Florida woman sues Royal Caribbean after tripping over a parked scooter on cruise ship

A Royal Caribbean passenger is blaming the cruise line after she says she tripped over a parked mobility scooter on a cruise ship last year.

People reports that Colleen Parson, a Florida resident, has filed a civil complaint against Royal Caribbean, accusing the company of negligence in an incident that took place aboard the Jewel of the Seas ship on June 22, 2025.

Parson claims she was walking through the ship's casino, which she said was "crowded with passengers." A fellow passenger had parked an electric mobility scooter in the walkway where Parson was walking, Parson alleges, according to People.

The complaint alleges that the passenger in the crowded casino bumped into Parson as she walked by, causing her to trip over the large scooter, which was parked near the gambling tables. The incident caused Parson serious injury, according to the complaint.

Parson claims she suffered a "comminuted intraarticular fracture of the distal radius of the left wrist," which required "an open reduction internal fixation surgery," People reports.

Parson is accusing Royal Caribbean of negligent maintenance of the casino and failure to warn. She is seeking damages in excess of $75,000, according to People.

Royal Caribbean responded to the complaint June 3, denying Parson's allegations, saying she is at fault for her injuries.

An attorney representing Royal Caribbean said that Parson's “own negligence was the sole proximate cause of her injuries and damages, and as such any damages are barred as a matter of law," according to People. “The allegedly dangerous condition was open and obvious and should have been observed by [Parson] through the ordinary use of her senses.”

Royal Caribbean requested the court enter a judgment in its favor against Parson, People reports.

The Royal Caribbean Mobile Disability Assistive Devices Policy states:

"Assistive devices including mobility scooters must be stored and recharged in your stateroom so fire doors, corridors and elevator lobbies are kept clear for emergency evacuation. When parked throughout the ship, they must be parked out of the way to allow safe and easy access by other guests and crewmembers."

People contributed to this article.