New York Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Slip and Fall on Slippery Spa Stairs Aboard NCL Joy
Meagan Malave, a resident of New York, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. and several OneSpaWorld entities. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-26154-MD, alleges that Malave suffered severe and permanent injuries after slipping on wet and slippery stairs within the ship’s spa facilities on November 8, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured in NCL Joy Thermal Suite Due to Slippery Spa Staircase and Dim Lighting
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while Malave was being given a tour of the Mandara Spa facilities by a spa attendant while the vessel was in port in the Bahamas. The attendant directed Malave to ascend a narrow, dark-colored staircase leading to the cold plunge pool located on Deck 16. As Malave was using the stairs, she slipped and fell due to an accumulation of water on the steps, striking her head. The lawsuit alleges that the staircase was dangerously slippery when wet and lacked any warning signs, barriers, or floor mats to prevent such an incident. Malave asserts that the dark flooring material and dim lighting in the area made the water nearly impossible to see, creating a hidden trap for passengers.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Maintain Safe Spa Flooring and Negligent Supervision
The lawsuit alleges that the defendants, including NCL and OneSpaWorld, had constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. Malave’s legal team argues that the area around the cold plunge pool is known to be frequently wet as passengers exit the pool dripping with water. Despite this recurring hazard, the complaint states that there were no spa personnel actively cleaning or drying the steps at the time of the fall. The lawsuit points out that because the incident occurred on a port day, fewer employees were available to monitor and maintain the spa facilities. Furthermore, the attendant who was guiding the tour allegedly failed to inspect the stairs for safety before directing Malave to use them, despite knowing that the steps were prone to becoming as slippery as ice.
Complaint Alleges Dangerous Spa Design and Failure to Follow Industry Safety Standards on NCL Joy
In addition to maintenance failures, the complaint alleges that NCL is responsible for the negligent design and selection of materials used in the spa. Malave claims that the cruise line chose dark-colored tiles that masked the presence of water and failed to install adequate slip-resistant surfacing on the narrow staircase. The lawsuit further alleges that the defendants failed to comply with international maritime safety regulations and industry standards regarding safe escape routes and walkway maintenance. The legal team cites several prior incidents of passengers slipping and falling on wet surfaces aboard NCL vessels, including the NCL Escape and NCL Breakaway, as evidence that the cruise line was well aware of the risks associated with its flooring choices but failed to take corrective action across its fleet.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Head Injury and Medical Expenses Due to Cruise Line Negligence
Malave brings multiple counts of negligence against the defendants, including negligent failure to maintain, negligent failure to warn, and negligent design. She claims that as a direct result of the fall, she suffered permanent physical and emotional injuries, disability, and a loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical and psychological expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. Malave also demands damages for the lost value of her cruise vacation, which was cut short by the injuries sustained in the spa.
Contact a Cruise Ship Spa Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt on a Vessel in Unsafe Conditions
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to slippery spa floors, poorly lit staircases, or inadequate warnings may be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators and their spa partners have a legal duty to maintain all passenger areas in a reasonably safe condition and to warn of known hazards. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident aboard a cruise ship, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today. We are dedicated to helping victims navigate the complexities of maritime litigation and securing the justice they deserve.
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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.
