New Mexico Passenger Sues Disney Cruise Line After Scooter Tips on Steep Gangway While Disembarking Disney Dream

Zalla Galya, a resident of New Mexico, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Magical Cruise Company, Limited, doing business as Disney Cruise Line, in the Middle District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 6:25-cv-00027-PGB-UAM, alleges that Galya sustained serious and permanent injuries while disembarking the Disney Dream on January 14, 2024.

Cruise Passenger Injured While Disembarking Disney Dream Using Steep and Uneven Gangway with Inadequate Warnings

According to the complaint, Galya, a mobility-impaired passenger using a scooter provided by Disney Cruise Line, was attempting to disembark the Disney Dream via a designated gangway when her scooter tipped over due to an unsafe threshold and steep slope. The gangway allegedly lacked level surfacing, edge protection, and adequate anti-tip design, all of which contributed to the incident. Galya contends there were no verbal or posted warnings about the potential risks associated with using the gangway in a mobility device. The lawsuit claims Disney created or failed to remedy a hazardous condition that was not open and obvious to passengers and failed to provide a safe and accessible path for those requiring mobility assistance.

Disney Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Maintain Safe Gangway and Ignoring Known Hazards for Mobility Device Users

The complaint alleges Disney Cruise Line breached its duty to maintain a reasonably safe gangway system by allowing passengers to disembark via a dangerously steep ramp with uneven flooring and an improperly designed threshold. Galya’s legal team cites the cruise line’s failure to regularly inspect or maintain the gangway, especially in light of prior incidents. Notably, the lawsuit points to a prior tip-over involving another scooter-using passenger on the same voyage, suggesting Disney had direct knowledge of the risk but failed to take corrective action. These facts, the suit argues, indicate both actual and constructive notice of the unsafe condition.

Gangway Design and Accessibility Failures Highlighted in Lawsuit Against Disney Dream

Galya further asserts that Disney failed to account for accessibility and industry safety standards in its gangway setup. The lawsuit contends that the gangway was improperly positioned and did not include features necessary to accommodate passengers using scooters or other mobility aids. Specific allegations include Disney’s failure to design and install an ADA-compliant access ramp, failure to level the landing surface, and failure to ensure slope and rise measurements complied with known maritime and safety regulations. The gangway’s construction and positioning allegedly created a risk of tipping for anyone using a wheeled mobility device.

Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Lasting Injuries, Loss of Vacation Value, and Disney Cruise Line’s Negligence

Galya’s lawsuit brings three counts against Disney: negligent failure to warn, negligent maintenance, and general negligence. She alleges that Disney violated its non-delegable duty to provide safe ingress and egress from the vessel by failing to maintain the gangway in a reasonably safe condition, particularly for passengers with mobility limitations. As a result of the incident, Galya claims she suffered significant and ongoing injuries to her shoulder and body, as well as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of her cruise. She is seeking damages for her medical care, physical impairment, and the diminished value of her vacation experience.

Contact a Cruise Ship Gangway Injury Lawyer If You Were Hurt While Boarding or Disembarking a Vessel

Passengers who suffer injuries due to unsafe cruise ship gangways—particularly those using scooters, wheelchairs, or other mobility devices—may have a right to pursue compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Disney are legally obligated to ensure boarding and disembarkation procedures are safe, properly designed, and accessible for all passengers. If you or a loved one were hurt during a cruise gangway incident, speak with one of our experienced maritime injury attorneys today.

Contact us now to explore your legal rights and next steps.


Michigan Passenger Sues Disney Cruise Line After Automatic Door Allegedly Malfunctions on Disney Wonder

Nancy Hughson, a resident of Michigan, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Magical Cruise Company, Limited, doing business as Disney Cruise Line, in the Middle District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 6:25-cv-00264-CEM-RMN, stems from a March 1, 2024, incident aboard the Disney Wonder in which an automatic sliding glass door allegedly struck Hughson with force, causing her to fall and suffer severe injuries.

Cruise Ship Passenger Injured by Faulty Automatic Glass Door While Entering Animator’s Palate on Disney Wonder

According to the complaint, Hughson was walking on the exterior portion of Deck 4 aboard the Disney Wonder and attempted to pass through a heavy automatic sliding glass door leading into Animator’s Palate, a dining venue onboard. Without warning, the door allegedly closed forcefully and struck Hughson, knocking her to the ground. The impact is said to have caused permanent injuries to her shoulders and back. The lawsuit alleges that Disney Cruise Line failed to adequately warn passengers of the potential danger posed by the automatic door, which allegedly lacked proper safety mechanisms and was unreasonably dangerous.

