California passenger and a Florida passenger sues Norwegian Cruise Line (“NCL”) for Medical Negligence

The latest edition of Cruise Line Lawsuit Weekly covers a wave of new lawsuits filed against major cruise lines, highlighting ongoing passenger safety concerns and legal battles at sea. From slip-and-fall incidents in buffet areas and pool decks to allegations of medical negligence resulting in life-altering injuries, this week’s cases shed light on the potential risks passengers face aboard some of the world’s most luxurious vessels.

Among the most notable filings, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line find themselves at the center of legal disputes involving hazardous walking surfaces, improper medical treatment, and failures to warn passengers of known dangers. As courts in the Southern District of Florida continue to see a surge in maritime litigation, these lawsuits could set new precedents for cruise line liability and passenger rights.

Join us as we break down the top cases from January 27 – February 2, 2025, examining the allegations, legal arguments, and potential implications for the cruise industry.

Norwegian Cruise Line Faces Lawsuit Over Medical Negligence Aboard the Norwegian Spirit

A California resident has filed a lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) in the Southern District of Florida, alleging gross medical malpractice and negligence aboard the Norwegian Spirit. The case, Kotelyan Hovsep v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-20395), alleges that the ship’s medical personnel failed to properly diagnose and treat a severe infection, leading to multi-organ failure, kidney damage, and the amputation of multiple toes and feet.

Background of the Case

On January 6, 2024, while aboard the Norwegian Spirit, Kotelyan Hovsep, a fare-paying passenger from California, began experiencing severe medical symptoms, including:

• High fever
• Coughing and shortness of breath
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty speaking and hindered mobility
• Altered mental state

Recognizing the severity of his condition, ship medical personnel transported him to the onboard medical center, where he was classified as critical.

Allegations of Medical Negligence

The lawsuit alleges multiple failures by NCL’s medical personnel, particularly Dr. Ogolong Biketi, the ship’s physician at the time of the incident. Key allegations include:

1. Failure to Properly Diagnose Sepsis and Septic Shock

• Lab results showed elevated creatinine, acidosis, and hypotension, all signs of septic shock.
• Hovsep’s urine test revealed a large white blood cell count, indicating urosepsis, a severe infection linked to kidney failure.
• Despite these critical findings, the ship’s medical team failed to order essential blood cultures, which are mandatory in suspected sepsis cases to determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment.

2. Administration of Dangerous and Improper Medications

• IV morphine, NyQuil, Lasix, and butylscopolamine were administered despite known risks of lowering blood pressure and suppressing respiration.
• Ciprofloxacin (an oral antibiotic) was prescribed instead of IV antibiotics, despite the plaintiff’s condition worsening.
• Lasix was given despite Hovsep’s critical dehydration and low blood pressure, which further compromised blood supply to his organs.
• Dopamine was incorrectly used as a pressor agent, even though norepinephrine is the recommended treatment for septic shock.

3. Inadequate and Delayed Medical Response

• Hovsep’s blood pressure readings remained dangerously low, reaching 73/45 and 85/46, yet he was given only 100–300ccs of IV fluids, far below the 2,000ccs recommended by critical care guidelines.
• Despite signs of metabolic acidosis, only a single dose of sodium bicarbonate was administered, which was grossly inadequate to prevent kidney failure.
• No shoreside medical consultation was conducted despite the ship being near New Zealand, which had available emergency evacuation resources.
• The Captain was allegedly never notified of Hovsep’s deteriorating condition, delaying an emergency medical disembarkation.

The Devastating Outcome

After seven hours in the ship’s medical center, Hovsep was finally evacuated to a hospital in New Zealand, where he was:

• Intubated immediately due to severe respiratory distress.
• Diagnosed with multi-organ failure caused by urosepsis and septic shock.
• Placed on continuous renal replacement therapy and dialysis after suffering permanent kidney failure.
• Treated for ischemic feet, a condition caused by prolonged low blood pressure, leading to tissue death in his extremities.

