In 2006, British Fitness instructor Danny Simpson slipped on the wet floor of the spa on board the Norwegian Cruise line's "Norwegian Crown". Mr. Simpson was employed by Steiner Transocean, responsible for operating the spa facilities on the cruise line.
When he fell, he suffered a back injury that made him impotent and incontinent. And apparently, that kind of suffering is worth $9.5 million. The defendant is obviously not content with the ruling, and has already filed papers seeking a new trial, or a reduction of the award.
Sadly, not much is known about the incident itself - whether the floor was not supposed to be wet, or whether the spa operator failed to ensure wet floors were made slip free. But if a court is willing to award just under ten million Dollars, I suspect someone screwed up enough to warrant that kind of cash.
The damages were awarded to cover his economic losses, medical expenses and future pain and suffering. Nine and a half million Dollars gets you heck of a lot of Viagra and adult diapers.
http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/30/incontinent-and-impotent-after-fall-in-cruise-ship-spa-is-worth/