Disney Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers About Risks of Malfunctioning Automatic Doors on Disney Wonder

The lawsuit contends that Disney Cruise Line knew or should have known about the hazardous nature of the automatic door. Hughson’s legal team claims that the cruise line failed to post warning signs or provide verbal notices to guests about the possibility of the doors closing abruptly. The complaint points to alleged violations of industry safety standards, including ANSI A156.10, which governs the installation and maintenance of automatic pedestrian doors. It further alleges that Disney did not disclose past incidents involving similar doors on its vessels, depriving passengers of information that could have prevented the accident.

Complaint Highlights Disney Cruise Line’s Alleged Failure to Maintain Safe Automatic Door Systems Onboard Vessel

In addition to its alleged failure to warn, Disney is accused of neglecting to properly maintain, inspect, and calibrate the automatic door systems aboard the Disney Wonder. Hughson asserts that the cruise line did not follow standard procedures for testing the doors’ sensors, ensuring their safe closing speed, or confirming that safety devices were functioning. The lawsuit claims that Disney either did not employ or failed to supervise qualified personnel to inspect and service the doors, and lacked proper policies to ensure automatic doors were safe for passenger use. These alleged failures, the complaint argues, created a foreseeable hazard that ultimately caused Hughson’s injuries.

Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Lasting Injuries and Vacation Loss Due to Disney Cruise Line’s Negligence

The lawsuit brings three counts against Disney Cruise Line: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. Hughson claims Disney breached its non-delegable duty to provide safe conditions for passengers by operating faulty and dangerous automatic doors. As a result, she suffered lasting physical injuries, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. The lawsuit also seeks damages for medical costs, disability, and the diminished value of her cruise experience.

Contact a Cruise Ship Injury Attorney If You Were Hurt by a Malfunctioning Door or Unsafe Onboard Conditions

Passengers injured by faulty or unsafe cruise ship conditions—including malfunctioning automatic doors—may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Disney have a duty to ensure all onboard systems, especially those involving passenger ingress and egress, are safe and properly maintained. If you or a loved one experienced a similar incident aboard a cruise ship, our maritime attorneys are ready to help you understand your rights.

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Texas Passenger Sues Disney Cruise Line After Tripping Over Hidden Step in Crowded Theater on Disney Wonder

Raquel Colon, a resident of Texas, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Magical Cruise Company, Limited, doing business as Disney Cruise Line, in the Middle District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 6:25-cv-00729-PGB-UAM, alleges that Colon sustained severe and permanent injuries after tripping over a hidden step during a mandatory excursion disembarkation assembly aboard the Disney Wonder on May 7, 2024.

Cruise Passenger Injured in Dimly Lit Theater During Disney Wonder Excursion Disembarkation Assembly

According to the complaint, Colon was directed by Disney crew members to gather with a large group of passengers inside a dimly lit theater on Deck 4 before disembarking for a scheduled shore excursion. As instructed, she joined the crowd near the stage area, where visibility was allegedly limited due to poor lighting and the presence of other guests. While navigating through the theater, Colon tripped over a low and inconspicuous step that she claims was not marked, warned about, or visible under the crowded and dark conditions. She fell and suffered a serious shoulder fracture and a torn rotator cuff.

Disney Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers About Dangerous Step in Theater Gathering Area

Colon’s legal team argues that Disney Cruise Line failed to warn passengers of the hidden elevation change within the assembly area, despite having knowledge of the risk. The lawsuit alleges that the cruise line’s disembarkation process was poorly planned and overcrowded, creating conditions where passengers could not see hazards like the unmarked step. Colon claims Disney knew, or should have known, that the setup presented a foreseeable risk, especially since the theater was frequently used for large gatherings and the step was not obvious in low lighting. No verbal warnings or signage were allegedly provided to alert passengers of the tripping hazard.

