A woman has filed a lawsuit against SeaWorld Orlando alleging that she sustained permanent injuries after being hit in the face by a duck while riding the Mako roller coaster. The incident reportedly occurred on March 24th during Hillary Martin’s visit to the park. She claims to have experienced a “loss of consciousness and personal injury” due to the unexpected collision.
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The legal complaint, filed in Orange County, Florida by local firm Morgan & Morgan, states that Martin was struck by the duck when it flew into the path of the roller coaster. The lawsuit accuses SeaWorld of negligence for failing to ensure the safety of its premises, particularly by exposing visitors to the risk of bird strikes near the water where the coaster is located. The plaintiff is seeking over $50,000 in damages for permanent injury, disability, physical impairment, and loss of earning power.
SeaWorld Orlando has not responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. This incident is not the first time the park has been involved in a legal dispute regarding injuries on the Mako roller coaster. Earlier this year, a child was reportedly hit in the face by an object while on the ride, resulting in injuries that required stitches and later led to post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorder.
The Mako roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando is known for being the city’s tallest and fastest, reaching heights of 200 feet and speeds of up to 73 mph. Despite this incident, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, responsible for inspecting amusement rides in the state, did not record Martin’s injury in their quarterly report on exempt facilities for October. It remains to be seen how this legal case will unfold and what implications it might have for theme park safety regulations in the future.
In a separate incident at Universal Epic Universe, a guest named Kevin Rodriguez Zavala tragically passed away after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The 32-year-old was found unresponsive and later succumbed to multiple blunt impact injuries. These incidents highlight the importance of ensuring visitor safety at amusement parks and the potential risks associated with thrill rides.
As theme parks continue to attract millions of visitors each year, it is crucial for authorities and park operators to prioritize safety measures and protocols to prevent such accidents from reoccurring. With the lawsuit against SeaWorld Orlando ongoing, this case serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the amusement park industry to protect the well-being of all guests.
Whether this lawsuit will prompt changes in safety procedures at SeaWorld Orlando or lead to further legal action remains to be seen. In the meantime, visitors are advised to exercise caution and be aware of potential risks while enjoying theme park attractions. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more details emerge regarding the lawsuit and its implications for the future of theme park safety regulations.