Kentucky Passenger Sues Norwegian Cruise Line Over Gangway Trip-and-Fall Aboard Norwegian Encore
A resident of Kentucky has filed a lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), alleging that she suffered severe injuries after tripping on a raised protrusion while boarding the Norwegian Encore. The case, Rita Garrett v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21081-JB), raises significant concerns about cruise ship embarkation safety, improper gangway maintenance, and NCL’s failure to warn passengers of known hazards.
Background of the Case
On July 19, 2024, Rita Garrett, a fare-paying passenger from Kentucky, was embarking on the Norwegian Encore at the port of Ketchikan, Alaska, when she tripped over a three to four-inch protrusion in the ship’s gangway. Garrett alleges that the uneven surface was not marked or highlighted, creating a hidden hazard for passengers.
As a result of the fall, Garrett suffered a fractured right hip, which required emergency orthopedic surgery on July 22, 2024. X-rays taken in the Encore’s medical facility confirmed the severity of the injury.
Key Allegations Against Norwegian Cruise Line
The lawsuit accuses Norwegian Cruise Line of negligence, including:
- Failure to Maintain the Gangway in a Safe Condition
- The complaint alleges that NCL failed to inspect or maintain the gangway, leading to a preventable hazard.
- Failure to Warn Passengers About the Trip Hazard
- No warning signs, caution tape, or verbal announcements were provided to alert passengers about the raised section of the gangway.
- Failure to Implement Proper Safety Measures
- Garrett claims that NCL failed to provide an alternative, safer route or install handrails to assist passengers navigating the uneven surface.
- Failure to Address Prior Similar Incidents
- The lawsuit asserts that other passengers had previously suffered trip-and-fall injuries on Norwegian Cruise Line gangways, demonstrating NCL’s prior knowledge of the risk.
- Negligent Emergency Medical Response
- The lawsuit further alleges that NCL’s medical team failed to properly stabilize Garrett’s injury and delayed her emergency evacuation, worsening her prognosis.
Cruise Lawyer’s Perspective on NCL Injury Case
This case highlights critical legal issues regarding cruise line liability for embarkation safety and gangway maintenance, including:
- Should cruise lines be required to conduct more frequent gangway inspections?
- Is NCL liable for failing to mark or repair an obvious trip hazard?
- Does a history of prior incidents establish negligence on Norwegian Cruise Line’s part?
- What duty does NCL have to provide adequate warning systems for known embarkation risks?
What’s Next in the case against NCL?
The case will likely focus on:
- Whether Norwegian Cruise Line had prior knowledge of the hazardous gangway condition and failed to take corrective action.
- If the lack of warnings directly contributed to Garrett’s injuries.
- Whether NCL’s maintenance and embarkation safety protocols meet industry standards.
- Will Norwegian Cruise Line argue that Garrett should have been more cautious, or will this case expose systemic safety failures in embarkation procedures aboard the Norwegian Encore?
