New York Minor Sues Royal Caribbean After Severe Femoral Fracture at Toddler Splash Pad on Liberty of the Seas
Lisa Trentascoti, a resident of New York, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit on behalf of her minor daughter, A.M.T., against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20623-JB, alleges that the three-year-old child suffered a permanent and debilitating spiral fracture to her femur while playing in the toddler water park area of the Liberty of the Seas on February 18, 2025.
Toddler Injured on Liberty of the Seas Splash Pad Due to Hazardous Pooling Water and Slippery Surfaces
According to the legal filing, the incident occurred during the first full day of the cruise while the young plaintiff was using the toddler slide in the ship’s designated splash pad area. The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean placed a rubber mat at the base of the slide which inadvertently caused water to pool, creating an unreasonably slippery and hazardous condition for young children. As the toddler stepped off the mat and into the pooling water, her foot slipped forward, leading to a violent fall that resulted in a spiral fracture of her right femoral shaft. The plaintiff asserts that the area was dangerously slick even without the presence of standing water, yet this was the only location in the splash pad where such a mat had been positioned.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Ignoring Prior Slip and Fall Incidents at Shipboard Water Parks
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous conditions within the toddler play area. To support this claim, the plaintiff’s legal team points to previous litigation involving similar hazards, specifically referencing the case of Lubliner v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. In that matter, a passenger aboard the Oasis of the Seas reportedly suffered a fractured patella after slipping at the base of a toddler slide in a nearly identical fashion. The complaint further alleges that the cruise line conducts shipboard safety meetings where such incidents and their root causes are discussed, yet the company failed to implement necessary remedial measures to protect passengers on the Liberty of the Seas.
Complaint Alleges Failure to Comply with Industry Safety Standards for Aquatic Play Structures
Beyond the specific placement of the rubber mat, the plaintiff alleges that Royal Caribbean failed to meet established industry safety standards for water park design and maintenance. The complaint cites regulations and standards from the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the International Maritime Organization, and the American Society for Testing and Materials, specifically ASTM F2461. The plaintiff argues that the cruise line participated in the design and construction of these spaces through its new build department but failed to ensure the flooring materials provided adequate traction. Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that although lifeguards and video surveillance were in place to monitor the pool deck, staff failed to identify or correct the pooling water before the injury occurred.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Physical Injuries and Loss of Cruise Value
The lawsuit brings four counts against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, general negligence, and vicarious liability. The plaintiff seeks compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, disability, and significant medical expenses associated with the care of a toddler’s fractured femur. The complaint alleges the injuries are permanent in nature and will result in future impairment. Additionally, the family seeks to recover the lost benefit of their vacation, including cruise and transportation costs, which were forfeited due to the medical emergency. Under the theory of vicariously liability, the plaintiff argues that the cruise line is responsible for the negligent acts of its crewmembers and lifeguards who were tasked with supervising the area.
Contact a Cruise Ship Toddler Injury Lawyer Today if Your Child Was Hurt in a Water Park Accident
Parents of children who suffer injuries in cruise ship splash pads or water parks due to slippery flooring, poor supervision, or unsafe equipment may be eligible for compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators have a strict duty to provide a reasonably safe environment, particularly in areas designed for vulnerable toddlers and minors. If your child was injured in a slip and fall accident aboard a vessel, contact our team of experienced maritime injury attorneys to discuss your rights and potential legal 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.
