Pennsylvania Man Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Being Struck by Food Cart on Norwegian Joy
Abdul Malik, a resident of West Chester, Pennsylvania, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22499-KMW, alleges that Malik suffered significant injuries aboard the Norwegian Joy after being hit by a food service cart that was being pushed at high speed by a cruise line employee.
Cruise Passenger Knocked Down by Oversized and Fast-Moving Food Cart in Dining Area of Norwegian Joy
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on August 1, 2024, in one of the dining rooms on Deck 16 of the Norwegian Joy. Malik alleges he was walking through the dining area in the afternoon when a male crew member, rushing through the space, collided with him while pushing an overloaded food cart. The complaint states that the cart was stacked higher than Norwegian’s own policies allow, blocking the crew member’s forward view and making it impossible for him to see passengers ahead.
The impact allegedly knocked Malik to the floor, causing him to land on his back and buttocks. He sustained injuries to his fifth and eleventh ribs, spine, and tailbone. He was treated in the ship’s medical center, where he claims the medical staff failed to properly diagnose his rib injuries and instead erroneously attributed his symptoms to COVID-19.
Lawsuit Claims NCL Failed to Enforce Safety Policies on Cart Use and Movement in Passenger Areas
The lawsuit contends that the crew member’s actions—operating the cart at unsafe speed and with excessive height—violated both Norwegian’s internal policies and broader food service safety standards. Malik alleges that the cruise line failed to implement and enforce safe practices for food service equipment, despite being aware of the potential risks associated with obstructed and fast-moving carts in crowded dining environments.
The complaint accuses NCL of being vicariously liable for the employee’s negligence and failing to train staff in accordance with established ergonomic and safety guidelines designed to reduce the risk of collision-related injuries aboard ships.
Complaint Includes Claims for Failure to Warn and Negligent Operation of Food Cart in Dining Area
In addition to negligence, the complaint also brings a count for failure to warn. Malik asserts that the crew member gave no verbal or visual warning to nearby passengers before entering the dining room with the obstructed cart. The lawsuit argues that the danger was not open or obvious to Malik, and that the employee—having a clear view of the cart’s condition—should have taken steps to warn or slow down.
Malik’s legal team cites the crew member’s failure to provide such warnings as a breach of the duty of reasonable care owed to passengers under U.S. maritime law.
Passenger Seeks Damages for Physical Injuries, Ongoing Medical Treatment, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Malik seeks damages for ongoing physical pain, medical expenses, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. He claims his injuries are permanent and continuing in nature and have required ongoing treatment since disembarking. The complaint further notes that Malik incurred additional costs after returning home for follow-up care and rehabilitation.
Injured by a Crew Member or Food Cart Accident on a Cruise? Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
Cruise lines are responsible for the actions of their employees, especially when dangerous equipment like food service carts are operated in passenger spaces. If you or a loved one was injured aboard a cruise ship due to negligence involving dining operations or unsafe onboard conditions, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury attorney.
