California Woman Wins $7.25 Million in Universal Studios Lawsuit
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Universal Studios Hollywood recently faced a significant legal battle after a 74-year-old woman, Pamela Morrison, was awarded $7.25 million in damages for an incident that occurred on the “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride in September 2022. Morrison, who was accompanied by her grandson, suffered a spine injury when her harness failed to lock properly, causing her to slip on the moving walkway as she exited the ride. This resulted in a lower back fracture and extensive muscle tearing around her hip.
The court documents detailed how Morrison’s foot got caught between the moving walkway and the solid ground, leading to her fall. Her legal representation, attorney Taylor Kruse, argued that Universal Studios’ negligence in failing to address the faulty harness and stop the ride promptly directly contributed to Morrison’s injuries. However, Universal Studios’ attorney, Edward Ward, contended that Morrison’s lack of attention to her footing was a contributing factor to the accident.
The trial included expert testimony from Ban Choi, who criticised the design of the ride for its potential danger, particularly in requiring riders to step off in the opposite direction of the moving walkway onto stable ground. Despite the back-and-forth arguments, the jury ruled in Morrison’s favour after just four hours of deliberation, awarding her $250,000 in economic damages and $7 million in noneconomic damages.
The “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, which debuted in April 2016, is known for its immersive experience that simulates flying through innovative technology. The ride involves passengers being suspended with their legs hanging freely as they move through various scenes from the popular franchise. However, this isn’t the first instance of the ride facing legal scrutiny for causing physical harm to riders.
In a separate incident in April 2022, passengers sued Universal Studios after being stranded on the ride for an extended period when it abruptly stopped, leaving them in uncomfortable positions. The passengers claimed to have suffered severe injuries requiring significant medical treatment due to Universal Studios’ alleged negligence in ensuring rider safety.
Universal Studios has faced several challenges related to ride safety in recent years, raising concerns about the theme park’s adherence to safety protocols and maintenance standards. As the theme park industry continues to grow and evolve, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritising visitor safety and ensuring that attractions are not only entertaining but also free from potential risks.
The case of Pamela Morrison highlights the need for theme parks to maintain rigorous safety standards and promptly address any issues that may compromise the well-being of their guests. As Universal Studios navigates the aftermath of this legal battle, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for other amusement parks to prioritise safety above all else to prevent similar accidents in the future.
In conclusion, Morrison’s successful lawsuit against Universal Studios Hollywood underscores the legal responsibility that theme parks have in ensuring the safety of their visitors. The substantial damages awarded to Morrison reflect the physical and emotional toll that the incident had on her, reinforcing the importance of accountability and transparency in the theme park industry. Moving forward, it is crucial for amusement parks to reassess their safety measures and protocols to prevent future accidents and uphold their duty of care to all guests.