A Florida resident has initiated legal proceedings against Royal Caribbean Cruises, claiming negligence after she allegedly tripped over a parked mobility scooter during a cruise and sustained serious injuries. The plaintiff, Colleen Parson, is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 as a result of the incident, which reportedly occurred while aboard the cruise ship Jewel of the Seas in June 2025.
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In her civil complaint, Parson details her account of the event, which took place when she was walking through the bustling casino area of the ship. According to the amended complaint obtained by PEOPLE, Parson recalls that another passenger, who was operating an electric mobility scooter, parked the device in the walkway where she was walking. The casino was reportedly crowded with fellow travellers at the time.
The civil filing asserts that while Parson was navigating through the busy environment, she was inadvertently bumped by another passenger. This jostle reportedly caused her to trip over the scooter, resulting in a significant fall and subsequent injuries. Parson claims that this incident led to a “comminuted intraarticular fracture of the distal radius of the left wrist,” necessitating an open reduction internal fixation surgery. She states that her injuries are of a permanent nature and will require ongoing treatment.
In her lawsuit, Parson accuses Royal Caribbean of failing to maintain the safety of the casino area and not providing adequate warnings regarding potential hazards. She is calling for a jury trial to address her claims and to assess the damages she believes she deserves based on her injuries.
In response to the allegations, Royal Caribbean has filed an answer to the amended complaint that largely refutes Parson’s claims. The cruise line asserts that the responsibility for the incident lies with Parson herself. Their legal representatives argue that her own negligence played a significant role in the injuries she sustained, stating that the conditions around the mobility scooter were “open and obvious.” They contend that she should have been able to avoid the hazard by using her senses more effectively while moving through the casino.
Royal Caribbean’s legal team has sought a judgement from the court in their favour, effectively requesting that Parson’s case be dismissed. They suggest that her damages should be denied based on her purported failure to act responsibly during the incident.
This case is part of a growing discourse around safety and the management of mobility devices on cruise ships. According to Royal Caribbean’s Mobility Disabilities policy, individuals using mobility scooters are instructed that these devices must be stored and recharged in their staterooms when not in use. The policy emphasises the importance of keeping corridors, fire doors, and elevator lobbies clear to ensure the safety of all guests and crew members, particularly in emergency situations.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the court has ordered both parties to submit a joint scheduling report by June 24. Legal observers and industry experts will be watching closely, as the resolution could have broader implications for how mobility scooters are managed in crowded public spaces aboard cruise ships.
For those interested in following this story, updates are expected as legal actions progress, and further details may shed light on the responsibilities of cruise lines in ensuring passenger safety and managing mobility aids on board.