Arizona Woman Sues MSC Cruises in Miami After Slip-and-Fall Near Marketplace on MSC Seascape
Case Summary: Debra Bush v. MSC Cruises, S.A.
Case No.: 1:25-cv-21613-KMM
Filed: April 8, 2025
Court: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida (Miami Division)
Plaintiff: Debra Bush (Resident of Arizona)
Defendant: MSC Cruises, S.A. (Foreign corporation operating out of Miami, FL)
Incident Date: January 11, 2024
Vessel Involved: MSC Seascape
Personal Injury Lawsuit Against MSC Cruises Over Wet Floor Incident on MSC Seascape
Bush alleges she slipped on a wet or slippery foreign substance near the Marketplace aboard the MSC Seascape. The area was reportedly a high-traffic zone used frequently by both passengers and crew. MSC allegedly failed to warn passengers or remedy the hazard despite knowledge of prior similar incidents on this and other ships in its fleet.
Legal Claim: Count I – Negligence
- MSC owed Bush a duty of reasonable care as a fare-paying passenger.
- The cruise line breached that duty by:
- Failing to maintain a safe walking surface near the Marketplace,
- Failing to warn passengers of the slippery condition,
- Allowing a hazardous condition to exist in a high-traffic public area.
- The plaintiff asserts MSC had actual or constructive knowledge of similar incidents and failed to take appropriate corrective measures.
Vicarious Liability:
- The complaint alleges MSC is responsible for the negligent acts of its employees or contractors under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
Injuries & Damages Claimed:
- Bodily injuries and physical impairment
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent and/or continuing disabilities
Maritime Liability Under General Maritime Law:
- Cruise operators owe passengers a “duty of reasonable care under the circumstances” under well-established admiralty law.
- Slips and falls due to wet, foreign, or transitory substances are among the most frequently litigated passenger injury claims.
- Plaintiff alleges MSC should have known the Marketplace area was hazardous, especially if similar complaints had arisen in the past.
Why This Case Matters:
- This case continues the trend of passenger slip-and-fall lawsuits in high-traffic food court or buffet areas of cruise ships.
- The claim invokes both premises liability and vicarious liability principles, putting MSC’s maintenance and staffing practices in focus.
⚠️ Practical Implications for Cruise Passengers and the Cruise Industry
For Cruise Passengers:
- This case highlights the importance of reporting wet floors and documenting accident scenes when injuries occur.
- Injured passengers must often prove the cruise line had prior notice of the hazard or failed to monitor public spaces adequately.
For Cruise Lines:
- High-traffic zones near dining venues must be regularly inspected and cleaned.
- Failure to maintain dry and safe flooring—even for a short time—can lead to significant legal exposure.
📞 Call Today
If you or someone you know has suffered a slip-and-fall injury aboard a cruise ship, consult a maritime personal injury attorney immediately.
Maritime law imposes specific duties on cruise lines—and victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
