New York Passenger Sues Celebrity Cruises After Gangway Trip and Fall on Celebrity Xcel
Helene H. Chesler and her husband Steven Chesler, residents of New York, have filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Celebrity Cruises Inc. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-25798-BB, alleges that Helene Chesler suffered severe and permanent injuries, including a fractured shoulder, after tripping over a defective transition plate on a gangway while disembarking the Celebrity Xcel in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Cruise Passenger Injured Disembarking Celebrity Xcel Due to Defective Transition Plate and Lack of Warning Signs
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on the morning of February 24, 2026, as Chesler was walking down the passenger gangway to go ashore. While navigating the pedestrian pathway, she was suddenly caused to trip and fall forward over an uneven, elevated, and separated transition plate and threshold lip. The area was not cordoned off, nor were there any warning signs, traffic cones, or crew members present to caution passengers about the discontinuity in the walkway. Believing the area to be safe and clear of obstructions, Chesler proceeded down the gangway and fell heavily, sustaining immediate injuries that required emergency medical care at a nearby hospital in the Dominican Republic.
Celebrity Cruises Accused of Creating Hidden Tripping Hazard and Failing to Inspect Passenger Gangway
The lawsuit alleges that the transition plate was improperly positioned, elevated, and not flush with the surrounding surface, creating a concealed hazard. Furthermore, the complaint claims the threshold lip blended directly into the flooring pattern of the gangway without adequate visual contrast, effectively creating an optical illusion and a camouflaged danger undetectable to ordinary foot traffic. Plaintiffs contend that Celebrity either created this unsafe condition during installation or allowed it to persist over time. Because cruise lines cater to travelers of all ages and physical capabilities, the complaint asserts that such hidden floor transitions represent an unreasonable and foreseeable danger to disembarking guests.
Lawsuit Asserts Actual and Constructive Notice of Dangerous Flooring Discontinuity on Celebrity Vessel
The legal filing claims that Celebrity Cruises breached its duty of reasonable care under maritime law by failing to maintain, inspect, and monitor the gangway. Plaintiffs argue that the cruise line had actual or constructive notice of the hazard because it existed for an ample period before the fall, or because similar dangerous conditions recurred with sufficient frequency across the vessel. Despite this knowledge, the cruise operator allegedly failed to secure or adjust the transition plate, neglected to conduct reasonable pre-boarding inspections, and failed to adequately train crew members to detect and eliminate structural tripping hazards on passenger walkways.
Plaintiffs Seek Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Expenses, and Loss of Consortium
The complaint brings multiple counts against Celebrity Cruises, including general negligence, negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and loss of consortium on behalf of Steven Chesler. The lawsuit asserts that Helene Chesler sustained catastrophic bodily injuries, substantial pain and suffering, physical disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, and ongoing medical expenses, including potential future surgeries and rehabilitation. Steven Chesler also seeks compensation for the loss of his spouse’s companionship, services, and society. The plaintiffs demand compensatory damages along with a trial by jury.
Contact a Cruise Ship Gangway Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt Disembarking a Vessel
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to defective gangways, uneven flooring thresholds, or lack of proper warnings may have significant legal rights under maritime law. Cruise operators are legally required to maintain safe pedestrian paths and protect guests from concealed tripping hazards. If you or a loved one suffered an injury while boarding or disembarking a vessel, reach out to an experienced maritime attorney to review your options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
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.
