Washington D.C. Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall in Solarium on Vision of the Seas
Carlton Sowell, a resident and citizen of Washington, D.C., has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The civil action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20288-AHS, alleges that Sowell sustained significant physical injuries, including a concussion, after slipping on a wet and hazardous flooring surface within the Solarium on the Vision of the Seas. The incident reportedly occurred on December 22, 2024, while the plaintiff was a fare-paying passenger aboard the vessel.
Passenger Injured on Vision of the Seas Solarium Deck Due to Wet and Hazardous Walking Surface
According to the complaint filed by Sowell’s attorneys, the incident took place on the walking surface of the Solarium area located on Deck 9. The lawsuit details that a hazardous condition existed at the time, specifically a flooring surface that was wet, slippery, or covered by a transitory substance. Sowell contends that this condition rendered the area unreasonably slick and unsafe for passengers attempting to traverse the high-traffic zone. While walking through the Solarium, the plaintiff fell and suffered injuries to his chin, neck, and back, in addition to a concussion. The filing argues that the danger posed by the wet substance was not open or obvious to a reasonable person exercising ordinary care because the hazard was not visually conspicuous and blended in appearance with the surrounding deck surface, making it difficult to detect upon approach.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Ignoring Recurring Wet Floor Hazards and Prior Solarium Slip and Fall Incidents
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive notice of the dangerous conditions in the Solarium before the plaintiff’s fall. Sowell’s legal counsel asserts that wet and unreasonably slippery walking surfaces in Solarium areas constitute a repetitive and recurring hazard across the cruise line’s entire fleet. The complaint suggests that the cruise line knew or should have known that these areas frequently become hazardous due to specific design and operational factors, including the movement of passengers through transitional elevation changes, inadequate drainage systems, and a lack of non-slip mats in zones heavily utilized by guests.
To support the claim that Royal Caribbean was aware of these risks, the complaint cites multiple prior slip and fall lawsuits involving similar circumstances on other vessels in the fleet. The filing references specific incidents, such as a passenger injured on the Wonder of the Seas in October 2023, a fall on the Oasis of the Seas in December 2022, and incidents aboard the Symphony of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Allure of the Seas. These prior cases are presented as evidence that the cruise line was on notice regarding the slippery nature of Solarium flooring yet failed to implement sufficient corrective measures to protect passengers like Sowell from foreseeable harm.
Lawsuit Claims Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Apply Non-Slip Materials in High Traffic Passenger Areas
Sowell brings a count of negligent maintenance against Royal Caribbean, arguing that the cruise line breached its duty of reasonable care. The plaintiff claims that despite knowing the Solarium flooring frequently became wet and slippery, the defendant failed to conduct frequent or adequate routine inspections to detect such dangers. The lawsuit further alleges that the crew failed to adequately or timely clean and dry the deck surface once the hazard was present. A significant portion of the negligence claim focuses on the allegation that Royal Caribbean failed to apply non-skid materials, mats, or other protective surfacing to the area, which could have prevented the fall. The complaint asserts that because the area was a high-traffic zone regularly used by passengers, the cruise line had an obligation to maintain the flooring in a reasonably safe condition.
Plaintiff Alleges Failure to Warn of Slippery Conditions Resulted in Concussion and Spinal Injuries
In addition to negligent maintenance, the lawsuit includes a count for negligent failure to warn. Sowell argues that Royal Caribbean owed a duty to warn passengers of known walking hazards that posed a slipping risk. The complaint states that the cruise line failed to utilize adequate signage, markings, or cordoning measures to alert guests to the wet floor. The plaintiff contends that because the condition was not open and obvious, a warning was necessary to prevent injury. As a direct result of the fall, Sowell claims to have suffered permanent or continuing injuries, mental anguish, disfigurement, disability, and the loss of the ability to lead a normal life. He seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and loss of earning capacity.
Contact a Cruise Ship Solarium Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt on a Wet Deck
Cruise ship passengers have a right to expect safe walking surfaces in common areas like the Solarium. When cruise lines fail to maintain dry floors, apply non-slip mats, or warn guests of hidden dangers, they may be held liable under maritime law. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury due to a slip and fall accident on a cruise ship, it is vital to speak with a legal professional who understands the complexities of maritime injury claims. Our team is dedicated to helping injured passengers navigate their legal rights and seek the compensation they deserve.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip 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.
