New York Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall on Hidden Steps Aboard Liberty of the Seas
Amanda Schmitt, a resident of New York, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The case, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24107, alleges that Schmitt suffered serious injuries after slipping on dangerously slippery and poorly marked steps while descending from Deck 5 to Deck 4 near the Promenade area aboard the Liberty of the Seas on September 25, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Allegedly Fell on Glossy, Unmarked Staircase Near Promenade on Liberty of the Seas
According to the complaint, Schmitt was walking down a staircase commonly used by passengers when she suddenly slipped on a wet and slick flooring surface. The staircase allegedly had a shiny, seamless finish that created a continuous glossy pattern, causing the steps to blend together visually and making them difficult to detect. Compounding the hazard, the steps were allegedly narrow, lacked skid-resistant materials, and were not marked with caution signs or contrasting edges.
Schmitt contends that the dangerous condition was not open or obvious and that there were no warnings from Royal Caribbean staff or signage present to alert her to the risk. The lawsuit states that the cruise line did not place any safety barriers or provide crew members to guide or caution passengers in this high-traffic area.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers About Known Slip Hazards in Stairwell Area
The lawsuit brings a count of negligent failure to warn against Royal Caribbean, alleging that the cruise line had actual and constructive knowledge of the hazard. Schmitt points to prior passenger incidents involving similar slippery flooring and hidden steps aboard other Royal Caribbean ships.
In particular, the complaint references the Barney v. Royal Caribbean case, where a passenger slipped on a similarly unmarked and narrow staircase aboard the Anthem of the Seas, and the Galasso v. Royal Caribbean case, where a passenger fell on slick flooring in the Promenade area of the Freedom of the Seas, a vessel in the same class as the Liberty of the Seas. These earlier lawsuits are cited as evidence that Royal Caribbean was aware of the risk posed by such flooring surfaces and staircase configurations but failed to take corrective measures.
Lawsuit Alleges Cruise Line Failed to Maintain and Inspect Hazardous Steps Used by Guests
The complaint includes an additional count for negligent maintenance, arguing that Royal Caribbean failed to ensure the area was safe for passenger use. Schmitt alleges that the cruise line did not maintain the stairs in a dry condition, failed to apply slip-resistant treatments or install non-skid strips, and did not inspect the area frequently enough to detect and address the danger.
The lawsuit emphasizes that Royal Caribbean’s own maintenance and safety protocols were either inadequately followed or not implemented at all in this situation, despite the company’s knowledge of the risks posed by similar flooring and stair conditions.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Lasting Leg Injury, Pain, and Loss of Cruise Enjoyment Due to Dangerous Flooring Conditions
Schmitt claims that as a direct result of Royal Caribbean’s negligence, she sustained significant and lasting injuries to her left leg and other parts of her body. The lawsuit states that she continues to experience pain, disability, and emotional distress stemming from the fall. Her injuries have required ongoing medical treatment and allegedly caused permanent impairments to her mobility and quality of life.
In addition to medical expenses and pain and suffering, Schmitt seeks damages for the lost enjoyment of her vacation, diminished earning capacity, and the lost value of her cruise and related travel due to the disruption caused by the injury.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Attorney if You Were Hurt on Wet or Unsafe Stairs Aboard a Vessel
Passengers who slip and fall due to hazardous staircases or unsafe flooring conditions aboard cruise ships may have grounds to file a maritime injury claim. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have a legal obligation to ensure that steps, decks, and other walking surfaces are clearly marked, slip-resistant, and properly maintained. If you or a loved one has been injured under similar circumstances, contact our team of experienced maritime attorneys today to understand your rights.
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.
