Princess Cruise Lines Sued After Slip and Fall on Staircase Aboard Enchanted Princess
Elizabeth Knigge, a Florida resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Princess Cruise Lines Ltd. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25201-MD, alleges that Knigge suffered serious injuries after slipping on a greasy substance while descending a stairway aboard the Enchanted Princess on July 15, 2024.
Passenger Allegedly Slipped on Greasy Food Residue While Taking Stairs to Buffet
According to the complaint, Knigge was walking from her cabin to the ship’s buffet and chose to take the stairs from Deck 18 down to Deck 16. While descending, she suddenly slipped on what appeared to be a greasy or oily food substance left on the stairway. The complaint alleges that the hazardous condition was not marked or cleaned, and that Knigge fell down an entire flight of stairs before landing on Deck 17. She reportedly lost consciousness and sustained severe injuries from the fall.
The lawsuit claims that Princess Cruise Lines failed to properly maintain and inspect the stairway area, which was allegedly contaminated with food debris likely from nearby dining facilities. Knigge argues that the crew members responsible for monitoring and cleaning the area either failed to notice the hazard or failed to take prompt action to remedy it.
Princess Cruise Lines Accused of Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Warn
Knigge’s complaint brings a single count of negligence based on vicarious liability, asserting that Princess Cruise Lines is legally responsible for the actions of its crew members who failed to maintain the stairway in a safe condition. The lawsuit alleges that Princess employees had a duty to regularly inspect and clean the stairs and to warn passengers of any hazards that might pose a slipping risk.
The complaint states that the crew’s failure to act directly caused Knigge’s fall and resulting injuries. It also asserts that the cruise line had both the opportunity and responsibility to prevent the dangerous condition through proper supervision, inspection, and maintenance procedures.
Lawsuit Filed Under Federal Maritime Jurisdiction in Miami Federal Court
The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Florida in accordance with the forum selection clause contained in Princess Cruise Lines’ passenger ticket contract, which requires all cruise-related injury suits to be brought in that court. The complaint cites admiralty and maritime jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1333 and diversity jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1332, as the damages sought exceed $75,000.
Princess Cruise Lines, a foreign corporation with its principal business operations in California, is registered to do business in Florida and maintains offices in the state. The filing notes that Princess operates numerous cruise vessels that regularly embark and disembark passengers from ports in the state.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Serious and Lasting Injuries
Knigge is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 for her injuries, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other related losses. She claims the injuries have had a lasting impact on her health and quality of life. The complaint demands a trial by jury.
The lawsuit was filed on November 7, 2025, by attorney Debi F. Chalik of Chalik & Chalik, P.A., based in Plantation, Florida.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Attorney if You Were Injured Aboard a Princess Cruise
Passengers who are injured in slip and fall accidents aboard cruise ships—especially those caused by slippery substances, poor maintenance, or lack of warning—may have the right to pursue compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Princess are required to ensure that walkways, stairways, and other passenger areas are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent foreseeable injuries.
If you were hurt in a similar incident while sailing on a Princess Cruise Lines vessel, our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and options.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a cruise ship injury 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.
