Royal Caribbean Sued After Slip and Fall in Front of Elevators Aboard Symphony of the Seas
Dianne Toney, a Florida resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., doing business as Royal Caribbean Group, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25166-RAR, alleges that Toney suffered severe injuries, including a thoracic fracture, after slipping and falling on a wet and slippery floor in front of the elevators on Deck 5 of the Symphony of the Seas on November 19, 2024.
Passenger Suffers Thoracic Fracture After Slipping on Wet, Slippery Flooring in Elevator Lobby
According to the complaint, Toney was a paying passenger aboard the Symphony of the Seas when she slipped on what is described as wet and unreasonably slippery flooring near the elevators on Deck 5. The area, which connects multiple restaurants and bars, allegedly featured polished tile that became hazardous when wet. The lawsuit claims Royal Caribbean failed to maintain the area in a reasonably safe condition, neglected to install anti-slip materials or mats, and did not post visible warning signs alerting passengers to the danger.
Toney asserts that the dangerous condition was not open or obvious and that she had no way to detect the hazard before stepping on the slick surface. As a result of her fall, she reportedly sustained significant injuries, including a thoracic fracture, physical pain, and long-term impairments.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Maintain, Inspect, and Warn of Slippery Flooring Near Elevators
The lawsuit accuses Royal Caribbean of negligence in failing to properly maintain the flooring surface, inspect the area for hazards, or provide adequate warnings to passengers. Toney’s attorneys argue that crew members were stationed near the area at the time of the incident and should have observed the hazardous condition but failed to take remedial action. The complaint further alleges that the company’s onboard cameras and maintenance policies required regular monitoring of such high-traffic areas, yet the dangerous condition went unaddressed.
Toney’s legal team cites multiple prior lawsuits against Royal Caribbean involving nearly identical incidents aboard other ships in the company’s fleet, including Felix v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Wonder of the Seas, 2024), Johnson v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Symphony of the Seas, 2024), Castro v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Harmony of the Seas, 2023), and Graham v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Oasis of the Seas, 2022). These prior cases, according to the complaint, demonstrate that Royal Caribbean had prior notice of the slippery flooring material and the risks it posed to passengers.
Complaint Alleges Fleet-Wide Hazardous Flooring Design and Lack of Anti-Slip Safety Measures
The complaint claims that the flooring material used near the elevators on the Symphony of the Seas—and across other ships in the fleet—has a dangerously low coefficient of friction when wet. Despite this knowledge, Royal Caribbean allegedly failed to modify its flooring design, install anti-slip coverings, or warn passengers of the risk. The lawsuit contends that the cruise line knew or should have known that the area’s high traffic and proximity to food and beverage venues increased the likelihood of spills and moisture accumulation.
Toney argues that her injuries were caused by Royal Caribbean’s negligence in choosing and maintaining flooring surfaces that were unsafe for passenger use under normal cruise conditions. The company’s failure to act, despite repeated notice of similar incidents, forms a central part of the lawsuit’s allegations.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Medical Expenses, Pain and Suffering, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
The lawsuit brings claims for negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. Toney seeks damages exceeding $75,000 for physical pain, medical expenses, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. She also claims compensation for lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the loss of value of her cruise vacation and related travel expenses. Her injuries are alleged to be permanent and continuing in nature.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Attorney if You Were Injured on a Royal Caribbean Vessel
Cruise passengers injured in slip and fall incidents aboard Royal Caribbean ships may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Areas near elevators, restaurants, and bars are especially prone to wet and slippery conditions, requiring cruise lines to implement strict safety protocols. If you or a loved one were injured in a similar accident on a Royal Caribbean cruise, our experienced maritime injury lawyers can help you understand your legal rights.
Contact us today to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney about your potential claim.
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.
