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NHL Legend Sues Celebrity Cruises Over Slip-and-Fall Injury on Marble Stair in Two-Story Suite Aboard Celebrity Ascent
Retired NHL Hall of Famer Bernard Parent has filed a maritime injury lawsuit against Celebrity Cruises after allegedly slipping on an unmarked marble stair in a luxury suite aboard the Celebrity Ascent. The complaint, Bernard Parent v. Celebrity Cruises, Inc. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21464-CMA), accuses the cruise line of negligent design, failure to maintain safe conditions, and failure to warn about the hazard—resulting in serious head, back, and body injuries to the 78-year-old former goaltender.
Celebrity Suite’s Slick Marble Stair Lacked Handrails, Anti-Slip Material, and Warning Signs
The incident occurred on January 1, 2024, during a 7-night cruise on the Celebrity Ascent. Parent, a guest in Stateroom #15102—a two-story suite in the Captain’s Club category—allegedly slipped while descending the internal staircase, which contained one step made of smooth marble, unlike the others made from non-slip composite material.
According to the complaint:
- The marble step lacked anti-slip tread strips or contrasting color markings.
- No handrails were installed on either side of the staircase.
- The step blended visually with the other stairs, creating a hidden hazard.
Parent struck his head, back, and legs during the fall and was evaluated by the ship’s infirmary the next day after showing signs of confusion, memory issues, and word-finding difficulty.
Celebrity Knew or Should Have Known of Stair Design Hazards, Lawsuit Alleges
The complaint asserts that Celebrity Cruises had actual notice of the stair’s dangerous design because:
- Celebrity designed and approved the custom ship architecture, including material selection and layout.
- The company operated and maintained the suite since the vessel’s 2023 launch.
- Similar fall-related lawsuits had been filed against Celebrity and its parent company, Royal Caribbean, for marble stair injuries, including:
- Worman v. Celebrity Cruises (Case No. 17-cv-23424-MGC)
- Wilcox v. Royal Caribbean (Case No. 19-cv-20641)
- Armstrong v. Royal Caribbean (Case No. 19-cv-24935)
The complaint also references industry safety standards requiring handrails on both sides of staircases and slip-resistant finishes, including:
- 46 CFR § 116.438 (federal regulation for handrail height)
- IMO MSC.1/Circ.735 (guidelines for stair contrast and handrails)
- ADA Access Board standards on stair design
NHL Icon Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Costs, and Diminished Quality of Life
Parent, a two-time Vezina and Conn Smythe Trophy winner and member of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players, alleges that the fall caused long-term injuries requiring continued medical treatment.
The lawsuit includes three counts:
- Negligent Failure to Maintain
- Failure to Warn
- Negligent Design
Parent seeks damages for:
- Physical pain and permanent disability
- Emotional distress and cognitive impacts
- Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and future care
- Loss of vacation value and cruise enjoyment
- Impairment to his personal and professional activities
Cruise Line Interior Design Under Scrutiny After Celebrity Marble Staircase Fall
This case could have broad implications for how cruise lines design and maintain high-end suites and public areas. Legal experts note:
- Cruise lines may face heightened duties of care for older passengers—especially when marketing accommodations to seniors.
- The presence of even a single non-compliant stair may render the entire area unsafe under maritime law.
- Celebrity’s control over ship design and material selection may undermine defenses based on third-party shipbuilders or “open and obvious” conditions.
Injured on a Cruise Ship Staircase or in a Luxury Suite? Maritime Law May Protect You
Cruise lines must provide reasonably safe conditions in all passenger areas, including private staterooms. Hidden design hazards—such as unmarked steps or lack of handrails—may be grounds for a legal claim under general maritime law.
Contact a maritime personal injury attorney to determine your legal rights and pursue compensation for injuries sustained on a cruise.