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Pennsylvania Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Tripping Over Overlapped Mats on Deck 11 of Liberty of the Seas
Cruise Passenger Injury Lawsuit Alleges Overlapping Floor Mats Caused Facial Injury Aboard Liberty of the Seas
In the case Sharon Peterson v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21243), filed March 17, 2025, in the Southern District of Florida, Pennsylvania resident Sharon Peterson claims she sustained permanent injuries after tripping on overlapping mats aboard the Liberty of the Seas. The incident occurred on May 16, 2024, while Peterson was walking on Deck 11 of the vessel.
According to the complaint, Royal Caribbean crew members had placed walking mats in a disorganized manner, causing the edges of the mats to overlap and create an uneven walking surface. Peterson alleges that the trip hazard was not open or obvious and appeared to be a flat, continuous walking surface—until it caused her to fall.
She suffered facial and eye injuries requiring surgery and now experiences permanent vision impairment as a result.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Negligence for Creating Tripping Hazard With Improperly Laid Mats on Cruise Ship Deck
The lawsuit claims Royal Caribbean negligently created and failed to correct a known tripping hazard involving overlapping mats aboard Liberty of the Seas. Specific allegations include:
- Carelessly laying walking mats on the deck in a manner that created raised, uneven surfaces.
- Failure to inspect or correct the hazardous mat placement before passengers used the area.
- Failure to follow industry and internal safety protocols regarding the layout of mats on high-traffic passenger decks.
- Noncompliance with international maritime safety regulations, including the International Maritime Organization’s SOLAS Part C, Regulation 13, which requires that escape routes be free of obstacles.
The plaintiff alleges that the area where she fell constitutes an escape route and should have been clear of trip hazards under applicable maritime safety rules.
Cruise Line Lawsuit Highlights Failure to Warn Passengers of Tripping Hazards Created by Misaligned Mats
Peterson also brings a claim of negligent failure to warn passengers about the tripping hazard. According to the complaint:
- The mats appeared uniform and level but were in fact overlapped in a way that posed a hidden hazard.
- No warning signs, barriers, or crew instructions alerted Peterson to the danger.
- Royal Caribbean allegedly failed to train its staff to detect or correct misaligned mats and to inform guests of hazardous walking surfaces.
The complaint argues that had Peterson been warned, she would have taken precautions and likely avoided injury.
Vicarious Liability and Crew Negligence in Cruise Ship Trip-and-Fall Case
The lawsuit includes a count for general negligence based on vicarious liability, asserting that Royal Caribbean is responsible for the acts of its crew:
- Crew members allegedly placed the mats negligently.
- Royal Caribbean failed to supervise or enforce proper mat placement procedures.
- The hazard created by the crew was foreseeable and preventable with proper oversight.
Peterson’s attorneys claim that Royal Caribbean either had actual knowledge of the condition or should have identified it through reasonable inspection and cleaning protocols before the injury occurred.
Cruise Ship Trip-and-Fall Lawsuit Involves Severe Facial and Eye Injuries Requiring Surgery
As a result of the incident, Peterson alleges that she suffered:
- Serious trauma to her face and eye area.
- Surgical intervention for eye and facial injuries.
- Permanent vision loss and ongoing medical treatment.
- Loss of enjoyment of life, disability, and diminished earning capacity.
- Financial losses including medical expenses and the loss of the cruise experience.
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $75,000 and cites both physical and emotional suffering stemming from the event.
Suffered a Trip-and-Fall Injury on a Cruise Ship? Know Your Maritime Legal Rights
If you or someone you know has been injured due to unsafe walking surfaces or hazards aboard a cruise ship, you may have grounds for a maritime injury claim. Cruise lines are legally obligated to maintain safe conditions and warn passengers of potential dangers. Contact a maritime personal injury attorney to evaluate your case and explore your right to compensation.