North Carolina Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Traumatic Brain Injury and Slip on Wet Tile in Central Park Aboard Oasis of the Seas
Lindemere Richard Bernhardt, a resident of Murphy, North Carolina, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-21842-JB, alleges that Bernhardt suffered severe and permanent injuries after slipping on a dangerously wet and slippery tile surface while walking through the Central Park area of the Oasis of the Seas on February 21, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Suffers Loss of Consciousness and Head Injury on Oasis of the Seas Due to Unmarked Wet Deck Surfaces
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on the sixth day of a cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale while the vessel was at sea. Bernhardt was walking through the outdoor Central Park area on Deck 8 when his feet suddenly went out from under him on smooth floor tiles that had become wet due to intermittent rain. The fall was so violent that Bernhardt landed on his back and struck his head, resulting in a loss of consciousness for approximately two to three minutes. A nurse on the scene witnessed the fall and provided immediate assistance before Bernhardt was transported to the ship infirmary. While X-rays did not show immediate fractures, the plaintiff remained in a neck brace for the duration of the voyage and continues to suffer from debilitating conditions including post-concussion syndrome and cervical spinal stenosis.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Warn of Hazardous Flooring in High Traffic Central Park Area
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive knowledge that the smooth tile used in the Central Park area becomes an unreasonable hazard when exposed to moisture. Despite this knowledge, the cruise line allegedly failed to place any wet floor warning signs, caution indicators, or verbal warnings in the area at the time of the incident. The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean is aware that passengers must traverse these outdoor decks in all weather conditions, yet the cruise line failed to follow its own internal safety protocols regarding the placement of hazard markers. Bernhardt contends that the dangerous condition was not open or obvious to a reasonable passenger and that he was paying attention to his surroundings when the slip occurred.
Plaintiff Cites Numerous Prior Slip and Fall Incidents on Oasis Class Ships as Evidence of Ongoing Safety Problems
To establish that Royal Caribbean was aware of the recurring danger, the plaintiff’s legal team identified a significant history of similar accidents involving the smooth tile surfaces on Oasis Class ships. The complaint references several recent lawsuits including White v. RCCL, Sorenson v. RCCL, and Tweten v. RCCL, all involving slips in the Central Park sections of the Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas. Furthermore, the lawsuit highlights internal Shipboard Safety Steering Minutes which allegedly reveal that the defendant was aware of dozens of slips and falls in these specific areas in the years leading up to Bernhardt’s injury. This history suggests a systemic failure to address a known design and maintenance defect across the fleet’s most popular vessels.
Lawsuit Seeks Damages for Permanent Disability and Medical Expenses Resulting from Negligent Cruise Ship Operations
Bernhardt brings counts of negligent failure to warn and negligent maintenance against Royal Caribbean. He claims the cruise line breached its duty of care as a common carrier to provide a reasonably safe environment and failed to comply with international maritime safety standards, including regulations promulgated by the International Maritime Organization. As a result of the fall, Bernhardt reports suffering from cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy, generalized muscle weakness, and permanent impairment of balance. The lawsuit seeks compensation for past and future medical expenses, physical impairment, mental anguish, and the total loss of the enjoyment of his vacation. Because the plaintiff is retired, the claim focuses on non-economic damages and medical costs rather than lost wages.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured on a Vessel Due to Dangerous Deck Conditions
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to wet flooring, lack of warning signs, or improper maintenance of deck surfaces may be eligible for compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators like Royal Caribbean are required to exercise reasonable care for the safety of their guests and must provide adequate warnings when hazardous conditions arise. If you or a loved one has experienced a serious injury while aboard a cruise ship, it is important to understand your legal rights and the specific filing requirements for maritime claims.
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.
