Virginia Woman Sues Margaritaville at Sea After Tripping on Hidden Step in Dimly Lit Emporium Lounge
Ramona S. Dowdy, a resident of Rocky Mount, Virginia, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Classica Cruise Operator Ltd. Inc., the company operating Margaritaville at Sea. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 9:25-cv-81204-AMC, stems from an incident aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise on July 28, 2024, where Dowdy allegedly tripped on a concealed, unmarked step in the Emporium Lounge and suffered serious orthopedic and neurological injuries.
Cruise Passenger Injured in Emporium Lounge After Tripping on Hidden Step in Low Lighting Conditions
According to the complaint, Dowdy and her husband were walking through the Emporium Lounge on Deck 8 for the first time when she caught her right foot on a concealed step embedded in the walkway. The area was allegedly dimly lit, lacked contrasting markings or warning signs, and featured uniform flooring materials that visually masked the change in elevation.
Photo from the Complaint
Dowdy fell forward onto her right knee, left arm, and face, sustaining what would later be diagnosed as a spiral humerus fracture, radial and ulnar nerve damage with wrist drop, and a torn right meniscus. She underwent surgery involving two metal plates, a titanium cage, and 14 screws, followed by physical therapy and ongoing treatment for nerve damage. The complaint argues that the design, lighting, and lack of warnings in the lounge constituted a foreseeable tripping hazard, particularly in a crowded entertainment setting where distractions are common and lighting is deliberately subdued.
Complaint Alleges Margaritaville at Sea Failed to Warn Guests or Maintain Safe Lounge Walkways
The lawsuit accuses Margaritaville at Sea of failing to meet its duty to provide reasonably safe conditions for passengers in common areas. The Emporium Lounge, described as a high-traffic entertainment venue, allegedly featured sudden changes in elevation without handrails, glow tape, or any visual cues to signal the presence of a step. The complaint alleges that the cruise line was well aware of the risks associated with concealed elevation changes, citing training materials, safety management protocols (SMS), and regulatory standards such as SOLAS Regulation 13, which mandates safe and unobstructed egress routes aboard ships.
Dowdy contends that the area where she fell constitutes such an egress route and should have been maintained free from obstacles, including steps that blend into their surroundings. The cruise line’s own materials, she claims, instruct staff to mark or illuminate such irregularities, but no such measures were taken in this case.
Cruise Line Accused of Ignoring Design Flaws and Failing to Correct Longstanding Safety Hazard
Dowdy’s legal team also alleges that the design of the Emporium Lounge itself contributed to the danger. The step in question, they argue, was part of the original construction or subsequent refurbishment and had been in place long enough to give the cruise operator ample opportunity to recognize and correct the issue. Despite high passenger foot traffic, Margaritaville at Sea allegedly made no changes to the lounge’s flooring, materials, or lighting to enhance safety. The complaint emphasizes that other areas of the ship feature step warnings and signage—evidence, Dowdy argues, that the cruise line knew how to mitigate the risk but failed to do so here.
Federal Complaint Cites Internal Safety Protocols, International Maritime Regulations, and Prior Incidents
Dowdy supports her claims by referencing prior similar incidents aboard cruise ships, internal hazard logs, and safety committee records—suggesting that the cruise line had both actual and constructive notice of the risk. The complaint specifically invokes various safety standards including ASTM, ANSI, and ADA Access Board guidelines, as well as SOLAS provisions requiring illumination and conspicuity for escape routes. The failure to apply such safeguards, the lawsuit argues, breached the standard of care required under general maritime law.
The complaint also draws on Yusko v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., an Eleventh Circuit case, to assert that vicarious liability can apply even without notice when the active negligence of cruise employees is involved—such as failing to warn passengers or inspect hazardous areas.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Injuries, Loss of Earning Capacity, and Medical Expenses
The lawsuit brings multiple counts against Classica Cruise Operator Ltd., including negligent failure to maintain, negligent failure to warn, negligent training, and negligent design and construction—pleaded both directly and vicariously. Dowdy seeks damages for permanent injuries, emotional distress, past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. Her injuries are described as life-altering, requiring extensive surgery and ongoing rehabilitation.
Injured on a Cruise Ship Due to Poor Lighting or Unmarked Steps? Maritime Law May Offer Legal Remedies
Cruise passengers injured due to unmarked steps, low lighting, or unsafe walkway design may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines have a legal duty to ensure their ships are safely designed and properly maintained, especially in areas frequented by passengers. When steps or changes in elevation are camouflaged by uniform flooring and lack adequate warnings, the risk of injury increases—particularly in dimly lit lounges, theaters, and entertainment spaces.
If you or a loved one was injured on a cruise ship due to a hidden hazard, our experienced maritime attorneys can help you understand your rights and evaluate your legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury 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.
