Pennsylvania Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Tripping Over Unmarked Grate Near Theater on Norwegian Gem
Paula J. Sviben, a Pennsylvania resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., doing business as Norwegian Cruise Line, in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24590-DPG, alleges that Sviben was seriously injured after tripping over an unmarked grate or raised flooring near the entrance to the ship’s theater aboard the Norwegian Gem on November 7, 2024.
Passenger Suffers Serious Injury After Tripping on Unmarked Flooring Change Near Theater Aboard Norwegian Gem
According to the complaint, Sviben was walking to an onboard event at the theater on Deck 7 when she suddenly tripped over a grate, unmarked incline, or raised threshold in the walkway. The area, she alleges, lacked any signage, contrasting flooring, or caution indicators that would have alerted her to the uneven surface. The condition was allegedly not open or obvious, and Sviben asserts she had no reason to expect any such change in elevation in that part of the ship.
The incident resulted in severe injuries that required medical attention. Her attorneys claim the area was dangerous due to poor design and maintenance and that NCL failed to provide a reasonably safe walking surface.
Norwegian Cruise Line Allegedly Knew About Prior Trip and Fall Incidents on Similar Surfaces
The lawsuit alleges that Norwegian Cruise Line had actual or constructive knowledge of similar trip hazards aboard its ships, citing multiple prior passenger injury claims involving unmarked inclines or raised thresholds. These included incidents aboard the Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Viva, and Pride of America, with complaints filed as early as 2013.
The complaint argues that NCL knew passengers had previously tripped in similar circumstances and that this history placed the company on notice of the danger. Despite this, NCL allegedly failed to correct the design flaw or implement effective warnings to prevent future injuries.
Lawsuit Alleges Violation of Industry Safety Standards for Passenger Walkways
Sviben’s attorneys argue that NCL violated well-established maritime and industry safety standards regarding passenger walkways and flooring. The complaint references safety protocols such as placing caution signs near flooring transitions, using contrasting materials to signal elevation changes, and maintaining level surfaces where high passenger traffic is expected. The presence of a concealed elevation change near a major passenger venue like the theater is alleged to be particularly egregious.
The complaint further claims that Norwegian Cruise Line either failed to follow or enforce its own internal policies for inspecting and maintaining walkways, despite being aware of the risks.
Norwegian Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers of Trip Hazard Near Theater Entrance
Sviben brings a separate count for negligent failure to warn, asserting that NCL failed to post adequate signage, warnings, or other visual cues near the theater entrance. She alleges that, had proper warnings been in place, she would have been able to avoid the hazard and prevent the fall. The lawsuit also claims that other passengers were not warned despite multiple prior incidents in similar locations on other ships.
Her legal team asserts that the cruise line’s failure to act was especially negligent given the public and heavily trafficked nature of the location where the fall occurred.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Physical Injury, Medical Expenses, and Lost Value of Cruise
The lawsuit includes three counts of negligence: general negligence, failure to warn, and failure to maintain the vessel in a reasonably safe condition. Sviben is seeking damages for bodily injury, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost wages. She also claims the incident ruined the value of her vacation and cruise experience.
According to the complaint, Sviben’s injuries are permanent or continuing in nature and will require future treatment and care.
Trip and Fall Accidents on Cruise Ships May Be Grounds for Legal Action Under Maritime Law
Passengers injured due to unsafe flooring, unmarked inclines, or raised thresholds aboard cruise ships may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Norwegian have a duty to maintain walkways in a reasonably safe condition and to warn passengers of any hidden dangers. If you were hurt in a similar incident while aboard a cruise ship, a maritime injury attorney can help determine whether you have a claim.
Contact our cruise injury attorneys today for a free case review.
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.
