Tennessee Passenger Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Slipping on Greasy Floor in Garden Café on Norwegian Breakaway
Karina Snyder, a resident of Tennessee, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., the operator of Norwegian Cruise Line. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25255-KMM in the Southern District of Florida, alleges Snyder suffered severe leg fractures after slipping on a contaminated and greasy surface in the Garden Café buffet area aboard the Norwegian Breakaway on February 14, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Claims Slippery Garden Café Floor Caused Fall Resulting in Emergency Surgery
According to the complaint, Snyder was walking through the Garden Café on Deck 15 around 7:00 a.m. when she slipped and fell on what is described as a “wet, greasy, dirty, slippery, contaminated” flooring surface. She sustained a spiral fracture to her right tibia and a multi-fragmented, misaligned fracture to the fibula, requiring emergency disembarkation and surgery in the Azores.
The complaint alleges that the floor was not only slippery due to substances likely related to food service but was also inherently unsafe—even when dry. Snyder claims that the accident occurred within five feet of a crew bussing station, and that crew members had been transporting wet and greasy waste in the area shortly before her fall, contributing to the hazardous condition.
Norwegian Knew of Dangerous Floor Conditions Near Buffet Based on Prior Slip and Fall Incidents
Snyder alleges that Norwegian Cruise Line had both actual and constructive notice of the dangerous condition. She cites prior incidents aboard the Norwegian Breakaway involving similar accidents in the same location:
- Labella v. NCL (Dec. 1, 2023): slip on greasy floor in Garden Café
- Clark v. NCL (Nov. 25, 2022): fall due to wet, transitory substance in same area
- Scott v. NCL (Jan. 31, 2024): slip on wet surface in Garden Café
- Montalbano v. NCL (Sept. 25, 2019): slip on slippery floor in buffet area
- Spahr v. NCL (Mar. 10, 2019): similar incident on Deck 15
Snyder’s legal team argues that these incidents, combined with the ship’s own use of “wet floor” signs (inadequately placed or hidden from view), surveillance cameras in the area, and nearby crew presence, establish that Norwegian knew or should have known of the flooring hazard.
Complaint Alleges Unsafe Flooring Design, Inadequate Cleaning, and Crew Negligence on Norwegian Breakaway
The lawsuit includes four negligence-based counts: general negligence, failure to maintain, failure to warn, and vicarious liability for crew conduct. Snyder alleges that the flooring in the buffet area was unreasonably slippery even without the contaminating substances. She also argues that Norwegian failed to use non-slip mats, place visible warning signs, or implement effective cleaning and inspection procedures.
Additionally, the complaint claims that crew members were actively involved in creating the hazard by transporting greasy garbage through the area and failing to clean it afterward. One crew member had allegedly been seen cleaning near the bussing station just 15 minutes before the fall, indicating knowledge of the condition.
Passenger Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Lost Wages, and Loss of Enjoyment of Cruise
Snyder is seeking damages for permanent physical injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost earning capacity. She also seeks compensation for the diminished value of her cruise vacation and associated travel costs. Her injuries are alleged to be permanent and continuing, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Slipped on a Cruise Ship Buffet Floor? Know Your Legal Rights Under Maritime Law
Passengers injured in buffet areas, dining rooms, or other high-traffic food service locations aboard cruise ships may have a right to seek compensation. Cruise lines like Norwegian are required to maintain safe walking surfaces, especially in areas where food and drink spills are foreseeable. If you suffered a fall due to greasy floors or unsafe conditions in a cruise ship buffet, reach out to an experienced maritime injury attorney.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship buffet slip and fall lawyer.
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.
