New York Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Slipping on Wet Outdoor Stairs Aboard Norwegian Encore
Hilary McHone, a resident of New York, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25634-JAL, alleges that McHone suffered serious injuries after slipping on a wet and hazardous staircase on the Norwegian Encore while descending from the ship’s Deck 17 on December 11, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Suffers Serious Injuries After Fall on Wet Outdoor Staircase Near Pool Area
According to the lawsuit, McHone was descending an exterior stairway near a hot tub, pool, bar, and restaurant area when she suddenly slipped on what she describes as an unreasonably wet and slippery surface. The steps allegedly lacked proper anti-slip tread, warning signage, or handrails sufficient to prevent falls in that area. The complaint states that McHone fell down several steps, sustaining multiple severe injuries as a result.
McHone claims the area was not visibly wet and did not present any open or obvious hazards. The cruise line is accused of failing to provide a safe walking surface in a high-traffic location known to be susceptible to water accumulation and slipping risks.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Warn of Known Hazards on Exterior Deck Staircase
The complaint asserts that Norwegian had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous conditions due to the area’s proximity to the pool and bar, the presence of prior incidents, and a warning sign posted at the bottom of the staircase—which the lawsuit claims evidences the cruise line’s awareness of the hazard. Additionally, it references onboard surveillance cameras and internal safety policies, including the SEMS (Safety and Environmental Management System), which allegedly require crew members to monitor and address such safety issues. McHone argues that the cruise line failed to warn passengers of the risks through signage, verbal instruction, or any other precautionary measures.
Complaint Cites Multiple Prior Lawsuits Involving Similar Falls on Norwegian Cruise Ships
McHone’s legal team points to several previous incidents involving similar falls on wet exterior stairs aboard Norwegian vessels to argue that Norwegian was on notice of the recurring hazard. These include:
- Baucom v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd.: A plaintiff slipped and fell on a wet staircase on Deck 17 of the Norwegian Escape.
- Sooklall v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd.: A plaintiff slipped descending stairs leading to Deck 15 near the Aqua Park.
- Kasmar v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd.: A fall occurred on an exterior staircase leading to a pool deck due to slippery conditions.
These earlier lawsuits are cited to demonstrate that Norwegian Cruise Line was aware of the risks posed by wet, slippery stairs in public outdoor areas and failed to implement sufficient safeguards to prevent future incidents.
Norwegian Cruise Line Sued for Negligent Design, Maintenance, and Safety Oversight of Outdoor Stairwell
Beyond failing to warn passengers, the complaint also accuses Norwegian of negligent design. The lawsuit states that the staircase lacked essential safety features such as slip-resistant tread, proper drainage, and protective coverings to prevent the accumulation of water from rain, spills, or splashes. It further alleges that Norwegian failed to select appropriate flooring materials or test the area’s surface under expected conditions of use, including heavy foot traffic near water amenities.
The complaint includes four counts of negligence: failure to warn, failure to maintain, negligent design, and general negligence. In each, McHone asserts that the cruise line breached its duty of care by allowing unsafe conditions to exist in a location where passengers were expected to walk and move freely.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Medical Expenses, Pain and Suffering, and Lost Value of Cruise
McHone alleges that the fall caused her permanent injuries to her body and extremities, resulting in physical pain, emotional distress, medical bills, and loss of income. The complaint also seeks compensation for the lost value of the cruise and related travel expenses. She claims her injuries are ongoing and that she will continue to experience physical, emotional, and financial hardship in the future.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer if You Were Injured on Wet or Hazardous Outdoor Stairs
Passengers injured aboard cruise ships due to unsafe exterior stairways or wet walking surfaces may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines have a non-delegable duty to maintain safe conditions and to protect guests from foreseeable risks, particularly in areas with known slip hazards. If you or a loved one has suffered a similar accident aboard a cruise ship, contact our experienced legal team to discuss your rights and explore your legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury 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.
