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Florida Woman Sues MSC Cruises After Tripping Over Unmarked Raised Threshold on MSC Magnifica
Cruise Ship Injury Lawsuit Alleges Raised Threshold on Deck 9 of MSC Magnifica Caused Serious Fall
In Carolyn Lamaina v. MSC Cruises S.A. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21238), filed on March 17, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Florida resident Carolyn Lamaina alleges that she suffered severe injuries aboard the MSC Magnifica due to a concealed trip hazard on Deck 9. The incident occurred on April 23, 2024, as Lamaina was walking toward the ship’s elevators when she tripped over an unmarked metal threshold or raised flooring transition, which she claims was elevated beyond industry standards.
The complaint alleges that the flooring hazard was not visible, not marked with any signage or tape, and was not obvious to passengers. As a result of the fall, Lamaina landed face-first, attempting to break her fall with her arms and sustaining serious injuries that remain permanent and debilitating.
MSC Cruises Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers About Trip Hazard Caused by Raised Flooring on Cruise Ship
Lamaina’s lawsuit asserts a claim of negligent failure to warn of the unmarked raised threshold aboard the MSC Magnifica, stating that MSC:
- Did not post any warning signs or caution tape near the threshold.
- Failed to alert passengers to a visible change in elevation in a high-traffic area.
- Provided no advance notice of trip hazards in the area near the elevators.
- Failed to cordon off the area or use visual contrast to signal the uneven flooring.
The complaint emphasizes that the hazard was not open and obvious, as the threshold blended in with surrounding flooring and could not be identified until it was too late. Lamaina claims she had no opportunity to avoid the fall due to the camouflaged nature of the elevation change.
MSC Cruises Lawsuit Highlights Prior Passenger Injuries on Unmarked Thresholds Across Fleet
The lawsuit outlines a pattern of prior trip-and-fall incidents aboard MSC vessels caused by similar raised or concealed thresholds, citing:
- Tonya Orshansky – Injured on MSC Divina after tripping over a concealed, elevated tile indistinguishable from surrounding flooring.
- Marilyn Surette – Injured in 2022 on the MSC Seascape after falling on a raised threshold. (Surette v. MSC Cruises, Case No. 24-cv-21334-DPG).
- Maria Estevez – Fell on a hidden change of elevation on MSC Seaside in 2018 (Estevez v. MSC Cruises, Case No. 19-cv-61731-KMM).
These prior incidents are used to argue constructive knowledge, asserting that MSC knew or should have known that these types of thresholds pose trip risks and that uniform safety procedures should have been in place to prevent recurring accidents.
Cruise Ship Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit Includes Claims for Negligent Maintenance and Poor Design
Lamaina also alleges negligent maintenance and defective design of the walking surface. Specific claims include:
- Failure to inspect and repair the flooring to ensure a level and safe surface for passengers.
- Failure to install proper transitions or markings to reduce tripping risks.
- Designing a hazardous threshold that was unnecessarily raised and not detectable by passengers in motion.
- Neglecting to implement or enforce protocols to routinely inspect common walkways for compliance with safety standards.
The complaint alleges that the threshold exceeded the industry-standard height for safe flooring transitions and was designed and placed in a manner that created a foreseeable danger to passengers, particularly in a corridor leading to elevators.
MSC Cruises Faces Allegations of General Negligence for Failing to Provide Safe Walking Conditions Aboard Vessel
In addition to the specific claims for design, maintenance, and warning failures, Lamaina alleges general negligence by MSC Cruises in creating and permitting unsafe walking conditions. The complaint points to:
- Lack of uniform flooring safety across high-traffic areas.
- No effort to alert passengers to the risk, despite known hazards.
- Failure to act upon previous reports and lawsuits involving similar trip hazards on other MSC ships.
As a result, Lamaina claims she suffered long-term physical, financial, and emotional harm, including medical expenses, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Injured in a Cruise Ship Fall Due to Unsafe Flooring? Maritime Law May Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a fall aboard a cruise ship due to an unmarked threshold, uneven flooring, or poor walkway design, you may have a claim under federal maritime law. Cruise lines are obligated to ensure passenger safety and to warn of known dangers. Contact a maritime personal injury attorney today to review your legal rights and seek compensation.