Universal Orlando Resort is currently facing five lawsuits alleging that guests at their Epic Universe theme park suffered “severe and permanent injuries” following a ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The legal actions come in the wake of a tragic incident that occurred three months ago, where a 32-year-old man was discovered unresponsive after riding the attraction and subsequently passed away. The lawsuits, all filed by attorney Nicholas Spetsas, target Universal’s parent company and the attraction designer, Mack Rides. The plaintiffs claim to have sustained serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury, brain bleed, stroke, and paralysis as a result of violent shaking due to improper head restraints during the ride.
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The legal complaints assert that the guests experienced repeated and forceful shaking while on the Stardust Racers roller coaster, leading to their sustained injuries. The attorney representing the clients, Charles Buist, stated that the primary aim of filing the lawsuits is to uncover the truth behind the incidents and why so many individuals have suffered significant harm, with one even losing their life. Each lawsuit alleges negligence against Universal and Mack Rides, as well as strict product liability against the ride designer. Buist emphasised the importance of pursuing legal action to reveal the truth, rather than settling out of court for monetary compensation.
Responding to the lawsuits, a spokesperson for Universal mentioned that the company does not comment on ongoing litigation matters. On the other hand, Mack Rides has not yet provided a response to requests for comments on the issue. The lawsuits emerged shortly after the Orange County Sheriff’s Office concluded its investigation into the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, the individual who tragically passed away after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The sheriff’s office determined the incident to be accidental, with no criminal acts involved, closing the case.
Following the fatal incident involving Zavala, his family engaged attorney Ben Crump to conduct an independent investigation. Subsequently, a resolution was reached between the family and the theme park outside of the courtroom, with the settlement amount remaining undisclosed. An autopsy conducted posthumously revealed that Zavala succumbed to “multiple blunt impact injuries,” as disclosed by the chief medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties. Investigations by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services additionally confirmed that the ride was functioning correctly at the time of the tragic occurrence.
The legal actions against Universal and Mack Rides underscore the gravity of the situation, shedding light on the alleged safety issues surrounding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe. It is imperative for theme parks and ride designers to prioritise visitor safety and adhere to stringent guidelines to prevent tragedies like the one that resulted in the loss of life and severe injuries. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the victims and their families seek justice and accountability for the harm they have endured. Safety regulations and standards within amusement parks must be rigorously enforced to ensure the well-being and security of all park visitors.