Ohio Resident Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall on Wet Deck Near Enchantment of the Seas Hot Tub
Lisa Franklin, an Ohio resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case Number 1:26-cv-26806-MD, claims that Franklin suffered severe and permanent injuries after slipping and falling on an excessively wet deck surface while exiting a hot tub aboard the Enchantment of the Seas on August 1, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Enchantment of the Seas Deck During Crew Power Washing Operation
According to the filed complaint, the incident took place at approximately 3:00 a.m. while Franklin was using a hot tub situated on Deck 9 of the Enchantment of the Seas. While she was inside the hot tub, Royal Caribbean crewmembers allegedly began power washing the surrounding deck area. The walking surface immediately enclosing the hot tub served as the sole entry and exit point for passengers. Franklin observed the power washing taking place, but she had no alternative pathway available to leave the facility without stepping directly onto the deck where the crew was working.
The lawsuit asserts that the power-washing activity generated excessive amounts of water that accumulated across the walking surface, creating an unreasonably slippery hazard. Rather than redirecting the runoff, containing the cleaning fluids, or immediately removing standing water from the walkway, crewmembers allegedly allowed water to pool around the hot tub while passengers were still occupying it. When Franklin exited the hot tub and attempted to cross the deck to reach safety, she slipped on the pooled water and fell violently.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Actual and Constructive Notice Following Prior Hot Tub Area Slip and Fall Incidents
Franklin alleges that Royal Caribbean possessed direct, actual notice of the dangerous condition because its own shipboard employees created the slick surface during the course of their assigned duties. The complaint highlights that crewmembers were actively power washing the area and permitted water to remain pooled in the direct path of exiting guests.
In addition to actual notice, the filing contends that the cruise line had constructive notice regarding the recurring hazards of slippery deck surfaces near hot tubs. The complaint references five earlier federal lawsuits across the Royal Caribbean fleet involving passengers who slipped and fell near hot tubs or jacuzzis. These referenced cases include Danas v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. aboard the Liberty of the Seas, Strieder v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. aboard the Harmony of the Seas, Shear v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. aboard the Wonder of the Seas, Flynn v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. aboard the Vision of the Seas, and Alcantar v. Royal Caribbean Group aboard the Navigator of the Seas. Franklin argues that these prior slip and fall incidents put the cruise operator on clear notice that passenger walkways near hot tubs present foreseeable slipping dangers when wet.
Lawsuit Asserts Claims for Direct and Vicarious Negligent Deck Maintenance Under Maritime Law
The complaint presents two formal legal counts against Royal Caribbean under maritime personal injury law: direct negligent maintenance and vicarious negligent maintenance. Under the direct liability count, Franklin claims the cruise company breached its overarching duty of reasonable care by failing to ensure safe conditions on passenger walkways, failing to monitor late-night deck maintenance, and failing to correct known slip hazards created during cleaning routines.
Under the vicarious liability count, Franklin asserts that the cruise line is legally responsible for the specific negligence of its employees who were acting within the scope of their employment. The crewmembers allegedly breached their duty of care by directing high-pressure water onto an active passenger pathway, failing to remove pooled water in a timely fashion, and continuing their washing operation while guests were still using the hot tub without establishing a dry walkway.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Spinal Surgery and Permanent Physical Impairment
As a direct consequence of the fall on Deck 9, Franklin reportedly suffered extensive injuries to her extremities and spine, including significant trauma to her lower back, left hip, and left thigh. The complaint states that her back injuries necessitated lumbar surgery, extensive medical interventions, and ongoing physical therapy.
Franklin is seeking compensatory damages for physical impairment, disability, mental anguish, physical pain, lost enjoyment of life, incurred medical expenses, and diminished future earning potential. The lawsuit alleges that her spinal injuries and physical limitations are permanent in nature and will require ongoing care in the future.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Attorney if You Were Injured on a Wet Deck
Maritime law requires cruise operators to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances to protect their guests from slip and fall accidents caused by unsafe maintenance practices and accumulated water on passenger decks. When cruise lines fail to supervise power-washing activities, neglect basic drainage, or leave active walking zones dangerously slippery, injured passengers have the legal right to seek full financial recovery.
If you or a family member suffered severe injuries aboard a vessel due to negligent maintenance or lack of warning signs, speak with an experienced maritime injury lawyer to protect your rights. You can learn more about your legal options by visiting the contact page 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.
