New York Father Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Child Suffers Severe Knee Laceration on Norwegian Escape
William Carentz, a parent acting on behalf of his minor child, B.C., has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., doing business as Norwegian Cruise Lines, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-25728-RKA, alleges that the nine year old passenger sustained a severe and permanent arterial injury after striking a sharp, protruding metal pool depth sign near the kids pool on Deck 16 aboard the Norwegian Escape.
Minor Passenger Injured Near Kids Pool on Norwegian Escape Due to Protruding Sharp Metal Sign
According to the complaint, the incident took place while the child was walking near the designated children pool area on Deck 16 of the Norwegian Escape. While navigating the passenger walkway, the minor right knee struck a sharp metal pool depth marker that protruded outward from the surrounding wooden deck surface. The filing asserts that the hazard was not open or obvious to a reasonable passenger or a young child, as the sharp metal edge was not readily apparent through ordinary observation. Because the hazard was integrated into the walkway without adequate clearance or flush installation, the young guest had no reasonable opportunity to perceive the danger and avoid the collision.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Inspect, Correct, and Warn Passengers of Pool Deck Hazards
The complaint alleges that Norwegian Cruise Line had actual or constructive notice of the hazardous condition. Because the metal depth marker was a permanent shipboard fixture installed, positioned, and maintained directly within high traffic passenger walking areas by the cruise line, the operator knew or should have known of its dangerous protrusion and sharp edges. The lawsuit contends that the condition existed for a sufficient duration prior to the incident for shipboard personnel to discover and remedy the hazard during regular safety walkthroughs and deck maintenance. Despite having control over the vessel layout, the carrier allegedly failed to place safety padding, install visual warnings, position protective barriers, or alter the installation to prevent guest contact with the sharp metal perimeter.
Cruise Line Negligence Claim Cites Severe Arterial Injury, Pain, and Permanent Disfigurement
The lawsuit formally brings a claim for negligent failure to warn, asserting that the carrier breached its legal duty to exercise reasonable care under maritime law. The complaint details that the impact resulted in a deep laceration to the child right knee involving an underlying artery, requiring prompt medical intervention and surgical suturing onboard the vessel and onshore. The minor plaintiff sustained severe physical pain, emotional trauma, mental anguish, permanent disfigurement, disability, and an ongoing impairment to normal life activities. The family seeks compensatory damages for past and future hospital, medical, and related out of pocket health care expenses, noting that the medical consequences and scarring are continuing and permanent.
Contact a Cruise Ship Pool Deck Injury Lawyer Today if Your Child Was Hurt Onboard a Cruise Ship
Cruise passengers and families whose children suffer injuries from dangerous shipboard conditions, including improperly installed fixtures, sharp deck edges, and inadequate safety warnings, may pursue legal remedies under federal maritime law. Cruise operators have a continuing responsibility to maintain walkways and recreational zones in a reasonably safe manner for passengers of all ages. If you or a loved one suffered harm while traveling aboard a cruise vessel, contact our team of maritime personal injury lawyers to learn more about your rights and available options.
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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.