Complaint Alleges Inadequate Lighting, Overcrowding, and Unsafe Disembarkation Procedures on Disney Wonder

The complaint contends that Disney created a dangerous condition by crowding guests into the theater without sufficient spacing, lighting, or crew supervision. Colon asserts that the step presented an unreasonable hazard and was not adequately managed by crew members, who failed to maintain safe pathways, mark the area, or limit the number of guests in the space. The lawsuit further claims that Disney had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard through prior inspections and prior similar incidents, yet did not take appropriate safety measures.

Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Lasting Shoulder Injury, Medical Expenses, and Disrupted Cruise Vacation

Colon brings three counts against Disney: negligent failure to warn, vicarious liability under respondeat superior, and general negligence. She alleges that Disney breached its duty to provide reasonably safe conditions aboard the vessel and that its crew acted negligently during the disembarkation process. The lawsuit seeks damages for permanent injury, pain and suffering, medical costs, emotional distress, and loss of the benefit of her cruise vacation. Colon’s legal team emphasizes that the incident has left her with ongoing physical limitations that will impact her quality of life moving forward.

Were You Hurt During a Cruise Excursion Disembarkation? Speak to a Maritime Injury Lawyer Today

Passengers who are injured during poorly supervised cruise ship disembarkation procedures—especially in dark, crowded, or poorly marked areas—may have the right to pursue compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Disney are obligated to plan and execute safe passenger movements throughout the vessel. If you or someone you love suffered an injury due to an unmarked hazard, unsafe gathering area, or negligent crew conduct aboard a cruise ship, we’re here to help.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury attorney.


Florida Passenger Sues Disney Cruise Line After Slipping on Wet Floor at 1923 Restaurant Aboard Disney Wish

Steven Bacon, a resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Magical Cruise Company, Limited, doing business as Disney Cruise Line, in the Middle District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 6:25-cv-00887-CEM-LHP, alleges that Bacon suffered a serious leg fracture after slipping on a wet and dangerously slick surface in the 1923 Restaurant aboard the Disney Wish on June 2, 2024.

Cruise Passenger Suffers Leg Fracture in 1923 Restaurant Due to Concealed Wet Floor and Lack of Warnings

According to the complaint, Bacon was walking in the 1923 Restaurant on Deck 3 when he encountered an unreasonably slippery and wet area that caused him to lose his balance and fall. The fall allegedly resulted in a fractured left fibula and other injuries. The wet condition of the floor was not visible to Bacon due to the design, color, shine, and finish of the flooring surface, which allegedly obscured the presence of moisture. The lawsuit claims the hazard was not open and obvious, and no warning signs or barriers were present to alert passengers of the risk.

Disney Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers About Known Slipping Hazard in Restaurant Area

Bacon’s lawsuit alleges that Disney failed to warn passengers about a known and recurring hazard in a location where guests were reasonably expected to walk. The complaint points to a prior incident involving another guest who slipped and fell under similar circumstances aboard the Disney Fantasy, highlighting that Disney was allegedly aware of the danger presented by wet floors and polished surfaces in dining areas. Despite this knowledge, Disney is accused of failing to implement adequate signage, verbal warnings, or safeguards in the 1923 Restaurant on the day of the incident.

Unsafe Floor Surface and Poor Maintenance Practices at Center of Disney Wish Injury Lawsuit

The complaint further alleges that Disney failed to properly maintain the 1923 Restaurant floor in a safe condition. Specific allegations include failure to dry wet areas promptly, failure to install slip-resistant materials or non-skid strips, and inadequate inspection of the area prior to the incident. Bacon’s legal team contends that these oversights allowed the dangerous condition to persist long enough for Disney to have discovered and corrected it, had reasonable care been exercised.

Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Lasting Injuries, Pain and Suffering, and Disruption of Cruise Vacation

Bacon brings three counts against Disney: negligent failure to warn, negligent maintenance, and general negligence. He asserts that Disney breached its duty to provide a safe environment for passengers, resulting in physical pain, emotional distress, and permanent disability. The lawsuit also seeks damages for medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, and the diminished value of the vacation. Bacon claims his injuries continue to cause hardship and will require ongoing treatment.

Hurt in a Cruise Ship Restaurant Slip and Fall? Speak to a Maritime Injury Attorney Today

Cruise lines are required under maritime law to maintain safe conditions in all public areas, including restaurants, walkways, and gathering spaces. If you or someone you know slipped and fell due to a wet or unmarked hazard aboard a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t wait to protect your legal rights.

Contact us now to speak with an experienced cruise ship slip and fall attorney.

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