On August 27, 2024, Hovsep underwent multiple amputations, losing several toes and parts of both feet. He remains dependent on dialysis three times per week due to total kidney failure.

Legal Claims & Requested Damages

Hovsep is suing NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. under multiple legal theories, including:

1. Vicarious Liability for Medical Negligence
   • Asserts that NCL’s medical staff failed to follow established medical protocols, leading to avoidable kidney failure, amputations, and permanent disabilities.
2. Negligent Provisioning & Equipping of the Medical Facility
   • Claims NCL failed to properly stock essential medications, train medical personnel, and maintain proper emergency response procedures.
3. General Negligence
   • Argues that NCL failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm, both in treating Hovsep and in failing to provide for emergency disembarkation.
4. Negligent Failure to Warn
   • Claims that NCL failed to disclose risks associated with its onboard medical treatment and misrepresented the capabilities of its medical facilities.

Implications for Cruise Ship Medical Care

This case raises serious concerns about the competency of cruise ship medical personnel and their ability to handle life-threatening conditions at sea. Key issues include:

• Should cruise ship doctors be required to follow stricter international medical standards?
• Should emergency evacuations be mandated sooner when a patient shows signs of septic shock or organ failure?
• Are cruise passengers being misled about the capabilities of onboard medical facilities?

If successful, this lawsuit could set new legal precedents for cruise ship medical liability, potentially forcing cruise lines to enhance their medical protocols to better protect passengers in emergencies.

What’s Next?

This lawsuit will likely focus on whether NCL’s medical personnel acted negligently and whether Hovsep’s injuries could have been prevented with timely intervention.

Will NCL argue that its medical staff followed appropriate protocols, or will this case expose systemic failures in cruise ship healthcare?

Stay tuned as we track this case and its potential impact on cruise line medical policies.

Cruise Passenger Loses Eye After Fall—Sues Norwegian Cruise Line for Medical Negligence

A lawsuit recently filed in the Southern District of Florida alleges gross medical negligence by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) after a passenger sustained a severe head injury on board the Norwegian Breakaway and later lost her eye due to alleged inadequate medical treatment. The case, Susan Hartman v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-20390), highlights ongoing concerns regarding cruise ship medical care and passenger safety.

Background of the Case

On January 28, 2024, Susan Hartman, a fare-paying passenger and resident of Florida, alleges she was aboard the Norwegian Breakaway, which had departed from New Orleans earlier that day. At approximately 11:00 p.m., Hartman returned to her cabin and, upon entering, tripped over the raised doorway threshold, causing her to fall forward, hit her head, and lose consciousness.

When she was found, she was bleeding from her left eye, lying on the floor with her upper body inside the cabin and her legs still in the hallway. A Code Alpha medical emergency was initiated by crew members, and Hartman was transported to NCL’s onboard medical center.

Key Allegations Against Norwegian Cruise Line

The lawsuit alleges and accuses NCL of negligence in two major ways:

1. Dangerous Cabin Design & Failure to Warn

Hartman’s complaint alleges that:

• The doorway threshold was unreasonably high and dangerous, creating a tripping hazard.
• NCL failed to warn passengers about the risk, even though other passengers had tripped in the same area before.
• NCL was aware of the risk of serious falls due to prior incidents and complaints but failed to correct the design or provide warnings.

2. Gross Medical Negligence & Failure to Provide Proper Treatment

After Hartman’s serious head injury, she claims that NCL’s medical staff failed to properly diagnose and treat her condition, leading to the loss of her left eye. The lawsuit alleges:

• NCL’s doctor misclassified her as “non-urgent” and “non-critical” despite clear signs of head trauma, severe swelling, and vision impairment.
• She was diagnosed with a laceration near her left eye but was not properly evaluated for a concussion, globe rupture, or internal eye damage.
• Medical staff ignored her repeated concerns and failed to recommend an emergency evacuation to a land-based hospital.
• When she asked about leaving the ship for medical treatment, NCL’s doctor assured her she would be fine in a few days and that shoreside treatment was not necessary.
• Despite worsening vision loss, NCL medical staff failed to refer her to a specialist in Mexico or Honduras, where the ship later docked.

