Aronfeld Trial Lawyers has won a successful verdict in the amount of $183,237.50 for a passenger who was injured onboard Royal Caribbean’s (RCCL) cruise ship vessel, Enchantment of the Seas. The case (Morrison v. Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD –CASE NO. 19-cv-21220) involves cruise ship passenger and Florida resident, Patricia Morrison, who suffered a serious fall after she tripped over a floor stand ashtray that was obtruding into the walkway by the slot machines located on deck 5 at the Casino Royale. The ashtray was not readily visible because it was obstructed by a vacant wheelchair left in the hallway by a Royal Caribbean crewmember.

CCTV footage prior to the fall revealed a crew member walking by a chair obtruding into the isle without returning it to its proper place, just as the crew member did before him. Crew members are required to inspect the aisles of the slot machines in 12-15-minute intervals for any potential hazards.

“Due to Royal Caribbean’s negligence, our client suffered traumatic injuries that included, but are not limited to, open wounds on her face which required sutures and she has been left permanently scarred and disfigured, said plaintiff’s lead counsel, Spencer Aronfeld.

Holding a cruise line accountable in Federal court is a huge challenge, and the ongoing pandemic presented its own set of challenges. The entire trial was conducted via Zoom during the month of October, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, with all witnesses testifying remotely. Morrison’s husband, Gerard Donovan, also testified in the trial.

“This was a hard-fought case, and we are pleased to have obtained justice for our client,” said Aronfeld.

The defendant (Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD) breached the duty of care owed to Morrison and others onboard by violating its own policies and procedures.

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Miami-based Aronfeld Trial Lawyers was established by Board Certified Trial Lawyer, Spencer Aronfeld in 1991. The firm represents cases resulting in serious injuries in the areas of Maritime Law, Automobile Accidents, Premises Liability, Cycling Accidents, Slip and Fall Incidents, Wrongful Death, Medical and Dental Malpractice, Product Liability, Civil Rights Claims, Workplace Injuries, Maritime Law, Sexual Assault, and others. Every client receives the full benefit of our experience, our resources, and our commitment. The practice of personal injury law is our calling. We are a firm of high-profile, nationally recognized legal advocates who work for you, our client, never big business. All attorneys and staff members at the firm are bilingual speaking Spanish. To learn more, visit https://www.aronfeld.com/.