Pennsylvania Family Sues MSC Cruises After Severe Bed Bug Infestation on MSC Meraviglia
Tatiana Mikhailov, a resident of Pennsylvania, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises (USA) LLC in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed individually and as next friend to minor children R.M. and D.M., along with Jacqueline Shindman, under Case No. 1:25-cv-25986-PCH, alleges that the family suffered extensive physical and emotional injuries from a bed bug infestation while staying in their stateroom aboard the MSC Meraviglia.
MSC Meraviglia Passengers Suffer Numerous Bites Following Pre-Existing Infestation in Stateroom 9273
According to the complaint, the family was traveling as paying passengers on the MSC Meraviglia on or about December 15, 2024. On the morning of December 19, 2024, the plaintiffs woke up in Stateroom 9273 feeling intense itching on their skin. The lawsuit asserts that the plaintiffs were bitten by bed bugs resulting from a pre-existing infestation within the cabin. The family sustained numerous bites across their bodies, and the complaint notes that photographs from the incident show dozens of individual welts and red blemishes.
Lawsuit Alleges MSC Cruises Failed to Inspect Cabins and Identify Dangerous Sanitary Conditions
The legal filing claims that MSC Cruises, through its agents or employees, knew or should have known of the active bed bug infestation. The plaintiffs argue that stateroom stewards are specifically trained to recognize the presence of bed bugs and are required to conduct inspections of beds, curtains, and carpeting. Despite this, the complaint alleges the defendant did not utilize regular procedures to guard against the presence and transport of pests, rendering the vessel unsanitary and unfit for human habitation. The family contends that this infestation would not have occurred in the ordinary course of events without the negligence of the defendant in its inspection and maintenance duties.
MSC Accused of Concealing Prior Infestations and Failing to Warn Passengers of Stateroom Risks
The lawsuit alleges that MSC Cruises has been on notice of prior similar incidents but often requires confidentiality as part of settlements to shield these facts from the public. In this instance, the plaintiffs claim the cruise line breached its duty to warn them that the stateroom was unreasonably dangerous. They argue that they would not have utilized the subject stateroom had the defendant adequately communicated the risks associated with the known bed bug infestation.
Plaintiffs Seek Damages for Permanent Scarring, Medical Expenses, and Loss of Capacity for Enjoyment of Life
The lawsuit brings three counts of negligence against MSC Cruises: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for physical and mental pain, permanent scarring, and medical expenses. They allege that the intense itching and painful welts required medical treatment and resulted in a loss of sleep, mental distress, and economic loss. The family claims these losses are permanent or continuing in nature and will affect their well-being into the future.
Contact a Cruise Ship Bed Bug Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Bitten in Unsanitary Stateroom Conditions
Cruise lines have a legal obligation to maintain sanitary and safe staterooms for their passengers. If you or your family members suffered severe bites or infections due to an infestation on a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, and property damage. Our experienced maritime injury attorneys are available to help you hold cruise lines accountable for failing to provide a safe and healthy environment.
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.
