Universal City Development Partners Ltd. has settled a lawsuit filed against it regarding injuries a woman allegedly sustained on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe. Court records in Orange County, Florida, show the legal action was resolved just days after its initial filing.
Key Takeaways
- Universal settled a lawsuit concerning alleged injuries on the Stardust Racers coaster.
- The lawsuit was filed by Sandi Streets, who claimed permanent injuries.
- The incident occurred on April 30, weeks before the park's public opening.
- Damages sought by Ms. Streets exceeded $50,000.
- Another investigation is ongoing into a separate incident on the same ride.
Lawsuit Details and Allegations
The complaint, which sought damages in excess of $50,000, stemmed from an incident that took place on April 30. This date was several weeks before the Universal Epic Universe theme park was scheduled to officially open to the public in May. Sandi Streets, the plaintiff, stated she was invited to the park during this pre-opening period.
Ms. Streets reported riding the Stardust Racers, a dual-launch roller coaster. This attraction is known for reaching speeds up to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour). According to the lawsuit, during the ride, her head experienced violent shaking. This shaking allegedly caused her head to repeatedly strike the seat's headrest.
The lawsuit states that Ms. Streets suffered from "disability, medical care expenses, loss of the ability to work and an exacerbation of a preexisting condition" following the ride experience.
Ride Specifications
- Coaster Name: Stardust Racers
- Park: Universal Epic Universe
- Type: Dual-launch roller coaster
- Top Speed: Up to 62 mph (100 kph)
Impact of Alleged Injuries
Ms. Streets' attorney, Nicholas Spetsas, did not immediately respond to requests for more details about her specific injuries. However, the legal filing clearly outlined the broad impacts. It claimed that the incident led to permanent injuries, affecting her ability to work and requiring ongoing medical care. The lawsuit also noted that a preexisting medical condition was worsened by the experience on the ride.
Such claims highlight the potential for significant personal and financial hardship following amusement park incidents. Theme park operators are generally expected to ensure the safety of their attractions. These expectations include proper maintenance and clear warnings for riders.
Background on Universal Epic Universe
Universal Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park. It is set to open in 2025. The park will feature multiple themed lands, including Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and Celestial Park, where Stardust Racers is located. The park represents a major expansion for Universal, aiming to attract millions of visitors annually.
Separate Investigation Underway
This lawsuit and its swift settlement come as a separate investigation is ongoing involving the same roller coaster. On September 17, a man reportedly died after riding the Stardust Racers. The details surrounding this later incident remain under investigation. Officials have not yet released full information regarding the cause of death or any direct link to the ride itself.
The timing of these events places increased scrutiny on the safety protocols and operational readiness of new attractions. Theme parks conduct extensive testing before opening rides to the public. This testing often involves multiple phases, including employee previews and technical rehearsals, to identify and address potential issues.
Legal and Public Safety Context
Lawsuits alleging negligence against theme park operators are not uncommon. These cases often involve claims of inadequate safety measures, faulty equipment, or insufficient warnings. Settlements, like the one in Ms. Streets' case, can occur for various reasons, including avoiding prolonged litigation and associated costs.
Public safety investigations into amusement park incidents are typically thorough. They involve state regulatory agencies and internal park safety teams. The goal is to determine contributing factors and implement any necessary changes to prevent future occurrences. The outcomes of such investigations can influence future ride designs and operational procedures across the industry.
- Legal Claims: Negligence, permanent injuries, medical expenses, lost wages.
- Industry Standard: Theme parks conduct rigorous testing and safety checks.
- Regulatory Oversight: State and local authorities often oversee amusement ride safety.
This incident and the ongoing investigation highlight the complexities involved in operating large-scale theme park attractions. Ensuring guest safety is a primary concern for all entertainment venues, especially with new, high-speed rides.
Both Universal and the legal representatives involved in these matters have been contacted for further comment. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from these investigations and legal processes.
