North Carolina Woman Sues Regent Seven Seas Cruises After Being Struck by Flying Umbrella on Deck of Seven Seas Mariner
Kathleen Clarke-Pearson, a resident of North Carolina, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Seven Seas Cruises Ltd., doing business as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24255-JB, alleges that Clarke-Pearson sustained a severe shoulder injury after she was hit by a loose umbrella that had not been properly secured on the open pool deck of the Seven Seas Mariner.
Cruise Passenger Injured During Ice Carving Demonstration on Pool Deck as Wind Sends Umbrella Flying
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on October 1, 2024, while Clarke-Pearson was walking across the main pool deck (Deck 11) to attend an ice carving demonstration—an event promoted by the cruise line. Without warning, a deck umbrella came loose in windy conditions and was lifted into the air, striking Clarke-Pearson with such force that it knocked her to the deck. She reportedly sustained a comminuted fracture of her left shoulder along with other injuries.
The lawsuit states that there were no warnings or caution signs, and no effort was made by crew members to cordon off the area despite the presence of wind and unsecured furnishings. Immediately after the incident, Regent allegedly removed all umbrellas from the pool deck, an act cited in the complaint as evidence of the cruise line’s knowledge of the hazard.
Regent Seven Seas Accused of Failing to Secure Pool Deck Umbrellas Despite Active Wind Monitoring Systems
Clarke-Pearson’s lawsuit contends that Regent Seven Seas Cruises failed to follow established policies and maritime safety standards regarding the use of umbrellas on exterior decks. The complaint outlines that the cruise line has a duty to monitor weather conditions—including wind speeds—through tools such as radar, anemometers, barometers, and on-deck observation.
Despite these systems and industry norms for outdoor deck safety, Regent allegedly allowed umbrellas to remain open and unsecured in wind conditions that posed foreseeable risks. The plaintiff’s legal team argues that the cruise line had actual or constructive knowledge of the unsafe condition and failed to take preventative measures. The incident occurred in a high-traffic area used for planned guest entertainment, increasing the foreseeable risk of harm.
Lawsuit Cites Failure to Warn, Maintain, and Enforce Outdoor Safety Procedures on Seven Seas Mariner
The lawsuit brings four counts against Regent Seven Seas Cruises: vicarious liability, negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. Clarke-Pearson alleges that the crew failed to secure umbrellas, monitor wind conditions adequately, or provide warnings to passengers regarding the hazard.
The complaint also accuses the cruise line of failing to train and supervise its crew in accordance with safety procedures related to deck furniture and inclement weather. The plaintiff asserts that Regent failed to analyze or learn from prior similar incidents, arguing that the hazard posed by unsecured umbrellas in windy conditions is well-documented in the cruise industry.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Shoulder Injury, Loss of Cruise Value, and Ongoing Physical Impairment
As a result of the incident, Clarke-Pearson claims she suffered a severe shoulder fracture and other bodily injuries leading to pain, mental anguish, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. The complaint alleges her injuries are permanent or continuing in nature. She is also seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the loss of value of her cruise vacation. A jury trial is demanded on all claims.
Contact a Cruise Ship Deck Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt by Unsafe Conditions or Flying Objects Onboard
Cruise lines have a legal obligation to ensure outdoor areas are safe and that furniture and equipment are properly secured, especially during adverse weather conditions. If you were injured by a flying object or deck hazard due to crew negligence or unsafe conditions aboard a vessel, you may be entitled to recover damages under maritime law.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer.
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.
