Mom Sues Disney for $2 Million After Claiming a ‘Mammoth Wave’ Injured Her in a Typhoon Lagoon Kiddie Pool: ‘There Was Blood’

A mother hailing from New York, Kimberly Panetta, is taking legal action against Disney Parks and Resorts, seeking a hefty $2 million in damages. Panetta alleges that she suffered injuries after being hit by a massive wave at the Typhoon Lagoon water park, owned by Disney, located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The incident reportedly took place in April 2022 while Panetta was at the water park with her family, as outlined in a legal complaint filed in federal court in New York on April 11. The legal complaint, obtained by PEOPLE magazine, details Panetta’s account of standing in a kiddie pool, waiting for her young daughter to come down a slide suitable for her age, when she was unexpectedly struck by a forceful wave from another part of the pool. The impact allegedly caused Panetta to be pushed underwater, resulting in her body scraping against the rough base of the pool for a considerable distance.

According to the legal document, Panetta suffered significant injuries, including deep scrapes and bruises as a result of the incident. The aftermath of the alleged wave left her with scars and marks on her legs, leading to self-consciousness and a reluctance to wear clothing exposing her legs, even in warm weather. Seeking compensation for ongoing medical treatment and emotional distress, Panetta’s lawsuit deems her family vacation as “ruined” due to the subsequent physical and emotional impact of the incident. The legal complaint blames the park’s negligence for the occurrence, arguing that the wave pool’s powerful waves encroaching into the kiddie area posed a danger to parents present there with their young children.

Panetta recounted the traumatic experience in an interview with The New York Post, describing the wave as immensely powerful, pulling her and her daughter underwater for a significant distance. Her immediate reaction upon realising she was bleeding from the injuries sustained highlights the severity of the incident. Panetta’s husband echoed her sentiments, emphasising the critical role she played in shielding their daughter from harm during the ordeal. Despite the resort’s gesture of offering a $250 credit post-incident, the family asserts that the impact on their vacation experience was profound, leading to cancellations and restrictions on planned activities.

The legal battle between Panetta and Disney Parks and Resorts underscores the complexities of ensuring visitor safety at amusement parks and water attractions. The lawsuit highlights the need for thorough safety protocols and measures in place to prevent such mishaps from occurring in the future. The emotional and physical toll on Panetta and her family serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in the operation of recreational facilities, particularly those catered to families and children. As the case unfolds, it shines a spotlight on the legal obligations of entertainment venues and the responsibility they bear towards ensuring the well-being of their patrons.

Efforts to reach out to both Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Panetta’s legal representation for their perspectives on the matter have so far yielded no immediate responses. The legal battle surrounding Panetta’s claim of being injured by a wave at Typhoon Lagoon serves as a cautionary tale, prompting a closer examination of safety standards and practices within the realm of water parks and recreational facilities. The intricate details of the incident and its aftermath underscore the far-reaching implications of such incidents on individuals and their families, calling for a nuanced approach to addressing accountability and redressing grievances in cases of alleged negligence at popular tourist destinations.