Pennsylvania Woman Sues NCL After Slip and Fall on Slippery Pool Ladder Steps Aboard Norwegian Getaway
Linda McCabe, a resident of Pennsylvania, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The action, registered under Case No. 1:26-cv-25184-CMA, alleges that McCabe suffered severe, permanent, and debilitating injuries after slipping and falling on slick wooden steps leading into the main pool aboard the Norwegian Getaway on August 5, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured Entering Norwegian Getaway Pool Due to Unreasonably Slick Wooden Steps and Absence of Warning Signs
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while McCabe was a paying passenger aboard a seven-day roundtrip cruise from New York City to Bermuda. On the morning of August 5, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m., McCabe approached the main pool area on the vessel. After removing her shoes, she attempted to descend into the pool using a short set of brown wooden steps. McCabe held onto the handrail with empty hands as she began her descent.
Without warning, her foot slipped off the smooth front edge of a step, causing her to fall violently backward. The complaint states that the wooden step was unexpectedly slick and felt coated with an oily substance, pulling her hand from the railing despite her firm grip. McCabe fell backward, striking her back against the wooden pool deck while her legs landed on the surrounding concrete surface. The suit notes that no caution or warning signs were posted in the area to alert passengers to the slick condition, which was not open or obvious. McCabe was administered a post-incident breathalyzer test that returned a 0.0 result.
NCL Accused of Failing to Maintain Safe Pool Steps Despite Notice of Prior Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Incidents
The lawsuit asserts that NCL had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazards associated with wet and slick pool steps. The complaint highlights that cruise line operators actively sell sunscreen and tanning oils onboard and are aware that passengers routinely enter pool water wearing these substances without rinsing off first, contributing to slippery steps. Furthermore, crew members assigned to clean and inspect the pool area were positioned to discover and remedy the hazard.
To establish prior notice of similar hazards, McCabe’s legal team cites earlier litigation against NCL in the Southern District of Florida. These include Chandler v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., Case No. 1:24-cv-21680, involving a passenger who fell on allegedly slippery steps in a hot tub aboard the Norwegian Jade, and Lalchandani v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., Case No. 1:23-cv-20468, involving a slip and fall on a slick surface near a hot tub aboard the Norwegian Bliss. The complaint argues that these prior events put NCL on notice regarding the need for adequate anti-slip friction, frequent surface drying, warning signage, or restricted access.
Complaint Alleges Lack of Anti-Slip Treads and Inadequate Safety Procedures on Norwegian Getaway Pool Deck
McCabe alleges that NCL failed to adhere to industry standards and internal safety protocols regarding pool area maintenance. The filing claims the cruise line neglected to equip the wooden steps with proper anti-slip treads, mats, or high-friction coatings suitable for constant moisture and oil exposure. Additionally, the suit alleges NCL failed to conduct adequate inspections, enforce routine surface monitoring, or place temporary warning barriers around hazards to ensure passenger safety.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Surgical Expenses, and Lost Cruise Value Following Deck Fall
The complaint includes counts for negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence under United States General Maritime Law. McCabe contends that NCL breached its duty of reasonable care under the circumstances by failing to maintain a safe environment and failing to warn of hidden hazards. As a direct result of the fall, McCabe suffered severe bodily injuries, including damage to her left foot and knee that required surgical intervention. She seeks compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, permanent disability, impaired mobility, medical care costs, lost wages, and the lost monetary value of her cruise vacation.
Contact a Cruise Ship Pool Deck Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt Boarding a Vessel in Unsafe Conditions
Cruise ship passengers who sustain injuries due to slick pool steps, lack of anti-slip surfacing, or missing hazard warnings may be entitled to compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise operators owe a duty of reasonable care to maintain public areas and warn guests of non-obvious dangers. If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall accident aboard a cruise ship, speak with an experienced maritime injury lawyer to evaluate your rights and legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
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.
