New York Passenger Sues MSC Cruises After Elevator Slip and Fall on Wet Floor Aboard MSC Meraviglia
Freddie Johnson, a New York resident, has filed a personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises S.A., MSC Cruises (USA) LLC, and the MSC Meraviglia, after allegedly slipping on a wet floor near an elevator aboard the vessel. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 0:25-cv-62284-MD in the Southern District of Florida, accuses MSC of negligence in maintaining safe conditions for passengers during a cruise that departed from New York City.
Passenger Claims He Fell on Slippery Floor Near Elevator on Deck 8 of MSC Meraviglia
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on October 1, 2024, while Johnson was a paying passenger aboard the MSC Meraviglia during a voyage that departed from New York on September 29. Johnson had entered the elevator on Deck 10 to retrieve cups and ice and returned to Deck 8, where his cabin was located. As he stepped out of the elevator, he allegedly slipped on a slick substance present on the floor, causing him to fall and injure his back, shoulder, head, and knee.
Following the fall, Johnson observed a crewmember cleaning the area with a rag—an indication, he claims, that MSC employees were aware of the hazard. However, the area reportedly lacked any warning signs or caution cones to alert passengers about the wet surface, and no one was stationed nearby to monitor or restrict access to the affected zone.
Lawsuit Alleges MSC Failed to Warn Passengers or Maintain a Safe Condition in Elevator Lobby Area
The lawsuit contends that MSC failed in its duty to maintain safe walking surfaces aboard the Meraviglia, particularly in high-traffic areas such as elevator banks. Johnson argues that the cruise line breached its responsibilities by:
- Failing to promptly clean up hazardous substances
- Not placing any warning signage near the wet floor
- Allowing a known dangerous condition to exist in a public area
- Not assigning crew to supervise or restrict passenger access during cleanup
According to the complaint, these failures amount to negligence under general maritime law, which imposes a duty of care on cruise lines to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition and to warn passengers of known or foreseeable dangers.
MSC Accused of Negligence Resulting in Long-Term Injuries Requiring Ongoing Medical Treatment
As a result of the incident, Johnson alleges he sustained multiple injuries including traumatic osteoarthritis in his left knee, sprains, and chronic back and shoulder pain. He claims these injuries are permanent and continuing, resulting in medical expenses, lost wages, and physical and emotional distress. Johnson seeks compensation for these damages as well as for the diminished value of his cruise experience.
The complaint does not allege that Johnson was engaging in any risky behavior and asserts that he was exercising reasonable care at the time of the fall. His legal team argues that MSC’s negligence was the sole cause of the incident.
Injured in an Elevator Area or Public Walkway on a Cruise Ship? You May Have a Claim
Slip and fall injuries aboard cruise ships—particularly in elevator lobbies, gangways, dining rooms, or other common areas—can form the basis for a personal injury lawsuit under maritime law. Cruise lines like MSC must take reasonable steps to inspect and maintain their premises, including promptly cleaning spills, posting visible warnings, and supervising wet or dangerous areas.
If you or someone you care about was injured in a similar cruise ship slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Our firm helps injured passengers understand their rights and take legal action.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney today.
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.
