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Florida Passenger Sues MSC Cruises for Trip-and-Fall Injury on MSC Divina
A Florida resident has filed a personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises, alleging that he suffered severe injuries after tripping over an unmarked obstruction in the buffet area aboard the MSC Divina. The case, Serrano v. MSC Cruises, S.A. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21030), raises concerns about cruise ship walkway safety, failure to properly maintain passenger areas, and MSC’s negligence in preventing known hazards in high-traffic locations.
Trip-and-Fall Incident in the Buffet Area of MSC Divina
On March 6, 2024, the plaintiff, a fare-paying passenger aboard MSC Divina, was walking through the buffet area on Deck 14 when he tripped over a concealed decorative piece of wood from a room divider placed in the walkway.
According to the complaint:
- The obstruction was not clearly visible, creating a dangerous tripping hazard.
- MSC failed to provide warning signs or designate a safe pathway around the hazard.
- The plaintiff fell and suffered multiple injuries, including chronic back and neck pain.
- The fall resulted in significant medical expenses, emotional distress, and loss of mobility.
Legal Allegations in Lawsuit Against MSC Cruises
The lawsuit accuses MSC Cruises of negligence, claiming the cruise line:
- Failed to maintain a safe environment by allowing an unmarked obstruction in a high-traffic area.
- Failed to remove or properly secure the concealed decorative piece of wood.
- Failed to warn passengers of the hazard with proper signage or barriers.
- Had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition but took no corrective action.
Legal and Industry Implications for Cruise Ship Passenger Safety
This case highlights key legal questions about MSC Cruises’ responsibility for passenger safety, including:
- Whether MSC should be required to conduct routine safety inspections in high-traffic areas.
- Whether MSC’s failure to remove or mark the obstruction constitutes negligence.
- Whether cruise lines should implement stricter protocols to prevent trip-and-fall hazards.
- Whether similar past incidents establish a pattern of unsafe conditions aboard MSC vessels.
Next Steps in the Cruise Ship Injury Lawsuit Against MSC Cruises
The case will likely focus on:
- Whether MSC had prior knowledge of the obstruction and failed to correct it.
- Whether MSC’s lack of warning signs contributed to the plaintiff’s injuries.
- Whether MSC’s maintenance policies align with industry safety standards.
- Will MSC argue that the plaintiff should have been more careful, or will this case expose systemic safety failures in walkway maintenance aboard MSC Divina?
Stay tuned as Cruise Lawyer Weekly continues to track this legal battle and its potential impact on cruise ship safety regulations and maritime law.