Texas Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Slip and Fall on Wet Floor Near Food Republic on Norwegian Prima
Rachel Herrera, a resident of San Antonio, Texas, has filed a personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., doing business as Norwegian Cruise Line. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24210-CMA, alleges that Herrera suffered a fractured shoulder and other serious injuries after slipping on a wet floor near the condiment station in the Food Republic dining area aboard the Norwegian Prima on February 9, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Suffers Shoulder Fracture After Slipping on Unmarked Wet Floor in Dining Area on Norwegian Prima
According to the complaint, Herrera was walking into the Food Republic around 9:40 a.m. when she slipped on a thin, transparent film of liquid—possibly water or cleaning solution—left on the tile floor. The liquid was streaked with mop marks but lacked any caution signs, cones, or warnings. The area had allegedly just been mopped, but no crew members remained nearby, and no preventive signage was in place at the time Herrera entered. After her fall, crew members arrived and placed a caution sign—only after the injury had already occurred.
Herrera was later examined by shipboard medical personnel, who performed X-rays and diagnosed a hairline fracture to her left shoulder. She was placed in a sling and advised that further medical imaging would be necessary upon returning home to fully assess potential injuries to her head and right shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers About Wet and Unsafe Floor in High-Traffic Dining Area
The lawsuit alleges that Norwegian Cruise Line breached its duty to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances by failing to maintain safe walking conditions in a high-traffic zone adjacent to a self-service condiment station. Herrera asserts that the wet surface was not open or obvious, and that the cruise line’s crew failed to warn passengers or take appropriate preventive action. According to the complaint, a steward who witnessed the fall admitted that no warning signs were in place prior to the incident. Herrera also asked that security preserve surveillance footage of the incident and surrounding activity, believing that it would support her claims.
Complaint Cites Negligent Cleaning Practices, Inadequate Safety Protocols, and Lack of Crew Supervision
Herrera brings a general maritime negligence claim, alleging that Norwegian Cruise Line was negligent in several respects, including improper cleaning practices, failure to monitor and inspect passenger walkways, lack of training and supervision of crew members, and failure to implement safety procedures in known risk zones like food service areas. The lawsuit also asserts that the cruise line failed to equip the flooring with slip-resistant surfaces or mats, especially in areas where spills or moisture are foreseeable.
The complaint argues that Norwegian had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazardous condition and that its crew created the danger through negligent maintenance. Moreover, the cruise line failed to act within a reasonable time or provide timely warnings, contributing directly to the plaintiff’s fall and injuries.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Shoulder Injury, Pain and Suffering, and Medical Expenses
As a result of the incident, Herrera claims she sustained lasting injuries, including a hairline fracture to her left shoulder, trauma to her head and right shoulder, physical pain, and emotional distress. She seeks damages for past and future medical treatment, loss of mobility, mental anguish, and reduced enjoyment of life. Her injuries are described as permanent or continuing in nature, requiring further diagnostic testing and possible surgical intervention.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer if You Were Injured by Unsafe Conditions Onboard
Cruise ship passengers injured by unsafe conditions such as wet floors, especially in dining or high-traffic areas, may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Norwegian have a legal obligation to maintain reasonably safe conditions and to warn passengers of hidden hazards. If you suffered a slip and fall injury aboard a cruise ship due to negligent maintenance or a lack of warnings, our team of maritime attorneys can help.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship 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.
