West Virginia Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Slipping in Restroom Near Aft Elevators on Symphony of the Seas
Ronald Dillow, a resident of West Virginia, 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 legal action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-21921-KMM, alleges that Dillow suffered severe and permanent injuries after slipping and falling on an unreasonably slippery flooring surface while aboard the Symphony of the Seas on April 11, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Symphony of the Seas Due to Wet Flooring and Unmarked Level Change
According to the complaint, the incident occurred as Dillow was entering a men’s restroom located near the aft elevators on Deck 15. The lawsuit describes the area as being adjacent to an uncovered, open-air outer deck exposed to the elements, which contributed to a dangerous condition. Dillow alleges he encountered an unreasonably wet and slippery surface combined with an unmarked change in floor level. The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean failed to place adequate warning signs, anti-slip mats, or markings that would have communicated the existence of the hazardous flooring or the transition in floor height to passengers. Dillow maintains that the danger was not open or obvious and that he had no way of knowing the floor was unsafe before his fall.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Having Notice of Dangerous Deck 15 Flooring Hazards Prior to Incident
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive knowledge of the unsafe conditions in the subject area. Specifically, the complaint states that a crew member was actively cleaning the restroom area at the time of the fall but had failed to block it off or provide a caution sign. Furthermore, the plaintiff’s legal team points to prior similar incidents as evidence that the cruise line was aware of the risks posed by this specific flooring. The complaint cites the case of Beckles v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., involving a passenger slip and fall on Deck 15 in May 2024, and Anderson v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., which involved a similar incident on the same deck in February 2023. These prior accidents are used to argue that Royal Caribbean was on notice of the slippery nature of the flooring on the Symphony of the Seas but failed to implement necessary safety measures.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Inspect High Traffic Restroom Areas
In addition to the failure to warn, the lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean breached its duty to maintain the vessel in a reasonably safe condition. Dillow alleges that the cruise line failed to regularly maintain slip-resistant materials or non-skid strips in the restroom entrance and neglected to perform adequate inspections for unsafe flooring conditions. The complaint further suggests that the cruise line failed to properly test the coefficient of friction and slip resistance of the flooring material before allowing passenger access. By failing to adopt or enforce policies that ensure high-traffic areas remain free of hazards, the lawsuit argues that Royal Caribbean created an environment where a serious injury was foreseeable.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Brain and Shoulder Injuries Resulting from Cruise Ship Negligence
Dillow brings three counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to warn, negligent maintenance, and general negligence. He claims that as a direct result of the fall, he sustained severe injuries including a head concussion, a right shoulder injury, and a right hip injury. The lawsuit states that these injuries have resulted in physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and physical handicap. Dillow asserts that his injuries are permanent and continuing in nature, leading to lost wages and an impaired ability to work in the future. In addition to medical expenses, he seeks compensation for the lost value of his vacation and transportation costs.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured in a Restroom or Deck Accident
Passengers who suffer injuries on cruise ships due to wet floors, improper maintenance, or a lack of warning signs may be eligible for compensation under general maritime law. Cruise operators have a non-delegable duty to provide a reasonably safe environment and to warn of known hazards. If you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall accident on a vessel like the Symphony of the Seas, it is important to understand your legal rights regarding cruise line liability. Contact our experienced team of maritime attorneys to discuss your case and explore your options for recovery.
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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.