The Catastrophic Outcome

By the time Hartman finally saw an ophthalmologist after the cruise ended in New Orleans on February 4, 2024, she was diagnosed with a ruptured globe, hemorrhaging, and a detached retina.

She underwent two emergency surgeries, but her vision could not be restored. On March 22, 2024, her specialists determined that her left eye was beyond repair, and she was forced to undergo an eye removal procedure and receive a prosthetic eye.

The lawsuit contends that had NCL’s medical staff recognized the severity of her condition and evacuated her for treatment sooner, she may have been able to save her eye.

Implications for Cruise Passenger Medical Care

This case underscores growing concerns regarding the quality of medical care aboard cruise ships. Questions raised include:

• Are cruise ship medical centers equipped to handle serious emergencies?
• Should cruise lines be required to evacuate passengers sooner when there’s a risk of permanent disability?
• Are passengers properly warned about dangerous thresholds and trip hazards in their cabins?

If successful, Hartman’s lawsuit could set a precedent requiring cruise lines to reevaluate their medical policies and improve emergency response protocols for onboard injuries.

What Happens Next?

Hartman’s case will likely focus on whether NCL had prior notice of hazardous cabin thresholds and whether its medical staff acted negligently by failing to diagnose her eye injury properly.

Will Norwegian Cruise Line argue that Hartman’s fall was due to her own negligence? Or will this case expose serious medical failures aboard the Norwegian Breakaway?

This lawsuit is being closely watched as it could impact future cruise ship injury claims, particularly those involving medical malpractice at sea.

North Carolina Passenger on MSC Seaside files lawsuit for a slip and fall at the pool deck

On May 26, 2023, Heather Damico, a resident of North Carolina, was a fare-paying passenger aboard the MSC Seaside when she slipped and fell on Deck 18 – Pool Deck. Damico alleges that the flooring surface was unreasonably wet and slippery, creating an invisible hazard for passengers walking in the area. There were no wet floor signs present at the time of the fall, and it was only after her injury that MSC crewmembers placed a caution sign in the area.

The lawsuit contends that MSC failed to properly maintain the deck, warn passengers of potential hazards, and implement adequate safety measures to prevent slip-and-fall incidents in high-traffic areas.

The Plaintiff’s Allegations

The complaint asserts that the pool deck flooring was inherently dangerous due to:

• The presence of a wet and slippery foreign substance that was not immediately noticeable to passengers.
• MSC’s failure to place warning signs or anti-slip mats before the incident occurred.
• The lack of sufficient visual cues alerting passengers to the hazard.
• MSC’s failure to monitor and inspect high-risk areas like the Pool Deck on Deck 18.

According to Damico, these factors combined to create a hazardous condition that led to her fall, resulting in severe injuries.

Legal Claims Against MSC Cruises

Damico’s lawsuit includes multiple counts of negligence, alleging that MSC:

1. Failed to maintain safe walking surfaces on the ship’s deck.
2. Neglected to provide sufficient warnings about wet and slippery areas.
3. Failed to implement proper risk management procedures, including using anti-slip mats and regular deck inspections.
4. Did not take adequate corrective measures despite previous incidents of passengers slipping and falling on similar deck surfaces.

Implications for Cruise Passenger Safety

This case highlights the ongoing concerns regarding passenger safety on cruise ships, particularly in high-risk areas like pool decks, where wet surfaces can create invisible slipping hazards.

The lawsuit raises important questions about:

• Whether cruise lines should redesign deck surfaces to improve traction.
• Whether additional warning systems and safety protocols should be mandated for high-traffic areas.
• How prior incidents of passenger injuries should influence cruise line safety policies.

