Texas Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall in Central Park on Harmony of the Seas
Ruben Gerardo, a Texas resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22782-WPD, alleges that Gerardo suffered serious injuries on September 26, 2024, after slipping on wet flooring in the Central Park area aboard the Harmony of the Seas.
Harmony of the Seas Passenger Slips on Wet Deck 8 Surface in Central Park, Resulting in Severe Injuries
According to the complaint, Gerardo was walking through the Central Park area on Deck 8 of the Harmony of the Seas when he encountered a wet, slippery flooring surface and fell. The plaintiff alleges that the flooring was inherently hazardous, especially when wet, and lacked visible warning signs or adequate slip resistance. The fall caused significant injuries to Gerardo, leading him to seek medical treatment in the ship’s medical center.
Royal Caribbean Allegedly Ignored Repeated Slip and Fall Incidents in Central Park on Sister Ships
Gerardo’s legal team argues that Royal Caribbean had actual and constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition of the flooring. The complaint cites numerous prior lawsuits involving passengers who suffered similar slip and fall incidents in the same Central Park area aboard the Harmony of the Seas and its sister ships—including Oasis, Allure, Symphony, and Wonder of the Seas. Notable prior cases referenced include Chambliss-Huggins v. RCCL, Mickel White v. RCCL, and Rosa Couto v. RCCL, among others. These lawsuits allege identical issues of wet, unmarked flooring contributing to passenger injuries.
Lawsuit Highlights Deficient Flooring Design, Inadequate Warnings, and Neglected Maintenance
The complaint asserts that the design and materials used in Central Park’s flooring failed to provide adequate traction when wet. Although Royal Caribbean had posted some warning signage and placed caution triangles in the area, Gerardo claims these efforts were insufficient, inconsistently enforced, and failed to prevent foreseeable injuries. The lawsuit also notes that crew members responsible for monitoring the area failed to dry the surface or restrict access, despite the wet condition being present for nearly an hour before the incident.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Physical Injuries, Emotional Distress, and Disruption of Cruise Vacation
As a result of the fall, Gerardo claims he suffered lasting physical harm, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and incurred medical expenses. The lawsuit brings three counts against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. Gerardo is seeking compensation for permanent injuries, loss of wages, and the diminished value of his vacation experience.
Slipped on Wet Cruise Ship Flooring? Know Your Rights as a Passenger Under Maritime Law
Slip and fall incidents on wet cruise ship flooring—especially in high-traffic areas like Central Park—continue to result in serious passenger injuries. Cruise lines are obligated under maritime law to design and maintain walking surfaces that are safe, especially when wet, and to warn passengers about non-obvious hazards. If you or someone you know was injured in a similar incident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall injury attorney.
