Tennessee Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Mobility Scooter Accident on Norwegian Breakaway
Sandra Lockwood, a resident of Tennessee, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25748-KMM, alleges that Lockwood sustained serious injuries on December 18, 2024, while operating a mobility scooter aboard the Norwegian Breakaway. The complaint asserts that NCL failed to provide a safe environment for passengers with mobility limitations, specifically citing a camouflaged and unlit outdoor staircase that caused Lockwood to fall.
Passenger Allegedly Injured in Spice H2O Area Due to Unlit and Camouflaged Staircase Design
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while Lockwood was navigating the crowded Spice H2O area on Deck 16 of the vessel. The plaintiff claims she was operating her mobility scooter when she suddenly encountered a set of steps that were visually indistinguishable from the surrounding deck. The lawsuit describes the steps as camouflaged because they were the same color and appearance as the deck surface below, making the change in elevation difficult to perceive. The incident reportedly took place in the late afternoon as daylight was fading, and the complaint notes that the area lacked adequate lighting, light strips, or visual indicators to warn approaching passengers of the hazard. As a result of these conditions, Lockwood’s scooter traveled down the staircase, causing her to fall and suffer severe injuries.
Lawsuit Cites Multiple Prior Incidents of Passengers Tripping on Concealed Elevation Changes on NCL Ships
The legal filing alleges that NCL had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous conditions based on previous similar incidents across its fleet. The plaintiff’s legal team references Buccini v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., a 2023 case where a passenger tripped over a camouflaged step on Deck 17. The complaint also cites Grissom v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., involving a passenger directed to use a staircase that lacked conspicuous nosing, and Ramos v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., where a passenger tripped on a camouflaged bump near a restaurant. Additionally, the lawsuit points to Walter v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., which involved a fall caused by an unmarked elevation change in the ship’s atrium. These prior cases are offered as evidence that the cruise line was aware that hidden or camouflaged changes in elevation pose a significant risk to passengers but failed to implement necessary safety measures.
Complaint Accuses Norwegian of Failure to Warn and Inadequate Lighting for Passengers with Mobility Issues
Lockwood’s lawsuit emphasizes that the signage present at the scene was insufficient to prevent the accident. The complaint alleges that while there was a warning sign on the steps, it was oriented toward passengers ascending the staircase and was difficult or impossible for descending passengers to see. Furthermore, the plaintiff claims that NCL crew members were standing nearby and monitoring the area but failed to intervene or warn her of the approaching drop-off. The lawsuit also notes that the area was monitored by video cameras, suggesting that the cruise line had the ability to observe the hazard and take remedial action. The absence of contrasting nosing or lighting strips on the stairs is highlighted as a critical failure that rendered the area unreasonably dangerous for passengers using mobility devices.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Medical Expenses and Permanent Injuries Resulting from Dangerous Deck Design
The lawsuit brings four counts against NCL including negligent failure to warn, negligent maintenance, negligent design, and general negligence. Lockwood alleges that the cruise line breached its non-delegable duty to provide reasonable care by allowing the camouflaged steps to exist without proper warnings or barriers. The complaint asserts that NCL participated in the design and approval of the exterior areas and selected materials that created the visual hazard. Lockwood seeks damages for physical pain, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, and medical expenses. The filing states that her injuries are permanent and continuing in nature and that she has lost the benefit of her vacation and transportation costs.
Contact a Cruise Ship Staircase Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt Due to Poor Lighting or Design
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to improperly maintained or designed areas, such as unlit staircases or camouflaged elevation changes, may be eligible for compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Norwegian have a responsibility to ensure that walkways are clearly marked and safe for all guests, including those utilizing mobility assistance devices. If you or a loved one were injured in a similar accident involving hidden steps or poor lighting on a cruise ship, contact our team of experienced maritime attorneys today. We can help you navigate your legal rights and evaluate your potential claims.
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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.
