Royal Caribbean Sued After Slip and Fall on Slippery Flooring Aboard Harmony of the Seas
Carolyn Collier, a Florida resident, has filed a maritime negligence lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25668, alleges that Collier sustained a serious head injury after slipping on a wet or slippery floor on Deck 5 of the Harmony of the Seas on December 13, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Struck Head After Slipping on Unreasonably Slippery Flooring Near Deck 5 Bar and Walkway Area
According to the lawsuit, Collier was walking on Deck 5 of the Harmony of the Seas when she unexpectedly slipped on a transitory substance and struck her face on a marble counter during her fall. The incident allegedly resulted in a traumatic brain injury, concussion, severe facial lacerations, and permanent scarring. Collier contends that the flooring was not only covered with a slippery substance but was also inherently dangerous due to its unreasonably slick surface texture and insufficient friction when wet.
The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean failed to clean the spill, mark the area with warning signage, or provide any barriers to prevent passenger access. At least one crew member was allegedly within 10 to 15 feet of the hazard with a clear line of sight but took no action to remedy the danger or warn Collier.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Using Unsafe Flooring Materials with Low Slip Resistance on Harmony of the Seas
Collier’s lawsuit alleges that the flooring on Deck 5 was improperly designed and installed with materials that failed to meet reasonable safety standards. The floor’s slip resistance coefficient was allegedly below both the ANSI standard (0.42) and the higher standard recommended for public walkways (0.60). The design and surface materials were also said to lack sufficient visual contrast, especially under the area’s dim lighting conditions.
Collier argues that the flooring was foreseeably dangerous, particularly in high-traffic areas where drink spills or moisture accumulation are common. The lack of handrails or grip-assist features near the counter area further contributed to the risk, according to the lawsuit.
Complaint Alleges Cruise Line Had Notice of Similar Slip and Fall Hazards Across Its Oasis-Class Fleet
The lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean knew or should have known of prior similar incidents involving slippery flooring in public walkways, especially aboard Oasis-class vessels like the Harmony of the Seas. Collier’s attorneys allege that the cruise line participated in or approved the selection and installation of the floor materials, not only for the Harmony but across its fleet.
Royal Caribbean retained the right to inspect, modify, or reject proposed flooring choices during the ship’s construction, the complaint states, and is therefore responsible for the use of flooring that allegedly posed an ongoing safety hazard to passengers.
Five Counts of Negligence Filed Against Royal Caribbean Including Design Liability and Crew Inaction
Collier brings five counts against Royal Caribbean:
- Negligent Failure to Remedy: For not cleaning or addressing the hazardous floor area before the incident occurred.
- Negligent Failure to Warn: For failing to post signage or alert passengers of the dangerous condition.
- Negligent Design, Installation, and Approval: For allegedly choosing unsafe flooring materials and allowing their use despite foreseeable risks.
- Vicarious Liability for Design Choices: Holding Royal Caribbean liable for the actions of designers, contractors, and agents involved in selecting and installing the flooring.
- Vicarious Liability for Crew Negligence: Holding the cruise line responsible for crewmembers who failed to take preventative or responsive measures in the moments leading up to the incident.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Facial Scarring, Head Injury, Medical Expenses, and Loss of Enjoyment
As a result of the fall, Collier alleges she sustained a concussion, permanent facial scarring, head trauma, and other injuries requiring ongoing medical care. The lawsuit seeks damages for medical expenses, emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and the lost value of the cruise vacation. The injuries are described as severe and permanent in nature.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Attorney If You Were Injured Due to Slippery or Unsafe Flooring
Passengers who suffer injuries on cruise ships due to slippery surfaces or unsafe flooring materials may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have a duty to inspect, maintain, and remedy hazardous conditions and to ensure public walkways are safe for passengers. If you were injured in a similar fall aboard a cruise vessel, contact our legal team today to understand your rights and explore your legal options.
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.
