Pennsylvania Woman Sues Princess Cruise Lines After Tripping on Ribbons in Dining Room of Ruby Princess
Lucy Gero, a resident of Pennsylvania, has initiated a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The legal action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-21136, claims that Gero suffered significant and lasting physical injuries after encountering a tripping hazard in the dining room of the Ruby Princess on March 4, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Ruby Princess Dining Room Floor Due to Ribbons and Lack of Warning Signs
According to the filed complaint, the incident took place while Gero was walking carefully through the dining room located on Deck 5 of the vessel. The lawsuit alleges that Princess crew members left ribbons on the floor, creating a dangerous and risk-creating condition for passengers. Gero asserts that the ribbons were not adequately visible because they lacked color contrast and blended into the colorful and ornate design of the carpet. Furthermore, the complaint suggests that the area suffered from inadequate lighting and shadows which further impaired the visibility of the floor hazards. Despite the high foot traffic in the dining room, the cruise line allegedly failed to provide any warning signs or cordons to prevent passengers from stepping into the dangerous area.
Princess Cruise Lines Accused of Failing to Inspect and Remedy Tripping Hazards in High Traffic Areas
The lawsuit contends that Princess Cruise Lines had both actual and constructive knowledge of the unsafe conditions prior to the fall. Gero alleges that crew members were present in the immediate vicinity, some within ten to fifteen feet of the accident site, and had a direct line of sight to the ribbons on the floor. Specifically, the complaint points to staff members who were responsible for distributing or cleaning up the decorations but failed to remove them or warn passengers of their presence. The plaintiff further alleges that Princess failed to follow its own internal safety protocols, which required staff to inspect the dining area at specific intervals, such as every fifteen minutes, to ensure the floor remained free of tripping hazards. Because the hazards allegedly existed for at least fifteen minutes before the fall, the suit claims the cruise line had ample opportunity to remedy the situation.
Complaint Alleges Vicarious Liability for Negligent Acts of Crew Members and Failure to Maintain Safe Premises
In addition to claims of direct negligence, the lawsuit seeks to hold Princess Cruise Lines vicariously liable for the actions of its employees and agents. Gero argues that the crew members were acting within the scope of their employment and were under the direct supervision and control of the ship’s master. The complaint emphasizes that the crew members represented themselves as employees through their uniforms and signs, and that Gero relied on these representations of professional safety and oversight when choosing to sail. The legal team argues that the failure of the dining staff to assist Gero or clear the floor constitutes a breach of the duty of reasonable care that the cruise line owes to all fare-paying passengers.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Knee Injuries and Loss of Enjoyment of Life Following Cruise Ship Fall
Gero brings three primary counts against the defendant: negligent failure to remedy, negligent failure to warn, and vicarious liability for the negligence of the crew. As a result of the trip and fall, Gero allegedly suffered a torn meniscus in her right knee that required surgical intervention, along with a permanent loss of mobility and chronic pain. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical and nursing expenses, lost wages, and the diminished value of the vacation and transportation costs. Beyond the financial impact, the plaintiff is seeking damages for mental anguish, scarring, and the loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. The complaint asserts that these injuries are permanent in nature and will require ongoing care and management into the future.
Contact a Cruise Ship Dining Room Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt on a Vessel Due to Negligent Maintenance
Cruise passengers who sustain injuries due to floor hazards, inadequate lighting, or the negligence of crew members may be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law. Major cruise operators like Princess Cruise Lines are required to maintain their public spaces in a reasonably safe condition and must provide adequate warnings for any hazards that are not open and obvious. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury while on a cruise, it is essential to speak with an experienced maritime attorney who understands the complexities of filing suit in federal court. Contact our team today to learn more about your rights and how to hold negligent cruise lines accountable for their failures.
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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.
