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Oklahoma Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Tripping Over Unmarked Threshold Aboard Voyager of the Seas
Cruise Ship Lawsuit Alleges Raised Threshold Caused Serious Fall Injury on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas
On March 17, 2025, Janet Schmidt, an Oklahoma resident, filed a negligence lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida: Janet Schmidt v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21244). Schmidt alleges that on November 19, 2023, while aboard the Voyager of the Seas, she tripped over a raised, unmarked threshold while entering a public restroom near the basketball court on Deck 13.
According to the complaint, the raised lip at the restroom’s doorway was not marked with hazard tape or warning signage. As Schmidt attempted to enter the restroom, she tripped and suffered a severe femur fracture requiring emergency surgery and an air evacuation from Cozumel to Houston.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Warn Cruise Passengers About Dangerous Threshold on Voyager of the Seas
Schmidt’s lawsuit claims Royal Caribbean failed to warn cruise passengers about a known tripping hazard involving an unmarked threshold in a high-traffic area of the ship. The complaint highlights several key points:
- The threshold was elevated but not visually distinct from the surrounding door or flooring.
- A small warning sign was allegedly insufficient in size, contrast, and placement to be effective.
- A larger, more visible warning was posted inside the restroom—but not visible to approaching passengers like Schmidt.
The complaint alleges the condition was not open and obvious, especially when the door was closed, and that passengers crossing the threshold would not naturally be looking downward as they entered.
Cruise Passenger Fall Lawsuit Cites History of Similar Trip-and-Fall Injuries on Royal Caribbean Ships
To demonstrate Royal Caribbean’s prior knowledge of the hazard, the plaintiff cites multiple prior incidents involving raised thresholds aboard Royal Caribbean vessels, including:
- Lewis v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. – Passenger tripped over an unmarked threshold; other thresholds were properly marked with hazard tape reading “CAUTION WATCH YOUR STEP.”
- D’Antonio v. Royal Caribbean – Court found a raised metal strip could have caused the plaintiff’s fall; case was revived by the 11th Circuit.
- Bennett v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. – Trip-and-fall over a pool threshold.
- Riemann v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. – Trip and fall on threshold between outdoor and indoor area on Adventure of the Seas.
- Unfiled case (Austin, David) – Trip and fall on threshold transition zone.
- Cruz Colon v. Celebrity Cruises (a Royal subsidiary) – Passenger injured on unmarked threshold in common walkway.
Schmidt’s attorneys argue that these prior incidents, and Royal’s inconsistent use of hazard tape, show actual or constructive notice of a recurring safety risk—and a failure to implement consistent passenger safety protocols across its fleet.
General Negligence Lawsuit Claims Failure to Maintain Safe Walkways on Cruise Ship Led to Femur Fracture
In addition to the failure-to-warn claim, the complaint asserts general negligence based on Royal Caribbean’s failure to properly maintain and inspect the threshold. Specific allegations include:
- No hazard tape or contrasting markings to alert passengers.
- No efforts to modify the threshold to make it safer or more visible.
- Lack of regular inspections and maintenance in passenger walkway areas.
- Absence of policies and procedures to ensure raised thresholds are uniformly marked.
The lawsuit argues that a reasonably trained Royal employee could have identified the threshold as a hazard and taken simple steps—like applying yellow/black caution tape or installing better signage—to prevent injury.
Severe Femur Injury Resulted in Emergency Surgery and Permanent Impairments
The trip-and-fall accident caused Schmidt to suffer:
- A left femur fracture requiring surgical repair.
- Injuries to her hip, knee, and other body parts.
- Emergency medical evacuation from Cozumel to Houston.
- Long-term physical limitations, pain, and reduced mobility.
She seeks compensation for ongoing medical treatment, permanent disability, lost income, and loss of enjoyment of life, in addition to the value of the lost cruise experience.
Injured on a Cruise Ship Due to Unsafe Conditions? You May Have a Legal Claim
If you’ve been injured aboard a cruise ship due to an unsafe walkway, unmarked threshold, or other hazard, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines are responsible for ensuring safe conditions and warning passengers about known risks. Speak with a qualified maritime injury attorney today to explore your legal rights.