Ohio Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Trip and Fall on Protruding Metal Bar Inside Oasis of the Seas
Melissa Robson, a resident of Ohio, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25825-BB, alleges that Robson suffered significant injuries after tripping over a protruding metal bar inside Studio B aboard the Oasis of the Seas on December 19, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured in Studio B on Oasis of the Seas Due to Protruding Metal Bar in Walkway
According to the complaint, Robson was a paying passenger aboard the Oasis of the Seas and was attending an activity organized by Royal Caribbean in Studio B, an onboard ice arena and entertainment venue. As she returned to her seat following the activity, Robson allegedly walked through an aisle between the first row of seats and the arena glass. While doing so, her shoe reportedly became caught on a metal bar that had become detached from the frame of the arena glass and was protruding into the walking path, causing her to trip and fall.
The lawsuit claims that the hazardous condition was difficult to see due to dim lighting in the area and was not open or obvious to passengers. Robson asserts she had no reasonable way to anticipate the danger before falling. As a result of the incident, she allegedly sustained injuries to her shoulder and elbow.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Using Temporary Tape Repair That Failed and Created a Hidden Tripping Hazard
The complaint alleges that after the fall, Robson observed that the protruding metal bar had been taped to another part of the glass frame as a temporary repair. According to the lawsuit, the tape had lost its grip, allowing the metal bars to separate and create a gap that extended into the aisle where passengers were expected to walk.
Robson contends that Royal Caribbean either knew or should have known that taping the metal bar was an ineffective and unsafe repair method, particularly in a high traffic passenger area. The lawsuit further alleges that Royal Caribbean failed to properly inspect the area, failed to ensure the temporary repair remained secure, and failed to block off the area or provide any warnings to passengers despite the known condition.
Lawsuit Alleges Royal Caribbean Had Prior Notice of Similar Trip Hazards Across Its Fleet
The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive notice of the dangerous condition. It alleges that crew members were involved in taping the metal bar, demonstrating direct knowledge of the disrepair. In addition, Robson’s legal team points to prior trip and fall lawsuits involving protruding metal components and walkway hazards on Royal Caribbean vessels, including cases involving the Oasis of the Seas and other ships within the fleet.
These prior incidents are cited as evidence that Royal Caribbean was aware of recurring hazards involving raised or protruding objects in passenger walkways and failed to take adequate corrective action. The lawsuit claims that despite this history, Royal Caribbean did not implement sufficient inspection, maintenance, or safety policies to prevent similar injuries from occurring.
Plaintiff Alleges Negligent Failure to Warn and Maintain Walkways Aboard Oasis of the Seas
Robson brings claims for negligent failure to warn, negligent maintenance, and general negligence under federal maritime law. She alleges that Royal Caribbean breached its non-delegable duty to provide passengers with reasonable care under the circumstances by allowing a dangerous condition to exist in a location where passengers were invited and expected to walk.
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean failed to warn passengers about the broken frame, failed to place caution signs or barriers in the area, and failed to maintain the walkway in a reasonably safe condition. Robson claims that had proper warnings been provided or the area been blocked off, she would not have encountered the hazard.
Ohio Passenger Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries and Loss of Cruise Enjoyment After Onboard Fall
As a result of the fall, Robson claims she suffered physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and incurred medical expenses. The lawsuit alleges that her injuries are permanent or continuing in nature and have impaired her ability to work. She also seeks damages for lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and the loss of the benefit of her cruise vacation and related travel expenses.
The complaint demands a jury trial and seeks recovery of all damages available under maritime law.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Lawyer if You Were Injured by Unsafe Walkway Conditions Onboard
Trip and fall accidents aboard cruise ships often involve hidden hazards such as protruding metal components, poor lighting, and inadequate maintenance in high traffic passenger areas. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have a legal duty to inspect, maintain, and repair onboard walkways and to warn passengers of known dangers. If you or a loved one were injured in a cruise ship trip and fall accident involving unsafe conditions inside a vessel, an experienced maritime injury attorney can help evaluate your legal options.
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.
