Texas Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Trip and Fall on Unmarked Threshold Aboard Quantum of the Seas
Alice Bounds, 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-23749-KMW, alleges that Bounds suffered serious injuries after tripping over an unmarked metal threshold near the main dining room aboard the Quantum of the Seas on September 8, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured by Hazardous Flooring Near Main Dining Room on Quantum of the Seas
According to the complaint, Bounds was walking toward the main dining area on Deck 4 when she tripped and fell on an unmarked metal threshold or change in floor level. The sudden drop or rise in flooring, combined with the lack of visual warning or floor markings, caused her to lose her balance and fall forward, sliding several feet and sustaining multiple injuries. The flooring transition, the lawsuit contends, was not visibly marked or constructed in a manner to prevent passenger trips.
Bounds claims the threshold created a hidden hazard not reasonably apparent to passengers, particularly in high-traffic areas like dining room entrances. She alleges she received no warning and had no reason to anticipate a sudden and unmarked change in elevation, especially on a path Royal Caribbean expected passengers to use during regular mealtimes.
Lawsuit Alleges Royal Caribbean Knew of Risky Thresholds from Prior Incidents on Harmony and Oasis Class Ships
The complaint outlines several prior incidents on other Royal Caribbean vessels involving similar hazardous thresholds. These include:
- A.J. v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Case No. 24-cv-23652, involving a trip on a misleveled threshold outside the main dining room on the Harmony of the Seas in August 2023.
- J.D. v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Case No. 23-cv-22635, where the plaintiff tripped on a dangerous flooring transition on Deck 6 of the Harmony of the Seas in July 2022.
- B.C. v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Case No. 11-cv-20723, involving a fall at the Park Café on the Oasis of the Seas in May 2010 due to an abrupt floor level change.
These previous lawsuits, the complaint argues, put Royal Caribbean on notice of the tripping risks associated with unmarked and uneven flooring transitions, particularly in areas like dining entrances where foot traffic is heavy and distractions are common.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Warn, Maintain, and Inspect Hazardous Flooring on Quantum of the Seas
Bounds brings three counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean: general negligence, negligent failure to warn, and negligent failure to maintain. She claims the cruise line failed to properly design or maintain a uniform and flush walkway surface, did not mark or warn passengers about the threshold hazard, and neglected to inspect the area adequately.
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean had a duty to place visual warnings or signs, install flush flooring transitions, or otherwise modify the design to prevent trip-and-fall hazards in highly trafficked guest areas. Bounds also argues the company failed to analyze prior incidents across its fleet and make necessary changes to prevent recurrence.
The complaint cites cruise industry safety standards and best practices, including using threshold markings, leveling flooring surfaces, and conducting routine safety inspections in passenger corridors. Bounds’ attorneys claim the cruise line ignored these guidelines, exposing passengers to known and avoidable hazards.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Injuries, Pain, and Loss of Cruise Enjoyment Due to Royal Caribbean’s Negligence
Bounds alleges that her fall resulted in physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, and the loss of her cruise experience. She claims her injuries are permanent or continuing and that she will suffer pain, disability, and financial damages in the future.
The suit also highlights that Royal Caribbean’s conduct deprived her of the full value of her cruise vacation, including the cost of the trip and related transportation expenses.
Trip and Fall on a Cruise Ship Threshold? You May Be Entitled to Compensation Under Maritime Law
Trip and fall incidents involving thresholds, floor transitions, or uneven walkways on cruise ships are a frequent cause of injury. Cruise lines have a duty to design and maintain safe passageways and to warn passengers about hidden or dangerous conditions. If you or someone you care about has been injured after tripping on a cruise ship due to an unmarked elevation change or unsafe threshold, you may be entitled to pursue compensation under maritime law.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship trip and fall attorney.
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.
