South Carolina Woman Sues NCL After Slip and Fall on Liquid Near Norwegian Prima Pool Deck
Donna Lage, a resident of South Carolina, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20149-KMW, alleges that Lage sustained severe and permanent injuries after slipping on a hazardous substance and encountering an obstructing deck chair while walking on the Norwegian Prima on January 13, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Norwegian Prima After Slipping on Liquid Near Pool Deck and Striking Head
The incident occurred while Lage was a paying passenger aboard the Norwegian Prima as it operated in navigable waters. According to the complaint, Lage was walking on Deck 8 in a common area near the pool and waterslide when she attempted to navigate around a deck chair that was out of alignment and obstructing the walkway. During this maneuver, she slipped on a liquid or hazardous substance on the deck surface. The fall caused her to strike her head on the ledge of an outdoor shower, resulting in severe physical injuries. The lawsuit asserts that the area was a high-traffic zone where the cruise line reasonably expected passengers to be, yet it failed to maintain the flooring in a safe condition.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Warn of Slippery Substances and Misaligned Deck Furniture
Lage alleges that Norwegian Cruise Line had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous conditions that led to her fall. The legal team for the plaintiff notes that the cruise line implements policies requiring crew members to perform daily inspections of the pool deck for slipping and tripping hazards, including the proper configuration of lounge chairs. The complaint argues that despite these procedures, the cruise line failed to provide adequate verbal or written warnings regarding the slippery nature of the flooring when wet. Furthermore, the lawsuit claims the defendant failed to place caution signs, block off the hazardous area, or ensure that the deck chairs were properly secured or arranged to prevent them from becoming obstructions in passenger walkways.
Lawsuit Cites Prior Slip and Fall Incidents on Norwegian Joy, Epic, and Encore as Evidence of Notice
To demonstrate that the defendant was on notice of these recurring safety issues, the complaint references several prior incidents involving passengers slipping on liquid near waterslides or tripping over lounge chairs across the Norwegian fleet. The plaintiff points to similar accidents occurring on the Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Epic, and Norwegian Encore between 2022 and 2024. Additionally, the lawsuit identifies multiple instances where passengers suffered injuries after tripping over lounge chairs on the Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Sky. Lage contends that these prior cases prove the cruise line was aware of the risks posed by its deck configurations and flooring surfaces but failed to take necessary corrective actions to protect passengers from foreseeable harm.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries and Loss of Cruise Value Following Norwegian Prima Accident
The complaint brings seven counts against the cruise line, including negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, general negligence, and vicarious liability for the negligence of its crew members. Lage asserts that the cruise line breached its duty of reasonable care by failing to utilize non-slip materials, failing to provide adequate handrails, and failing to supervise staff responsible for deck maintenance. As a result of the accident, Lage claims she suffered physical pain, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, and a loss of future earning capacity. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the lost value of her vacation and transportation costs, stating that her injuries are permanent and continuing in nature.
Contact a Cruise Ship Pool Deck Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Injured in a Slip and Fall on a Vessel
Passengers who suffer injuries due to slippery deck surfaces, misplaced furniture, or a lack of warning signs on a cruise ship may be eligible for compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators are legally required to maintain all public areas, including pool decks and walkways, in a reasonably safe condition for their guests. If you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall accident while on a cruise, it is important to understand your rights and the complexities of maritime litigation. Contact our experienced team of maritime injury attorneys today to discuss your case and explore your legal options for recovery.
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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.
