New York Family Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Child Slips on Wet Pool Deck Aboard Norwegian Joy
Michael Schuetz, on behalf of his minor daughter S.S., has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23307, alleges that S.S. sustained severe and permanent injuries after slipping on a wet and unreasonably slippery pool deck surface aboard the Norwegian Joy on August 5, 2024.
Child Injured After Slipping on Wet Deck Outside Kids Aqua Park on Norwegian Joy
According to the complaint, S.S. was walking on Deck 16 near the kids’ aqua park area when she slipped on a wet and hazardous flooring surface that lacked adequate slip resistance. Schuetz alleges that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) failed to maintain the deck in a reasonably safe condition, despite knowing that the area was prone to water accumulation from the adjacent pool and water play features.
The lawsuit claims that no warning signs were posted, and the hazard was neither open nor obvious to passengers. S.S.’s injuries reportedly include significant pain, disability, and long-term physical and emotional harm.
Norwegian Accused of Failing to Address Known Slip Hazards on Pool Decks
The complaint asserts that NCL had both actual and constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition due to prior incidents on the Norwegian Joy and similar vessels. Schuetz’s legal team cites previous slip and fall lawsuits involving wet pool decks on Norwegian cruise ships, including Simon v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., McCoy v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., and Monaco v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as evidence that NCL was aware of the risk but failed to take corrective measures.
The lawsuit also alleges that NCL did not follow industry standards for pool deck flooring, drainage, and slip-resistance, creating an unreasonably hazardous environment for passengers, particularly children.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Design, Maintenance, and Failure to Warn
Schuetz’s lawsuit brings multiple counts of negligence against NCL, including negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, negligent design of the pool deck flooring, and general negligence. It asserts that NCL failed to regularly inspect and dry the deck, failed to block off wet areas, and failed to warn passengers about the slippery condition.
The complaint further argues that NCL could have used safer flooring materials or implemented drainage improvements to prevent water accumulation but failed to do so.
Family Seeks Compensation for Medical Expenses, Pain and Suffering, and Loss of Cruise Value
The lawsuit seeks damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the disruption of the family’s cruise vacation. It alleges that S.S.’s injuries are permanent and will require ongoing care, resulting in long-term costs and diminished quality of life.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer if Your Child Was Injured on a Pool Deck
Pool decks and water play areas aboard cruise ships can be particularly hazardous when not properly designed or maintained. Cruise lines like Norwegian are legally obligated to provide safe walking surfaces and to warn passengers of wet or slippery conditions. If you or your child suffered a similar injury on a cruise ship, our maritime attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
