- Holliday v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., Case No. 1:16-cv-25209 – trip and fall on worn nosing aboard Brilliance of the Seas
- Hager v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., Case No. 1:21-cv-20802 – trip and fall on broken nosing aboard Allure of the Seas
Paton alleges these prior cases and internal records should have put the cruise line on notice that stair nosings in dining areas posed a recurring hazard. The lawsuit also asserts that the cruise line violated industry safety standards and the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) treaty regulations, which require walkways and escape routes aboard vessels to be kept clear, safe, and free from tripping hazards.
Royal Caribbean Also Sued for Negligent Design, Training, and Vicarious Liability for Crew Conduct
In addition to general negligence, the lawsuit includes multiple counts against Royal Caribbean for negligent design and construction of the stair nosing, failure to train crew members on hazard detection, and failure to warn passengers of the danger. It also alleges vicarious liability for the actions of housekeeping and maintenance staff who were allegedly responsible for inspecting the buffet area and responding to unsafe conditions.
According to the complaint, the buffet area steps lacked appropriate visual cues or surface treatments to alert passengers to the tripping hazard. The design allegedly used materials prone to wear without accounting for safety reinforcements or long-term durability. Furthermore, the suit claims that Royal Caribbean had full control over the ship’s design and construction specifications and failed to select safer materials or implement design changes.
Passenger Seeks Compensation for Surgical Knee Injury and Ongoing Disability from Buffet Area Fall
As a result of the incident, Paton claims she has suffered and will continue to suffer serious and permanent injuries, including knee damage requiring surgery, ongoing pain, physical limitations, emotional distress, and economic losses. The lawsuit seeks damages for medical expenses, loss of income, future diminished earning capacity, and non-economic harms such as loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact a Cruise Ship Tripping Hazard Attorney If You Were Injured on a Vessel Staircase or Walkway
Passengers injured due to defective or poorly maintained stairs, nosings, or walkway surfaces aboard cruise ships may have legal options under maritime law. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean are responsible for ensuring that their vessels are designed, maintained, and supervised to prevent foreseeable accidents. If you or someone you know was injured in a similar incident involving a cruise ship stairway or buffet area hazard, contact a maritime injury attorney to discuss your rights.
Speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer today to learn how we can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
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.
