Puerto Rico Resident Sues Royal Caribbean After Severe Slip and Fall on Wet Deck of Explorer of the Seas
Janice Ardelia Perez Garcia, a resident of Puerto Rico, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-22251-JEM, alleges that Garcia suffered debilitating and permanent injuries after slipping on a condensed and slippery floor while walking toward a dining area on the Explorer of the Seas on March 31, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Explorer of the Seas Near Windjammer Cafe Due to Slippery Floor and Lack of Warning Signs
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on Deck 11 in the area known as the Lido Deck. Garcia was walking toward the entrance of the Windjammer Cafe when she suddenly slipped and fell. The lawsuit alleges that the floor was unreasonably dangerous due to the accumulation of condensation, rendering the tile surface slick and hazardous for foot traffic. Despite the known risk of condensation in this high-traffic area, Royal Caribbean allegedly failed to place any wet floor warning signs, caution cones, or other hazard indicators to alert passengers of the risk. The plaintiff asserts that she was paying attention to her surroundings but was unable to avoid the fall because her feet went out from under her without warning.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Negligence Following Similar Slip and Fall Incidents at Windjammer Cafe Locations
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive knowledge of the dangerous conditions on Deck 11. The plaintiff’s legal team cites several prior lawsuits filed in the Southern District of Florida involving similar slip and fall accidents in the Windjammer Cafe areas of Voyager-class ships. Specifically, the complaint references Burns v. RCCL involving the Navigator of the Seas, Lu v. RCCL which allegedly occurred in the exact same area of the Explorer of the Seas in 2022, and Roebuck v. RCCL involving the Independence of the Seas. These prior cases are presented as evidence that the cruise line was aware of an ongoing, repetitive problem with smooth tile surfaces becoming dangerously slippery when wet or condensed. Furthermore, the complaint suggests that security footage from the day of Garcia’s accident shows that eight other passengers slipped in the same vicinity, illustrating a recurring hazard that the cruise line failed to remediate.
Complaint Alleges Failure to Maintain Safe Walkways and Violation of International Maritime Safety Standards
In addition to the failure to warn, Garcia alleges that Royal Caribbean failed in its duty to maintain the vessel in a reasonably safe condition. The complaint argues that the cruise line participates in the design and selection of materials for its ships and intentionally chose flooring that becomes slick when exposed to moisture or humidity. The plaintiff contends that Royal Caribbean ignored internal safety protocols and industry standards set by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization and the American Society for Testing and Materials. By allowing liquid or condensation to remain on the deck for an extended period without cleaning or drying the area, the cruise line allegedly breached its duty as a common carrier to ensure safe passage for its invitees.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Fractured Femur and Permanent Disability Resulting from Royal Caribbean Negligence
Garcia brings two counts against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to warn and direct negligent maintenance. The fall resulted in a traumatic impacted fracture of the distal femur, a head laceration requiring sutures, and a hematoma. Following the incident, shipboard medical staff had to immobilize her leg and refer her for emergency orthopedic care in Costa Rica. The lawsuit states that Garcia has suffered and will continue to suffer from permanent physical impairment, mental anguish, and a loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. She is seeking compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost income, and the lost value of her cruise vacation.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured on a Vessel Due to Wet or Slippery Decks
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to poorly maintained decks, slippery tile surfaces, or a lack of appropriate safety signage may be eligible for compensation under federal maritime law. Companies like Royal Caribbean are required to exercise reasonable care for the safety of their passengers and must address known hazards like deck condensation or spills promptly. If you or a loved one experienced a similar accident while on a cruise, reaching out to a legal professional can help you understand the complexities of maritime litigation and your rights as a passenger.
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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.
