Pennsylvania Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Tripping on Damaged Flooring Aboard Symphony of the Seas
Susan Boyer, a resident of Pennsylvania, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-23058-DPG, alleges that the seventy-three-year-old passenger sustained severe and permanent injuries after tripping on a collapsed section of flooring while walking on Deck 6 of the Symphony of the Seas on May 1, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Symphony of the Seas Due to Collapsed Flooring and Sticky Adhesive Residue
According to the legal filing, the incident occurred as Boyer was walking toward the entrance of Playmaker’s Sports Bar & Arcade. As she approached the entryway, her foot caught in a section of plastic flooring that had collapsed and indented downward. The lawsuit claims this depression created a significant tripping hazard that was not readily apparent to passengers. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that an anti-slip strip previously installed at the threshold had deteriorated or been removed, leaving behind a tacky adhesive residue. This sticky surface allegedly created an additional hazard capable of catching a passenger’s shoe. Boyer asserts that Royal Caribbean failed to place any caution signs, cones, or barriers to alert guests of the uneven surface or the hidden stick-and-trip danger.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Ignoring Visible Hazards and Failing to Maintain Safe Passenger Walkways
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. The plaintiff’s legal team points to the visible weathering, discoloration, and darkened appearance of the indented area as evidence that the flooring had been in a state of disrepair for a significant period. The complaint argues that the depression was shaped in a way that naturally pooled liquids, leading to staining that should have been identified by crew members during routine inspections. To establish a pattern of notice, the filing references prior similar incidents involving unmarked floor hazards and threshold obstructions on other vessels operated by the company, including cases such as McDuffie v. Celebrity Cruises, Inc., Psyllas v. Celebrity Cruises, Inc., and Riemann v. Royal Caribbean Group. These prior cases are used to argue that the cruise line was aware of the risks posed by uneven transitions and failed to implement necessary safety measures.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Flooring Design and Failure to Use Durable Marine Grade Materials
In addition to maintenance failures, Boyer alleges that the entryway was improperly designed and constructed. The complaint argues that the plastic flooring material selected for the high-traffic area was prone to collapsing under normal use and that the adhesive used for the anti-slip strip was not durable enough for a marine environment. The lawsuit suggests that Royal Caribbean, which maintains ultimate control over the design and specifications of its custom-made ships, should have utilized structurally reinforced thresholds or flush transitions to prevent such hazards. By failing to select flooring materials that could withstand heavy foot traffic and moisture, the cruise line allegedly created an unreasonably dangerous environment for its invitees.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Fractures and Medical Expenses Resulting from Cruise Ship Negligence
Boyer brings three counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean: negligent maintenance, negligent failure to warn, and negligent design and construction. She claims the cruise line breached its duty to exercise reasonable care for the safety of its passengers. As a result of the fall, Boyer suffered serious injuries, including fractures to her left humerus and left femur, as well as lower back and bilateral hip injuries. The lawsuit details an extensive medical journey beginning at the ship’s infirmary, followed by a transfer to a hospital in the Dominican Republic, and an eventual airlift to a medical center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The plaintiff is seeking compensation for significant medical expenses, lost income, physical impairment, and the ongoing loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured by Unsafe Deck Conditions
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to collapsed flooring, hidden depressions, or improperly maintained walkways may be eligible for compensation under general maritime law. Ship operators like Royal Caribbean have a legal responsibility to ensure that all passenger areas, including dining entrances and transitions between decks, are free from tripping hazards and are clearly marked with safety warnings. If you or a loved one experienced a serious injury while on a cruise due to a failure to maintain or warn of dangerous conditions, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today. We are prepared to help you understand your legal rights and pursue the recovery you deserve.
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.
