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Michigan Woman Sues Royal Caribbean Over Slip-and-Fall Incident on Oasis of the Seas
A Michigan resident, Debbie Ratliff, has filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL), alleging negligence in a slip-and-fall accident that occurred aboard the Oasis of the Seas. The complaint, filed on January 6, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, details the incident and seeks damages for severe injuries and losses.
The Incident
The incident occurred on February 5, 2024, while the ship was docked in Nassau, Bahamas. Ms. Ratliff alleges that as she attempted to re-board the vessel via the gangway, she slipped on a wet, slippery surface that RCCL failed to adequately maintain or make safe. The lawsuit describes the area as hazardous, lacking proper warning signs or safety measures, despite being under the direct oversight of Royal Caribbean’s crew. Royal Caribbean as owner and operator had a non-delegable duty to provide passengers, including Plaintiff, safe ingress and egress to/from the vessel. McBride v. Carnival Corporation, 2019 WL 3503338 (S.D. Fla. August 1, 2019) (citing Vierling v. Celebrity Cruises, Inc., 339 F.3d 1309 (11th Cir. 2003)).
The fall caused significant injuries to Ms. Ratliff’s knee, requiring surgical intervention and leading to long-term physical and emotional distress.
Legal Allegations
The lawsuit brings forth three counts of negligence against RCCL:
- Negligent Failure to Warn:
- The complaint alleges that RCCL had a duty to warn passengers of hazardous conditions, particularly the slippery surface in the gangway area. It states that crew members stationed nearby were aware or should have been aware of the danger but failed to take corrective actions or warn Ms. Ratliff.
- Negligent Maintenance:
- RCCL is accused of failing to maintain the gangway in a safe condition. Specific allegations include neglecting to inspect the area for hazardous conditions, failing to clean or dry the surface, and not using safety measures such as non-slip mats or coatings.
- General Negligence:
- The complaint asserts that RCCL did not provide a safe method for passengers to embark and disembark, failed to train crew members adequately, and neglected to implement policies and procedures to prevent such incidents.
Broader Context
The complaint references prior incidents involving similar slip-and-fall accidents aboard RCCL vessels, arguing that the company was aware of recurring hazards but did not take sufficient steps to address them. Cited cases include accidents on gangways due to wet or slippery conditions, which have resulted in lawsuits and highlighted systemic safety lapses.
Impact on the Plaintiff
As a result of the fall, Ms. Ratliff alleges permanent injuries, ongoing physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and financial losses, including medical expenses and impaired earning capacity. She also claims the incident ruined her vacation and deprived her of the value of her cruise experience.
Implications
This case adds to the growing list of legal challenges faced by Royal Caribbean and other cruise operators over passenger safety. It underscores the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols and could prompt broader scrutiny of how cruise lines handle embarkation and disembarkation processes. As the lawsuit progresses, it may influence industry practices, especially regarding safety standards and training for crew members responsible for passenger welfare.
