Ohio Passenger Sues Celebrity Cruises Over Deck Chair Collapse on Celebrity Reflection
An Ohio woman has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Celebrity Cruises Inc. after she was severely injured when a balcony deck chair, secured only by zip ties, collapsed beneath her aboard the Celebrity Reflection. The case is styled Barbara Douglas v. Celebrity Cruises Inc., Case No. 1:25-cv-22179-CMA, and was filed on May 12, 2025.
Passenger Injured When Balcony Deck Chair Collapses on Celebrity Reflection
According to the complaint, on August 18, 2024, 66-year-old Barbara Douglas was a paying passenger on the Celebrity Reflection, traveling to the Bahamas. While seated on her balcony, Douglas attempted to rise from a reclining deck chair. Unknown to her, the back of the chair had been secured in a fixed position with thin nylon zip ties rather than its intended metal brackets. When Douglas placed her hand on the backrest and began to stand, the zip ties snapped, causing the chair’s backrest to collapse and throwing her backward with force.
Balcony Chair Improperly Secured with Zip Ties Instead of Metal Brackets
The lawsuit alleges that ship personnel later confirmed the use of zip ties to keep the chair backrests from striking the balcony walls. However, the complaint states that the zip ties used were thin, weak, and wholly inadequate for supporting the weight of a passenger, especially when compared to the metal brackets the chairs were designed to use. The improper installation rendered the metal locking brackets useless and left passengers reliant solely on the zip ties for support—a makeshift solution that was foreseeably prone to failure under normal use.
Serious and Lasting Injuries, Pain, and Loss of Enjoyment
Douglas claims she suffered severe injuries from the fall, resulting in ongoing pain and suffering, mental anguish, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life. She alleges hospital and pharmaceutical expenses, loss of earnings and earning capacity, and an inability to participate in activities she previously enjoyed. The complaint further claims the incident aggravated prior conditions and caused lasting disability.
Negligence Claims Against Celebrity Cruises for Unsafe Balcony Furniture
The lawsuit asserts multiple failures by Celebrity Cruises, including:
- Use of zip ties that were too weak for the intended purpose;
- Failure to adequately test the size and strength of the zip ties;
- Failure to warn passengers of the use of zip ties and their risk of breakage;
- Failure to use suitable materials for securing deck chairs;
- Improper installation and use of the zip ties, making the chairs unfit for passenger balconies;
- Placement of the zip ties in a manner that prevented metal brackets from engaging and disabled their load-bearing function.
Douglas seeks damages for her injuries and demands a jury trial.
Industry Implications: Cruise Ship Balcony Furniture Safety and Passenger Risk
This case highlights ongoing concerns over passenger safety related to makeshift repairs and improper maintenance practices aboard cruise ships. As cruise lines seek to maximize balcony space, the safety of balcony furniture—especially in confined areas—remains a key issue. The outcome of this case may impact cruise industry standards regarding the installation, maintenance, and safety inspection of stateroom furnishings.
Injured by Defective or Unsafe Cruise Ship Furniture?
If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions or improper maintenance aboard a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Protect your rights—contact us today for a free consultation.
