Ohio Resident Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall on Wet Surface Near Starbucks Aboard Freedom of the Seas
William Gehr, a resident of Ohio, 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 No. 1:26-cv-21151-DPG, alleges that Gehr suffered permanent and debilitating injuries after slipping on a hazardous transitory substance while walking on Deck 5 of the Freedom of the Seas on February 21, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured Near Starbucks on Freedom of the Seas Due to Slippery Floor and Lack of Warning Signs
According to the legal filing, the incident took place in a high-traffic walkway area at or near the Starbucks location on Deck 5 of the vessel. Gehr alleges that Royal Caribbean allowed water or another liquid, believed to be coffee, to accumulate on the floor surface. The lawsuit claims the cruise line failed to properly inspect, clean, or mop the area to remove the slipping hazard. Furthermore, the plaintiff asserts that the dangerous condition was not open or obvious to a reasonable passenger because the substance was not visually conspicuous and did not contrast with the flooring material. At the time of the fall, there were allegedly no warning cones, signs, or verbal cautions provided to alert passengers to the wet deck.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Negligent Maintenance and Disregarding Safety Protocols for Wet Decks
The lawsuit contends that Royal Caribbean breached its duty of reasonable care by failing to maintain the public walkway in a safe condition. Gehr’s legal team argues that the cruise line had established internal policies and procedures specifically designed to prevent slip and fall accidents, which included the mandatory placement of wet floor signs in areas known to become slippery. The complaint alleges that the cruise line’s failure to follow its own safety protocols demonstrates negligence, as the company is well aware through years of experience that passengers cannot always perceive the degree of slipperiness on shipboard walkways without adequate warnings.
Complaint Cites History of Similar Slip and Fall Incidents on Royal Caribbean Vessels as Evidence of Constructive Notice
To establish that the cruise line had notice of the hazard, the complaint references a series of prior similar incidents across Royal Caribbean’s fleet. The plaintiff points to multiple recent lawsuits involving passengers who slipped on wet or slippery substances on Deck 5 and other high-traffic areas. These referenced cases include Porter v. Royal Caribbean, Lockett v. Royal Caribbean, and Galasso v. Royal Caribbean, the latter of which involved a similar fall on Deck 5 of the Freedom of the Seas. Gehr argues that these recurring issues fleetwide prove that the cruise line was aware of the risks posed by transitory substances in walkways but failed to implement effective preventative measures.
Plaintiff Suffers Fractured Patella and Permanent Disability Following Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Accident
As a direct result of the fall, Gehr allegedly sustained severe physical injuries, most notably a fractured and fully displaced patella of his left knee. The complaint details that the plaintiff has suffered significant pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment. The lawsuit seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and the loss of capacity to enjoy life. Gehr asserts that his injuries are permanent and continuing in nature, requiring ongoing medical treatment and resulting in long-term disability.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured Due to Hazardous Conditions on a Vessel
If you or a loved one suffered an injury while on a cruise due to a slippery floor, lack of warning signs, or improper maintenance, you may be entitled to financial compensation under maritime law. Cruise companies have a strict legal obligation to keep their walkways and public areas safe for all passengers. When they fail to provide adequate warnings or neglect routine safety inspections, they can be held accountable for the resulting damages. If you have experienced a similar accident, contact our team of experienced maritime injury attorneys to discuss your case and learn more about your rights.
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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.
