Washington State Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line Following Trip and Fall Over Raised Carpet While Disembarking in France
Carolyn Howerton, a resident of Washington, has initiated a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line Corporation Ltd in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The legal action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-22399-KMM, asserts that Howerton sustained serious and permanent physical injuries while traveling as a passenger aboard a vessel operated by the defendant. The complaint, which invokes the court’s admiralty and maritime jurisdiction, seeks damages in excess of $75,000 for negligence related to an incident that occurred in May 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured During Disembarkation in Paris Due to Raised Carpet and Hazardous Flooring Conditions
The incident took place on or about May 6, 2025, while the cruise ship was docked in Paris, France. According to the allegations in the complaint, Howerton was in the process of disembarking the vessel when she encountered a dangerous condition near the station where passengers swipe their room keys to exit. The lawsuit claims that the plaintiff tripped over a section of raised carpet in this high-traffic area, leading to a fall that resulted in significant personal injuries. At the time of the accident, the vessel was in navigable waters, and Howerton was a fare-paying passenger to whom the cruise line owed a duty of reasonable care.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Inspect and Maintain Safe Walkways for Passengers
The legal filing outlines several specific failures by Norwegian Cruise Line regarding the maintenance and supervision of the ship’s flooring. Howerton alleges that the cruise line breached its non-delegable duty to provide reasonably safe passage by failing to ensure that the carpeting was free of tripping hazards. The complaint suggests that the defendant failed to properly supervise and train its crew members to identify and correct irregular flooring surfaces. Furthermore, the lawsuit asserts that Norwegian Cruise Line failed to keep the vessel in an orderly manner and neglected to perform necessary inspections that would have revealed the raised carpet before it caused an injury.
Lawsuit Claims Cruise Line Had Knowledge of Dangerous Tripping Hazard but Failed to Warn Travelers
A central component of the negligence claim is the allegation that Norwegian Cruise Line either knew or should have known about the hazardous condition of the carpet. The plaintiff argues that the raised carpet existed for a sufficient length of time for the cruise line to have discovered and repaired it through the exercise of reasonable care. Despite this alleged constructive or actual knowledge, the defendant did not correct the flooring or provide any warnings to passengers navigating the disembarkation area. The complaint highlights that the cruise line had exclusive custody and control of the vessel and was responsible for mitigating any risks that were not open or obvious to passengers.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Disability and Loss of Enjoyment of Life Following Shipboard Fall
As a direct result of the fall, Howerton claims to have suffered injuries to her body and extremities that are permanent or continuing in nature. The lawsuit seeks damages for physical pain, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, and the aggravation of any previously existing conditions. Additionally, the plaintiff is seeking recovery for medical expenses incurred for her care and treatment, as well as compensation for the loss of her vacation, cruise, and transportation costs. Because of the lasting impact of the physical handicap described in the filing, the plaintiff demands a trial by jury to determine the full extent of the damages owed by the defendant.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Sustained Injuries Due to Poor Vessel Maintenance
Passengers who suffer injuries due to poorly maintained flooring, raised carpeting, or other tripping hazards while on a cruise ship may have grounds for a maritime personal injury claim. Cruise operators are legally required to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition and to warn travelers of any hidden dangers that could cause harm during the voyage or while embarking and disembarking. If you or a loved one experienced a similar accident resulting in a serious injury while on a cruise, our team of experienced maritime attorneys is available to discuss your case and help you navigate the complexities of federal maritime law.
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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.
