Universal Orlando Facing Negligence Lawsuit After Injury

Generally speaking, Florida’s theme parks are designed to deliver excitement, not injury. However, a recent lawsuit filed against Universal Orlando Resort has placed ride safety and corporate responsibility under renewed scrutiny. A Florida woman claims that she was seriously injured on a roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe park. The same attraction was linked to a previous fatal incident earlier this year. Her case raises pressing questions concerning whether major theme parks are doing enough to ensure their patrons’ safety.

Background of the lawsuit 

The plaintiff’s lawsuit maintains that she was riding on a roller coaster when it allegedly malfunctioned or was operated unsafely. This caused a violent jerking motion that led to serious physical injuries. According to her lawsuit, Universal failed to maintain the ride in a safe condition. Further, they neglected to warn guests about known dangers related to the ride. Lastly, they failed to train staff adequately to respond to an emergency.

The plaintiff’s attorneys allege that Universal should have reviewed their safety protocols after the first time the ride malfunctioned. Instead, the park allowed patrons back on the roller coaster without addressing known hazards. The plaintiff’s suit might hinge on whether Universal knew about these pressing safety issues before she got on the ride.

Duty of care under Florida law 

Under Florida’s premises liability rules, amusement park operators owe their guests a duty of care to maintain the rides and grounds in a safe condition. This includes making regular inspections, complying with manufacturer recommendations, and posting clear safety warnings for the public.

When an operator fails to do those things, the company can be liable for negligence. Plaintiffs must be able to prove that the park breached its duty to protect its customers and that this failure directly led to their injuries. Things such as maintenance logs, staff training records, or incident reports can become key pieces of evidence in court.

Challenges for injured guests 

Amusement park claims are often complex. Major parks like Universal employ teams of defense lawyers and risk managers who specialize in reducing settlement figures as much as they can. These folks will argue that injuries stemmed from the rider’s own negligence, prior medical conditions, or unforeseeable accidents.

On the other hand, when a ride has a documented history of causing injury or death, those defenses are harder to present. Plaintiffs’ attorneys will generally seek to show a pattern of negligence. This proves that management failed to take adequate measures after earlier problems.

What to do after an injury 

Those hurt at Florida theme parks should take immediate steps to protect their rights. This includes:

• Report the incident to park officials right away and request a written report.
• Seek medical attention right away, even if you think you’re okay.
• Document everything! Take photos. Record details. Gather witness names.
• Consult a personal injury attorney with experience in theme park cases before you sign any waivers or statements.

Talk to a Jacksonville, FL, Personal Injury Lawyer Today 

Gillette Law represents the interests of Jacksonville residents who have been injured at theme parks. Call our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.

Source:

cbsnews.com/miami/news/woman-sues-universal-orlando-injuries-same-roller-coaster-man-died-after-riding/