As the case moves forward, it will be closely watched to see how MSC responds to these allegations and whether passenger safety measures on cruise ships will be strengthened as a result.

Illinois Passenger Sues Celebrity Cruises Over Hazardous Deck Conditions

A new lawsuit filed in the Southern District of Florida brings Celebrity Cruises under legal scrutiny after a passenger was allegedly injured in a slip-and-fall incident aboard the Celebrity Beyond. The case, Leonard Defilippo v. Celebrity Cruises, Inc. (Case No. 1:25-cv-20388), underscores the importance of cruise lines maintaining safe deck conditions and properly managing water drainage systems.

Background of the Case

On February 3, 2024, Leonard Defilippo, a fare-paying passenger from Illinois aboard the Celebrity Beyond, was walking on Deck 14, the outdoor pool deck, when he suddenly slipped and fell on a large puddle of standing water near an outdoor shower.

The lawsuit alleges that the drain for the outdoor shower was clogged and not functioning properly, allowing excess water to accumulate. Furthermore, the complaint claims the puddle contained contaminants such as soap, suntan lotion, and oils, making the surface even more hazardous than a typical wet deck.

As a result of the fall, Defilippo suffered severe injuries and is now seeking damages from Celebrity Cruises for its alleged negligence in maintaining safe conditions aboard the ship.Key Allegations Against Celebrity Cruises

The lawsuit asserts that Celebrity Cruises failed in its duty of care by:

1. Negligently maintaining the deck – allowing a hazardous puddle of water to accumulate.
2. Failing to clear clogged drains – leading to excessive pooling of water from the outdoor shower.
3. Failing to inspect and supervise deck maintenance – ensuring that the area was safe for passengers.
4. Using inadequate drainage systems – which could not properly handle water flow from the shower area.
5. Not placing proper warning signs – alerting passengers of the hazardous conditions.

The complaint further states that the puddle was large enough to be clearly visible to crew members working nearby, meaning that Celebrity Cruises either had actual notice or should have known about the dangerous condition.

Broader Implications for Cruise Line Safety

This case highlights a recurring issue in cruise ship litigation—the failure to maintain safe walking surfaces, particularly in high-traffic wet areas such as pool decks, spa areas, and outdoor showers.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have broader implications for the cruise industry, particularly regarding:

• Whether cruise lines should redesign deck surfaces to improve traction.
• If additional drainage systems are needed to prevent excessive pooling of water.
• How cruise lines should document and address passenger complaints about slippery surfaces.

If successful, this lawsuit could push cruise lines to re-evaluate safety measures in areas where water accumulation is a known hazard.

Texas Passenger Sues NCL Over Dangerous Theater

A Texas resident has filed a lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) in the Southern District of Florida, alleging that she suffered severe injuries after falling in a poorly lit theater aboard the Norwegian Spirit. The case, Elizabeth Stooksberry v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-20415), highlights the hazards of inadequate lighting in cruise ship theaters and the liability of cruise lines for passenger safety.

Background of the Case

On July 30, 2023, Elizabeth Stooksberry, a fare-paying passenger and resident of Texas, attended a show in the Stardust Theater aboard the Norwegian Spirit. As she walked near the side seating area on the upper level, she tripped and fell down a set of steps, suffering a severe leg fracture requiring surgery.

The lawsuit claims that the steps were not properly marked or illuminated, making it difficult for passengers to recognize the change in elevation in the dimly lit theater. Stooksberry alleges that NCL failed to take reasonable measures to ensure passenger safety, despite knowing that falls in theaters were a recurring issue across its fleet.

Key Allegations Against Norwegian Cruise Line

The lawsuit asserts that NCL was negligent in several ways, including:

1. Failure to maintain safe theater conditions
   • The steps lacked proper lighting strips, making it difficult to see the elevation change.
   • There were no warning signs or other indicators to alert passengers.
2. Failure to inspect and correct known hazards
   • The Stardust Theater was a high-traffic area, yet NCL failed to address the dangerous conditions before the incident.
   • The lawsuit claims that NCL had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard, given the number of past injuries in similar settings.
3. Failure to warn passengers
   • The cruise line did not provide adequate safety warnings about the poorly lit steps.
   • The lack of proper illumination made it impossible for Stooksberry to see the steps, leading to her fall.

Implications for Cruise Passenger Safety

This case raises critical questions about cruise ship safety, particularly regarding:

• The need for proper lighting in theaters and darkened stairwells.
• How cruise lines handle prior reports of passenger injuries.
• The extent of a cruise line’s duty to warn passengers about hazards.

If successful, this lawsuit could force NCL to reassess its onboard safety policies, potentially requiring:

• Stronger illumination on staircases in theaters.
• Clear warning signs on steps that are difficult to see in dim lighting.
• Routine safety checks in high-risk areas like theaters and show venues.

What’s Next?

The case will likely focus on whether NCL had prior knowledge of the hazardous conditions and whether its failure to install proper lighting strips or warning signs was negligent.

Will NCL argue that Stooksberry should have been more cautious? Or will this case expose serious maintenance failures in its theater safety policies?

Stay tuned as this lawsuit unfolds and potentially impacts future cruise passenger safety standards.

NCL Sued for Slip-and-Fall in Garden Café Aboard the Norwegian Jade

A California resident has filed a lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) in the Southern District of Florida, alleging that she suffered severe injuries after slipping and falling in a hazardous buffet area aboard the Norwegian Jade. The case, Antoinette M. Palmer v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-20432), raises serious concerns about passenger safety in high-traffic dining areas and NCL’s failure to address known risks despite prior incidents.

Background of the Case

On March 27, 2024, Antoinette M. Palmer, a fare-paying passenger and resident of California, alleges she was walking to get coffee in the Garden Café aboard the Norwegian Jade when she slipped and fell on a wet, slippery, and hazardous puddle of liquid on the floor.

Palmer claims the wet floor posed an invisible danger and was not marked with caution signs. The lawsuit alleges that NCL failed to properly maintain the buffet area despite knowing that the Garden Café was prone to hazardous conditions due to spilled food and beverages.

Key Allegations Against Norwegian Cruise Line

The lawsuit contends that NCL negligently failed to ensure the safety of passengers in the Garden Café, specifically by:

1. Failing to keep the buffet area clean and dry
   • The wet floor was not immediately identified or cleaned, leading to a hazardous condition.
2. Failing to warn passengers about the dangerous condition
   • No caution or wet floor signs were placed in the area before Palmer’s fall.
3. Failing to implement proper safety measures
   • No anti-slip mats or rugs were placed in the area to prevent slips.
   • Crew members did not actively monitor or clean the area despite it being a high-traffic zone.
4. Failing to address prior incidents of similar falls
   • NCL had prior notice of the dangerous conditions in the Garden Café but failed to take corrective action.

Implications for Cruise Passenger Safety

This case highlights critical safety concerns about buffet areas and high-traffic zones on cruise ships, particularly regarding:

• How cruise lines manage food and beverage spills in dining areas.
• The effectiveness of NCL’s inspection and cleaning protocols.
• Whether warning signs should be mandatory in buffet areas prone to spills.

If successful, this lawsuit could push NCL to improve safety policies, potentially requiring:

• Routine inspections and immediate spill cleanup procedures in buffet areas.
• Mandatory caution signs in high-risk areas like dining halls.
• Additional staff training to prevent passenger injuries.

What’s Next?

Palmer’s case will likely focus on whether NCL had prior knowledge of the hazardous conditions in the Garden Café and whether the cruise line failed to implement reasonable safety precautions.

Will NCL argue that Palmer was responsible for her own fall, or will this case expose systemic safety failures in its onboard dining areas?

This lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for how cruise lines handle slip-and-fall prevention and passenger safety on board.

Stay tuned for updates as the case unfolds in the Southern District of Florida.