A Central Florida woman has filed a lawsuit claiming she sustained head injuries on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando's upcoming Epic Universe park. This legal action follows a separate incident where a man was found unresponsive on the same ride and later died. The woman's attorney states her head was violently shaken during the ride, leading to impact injuries against the seat's headrest.
Key Takeaways
- A lawsuit alleges head injuries on the Stardust Racers coaster at Epic Universe.
- The incident occurred during a preview event on April 30.
- This is the same ride where Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, was found unresponsive and later died.
- The lawsuit claims Universal failed to properly restrain the woman's head.
- Universal Orlando has not commented on the new lawsuit.
Lawsuit Details Alleged Head Injuries
The lawsuit, filed by the Spetsas-Buist law firm, states that the woman experienced her head shaking violently. This motion allegedly caused her head to repeatedly strike the headrest of her seat on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The legal complaint asserts that she had a reasonable expectation of safety on rides within Epic Universe.
One primary allegation in the lawsuit is that Universal failed to adequately restrain her head during the ride. The incident reportedly took place on April 30, during a preview period for Epic Universe, before the park's official opening in May. The woman's attorney has requested that her name not be publicly released at this time.
Incident Timeline
- April 30: Woman allegedly injured on Stardust Racers during a preview event.
- Early September: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, found unresponsive on Stardust Racers.
- September 25: Orange County Medical Examiner rules Rodriguez Zavala's death accidental due to multiple blunt impact injuries.
- Wednesday (Date not specified): Spetsas-Buist law firm files lawsuit on behalf of the injured woman.
Connection to Previous Fatal Incident
This lawsuit draws attention to the Stardust Racers coaster, the same attraction where 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive earlier this month. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined Mr. Rodriguez Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries. His death was officially ruled accidental.
The Ben Crump Law Firm has initiated its own investigation into Mr. Rodriguez Zavala's death. This firm represents his family and is seeking answers regarding the circumstances that led to his blunt impact injuries and subsequent passing. The ongoing investigations aim to clarify the events on the ride.
Universal Orlando Resort President Karen Irwin previously stated that the Stardust Racers ride was functioning properly when Mr. Rodriguez Zavala was on it.
About Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing roller coaster located in the Celestial Park area of Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park. The park is set to open in May. Roller coasters of this type often feature high speeds and quick changes in direction, which can exert significant forces on riders. Safety systems are designed to secure guests during these dynamic movements.
Universal's Response and State Records
Universal Orlando has not yet provided a comment regarding this new lawsuit. WESH 2, a local news outlet, reported that Universal did not respond to their requests for information about the legal complaint. This lack of comment leaves questions about the park's official position on the specific allegations made by the woman.
State records detailing ride incidents through July 15 do not include information about the woman's alleged injury. However, these records do show other reported incidents on Stardust Racers. For example, a 63-year-old man with a pre-existing medical condition reported experiencing dizziness after riding the coaster. Additionally, a 47-year-old woman, also with a pre-existing condition, reported visual disturbance and numbness after her ride experience.
Legal Proceedings and Compensation
The Spetsas-Buist law firm is seeking a jury trial to determine the amount of compensation Universal should provide to their client for her alleged head injuries. This legal process will involve presenting evidence and arguments from both sides to a jury, who will then decide on the facts and potential damages.
The legal actions highlight the importance of ride safety and the responsibilities of theme park operators. As Epic Universe prepares for its grand opening, these incidents bring increased scrutiny to the safety protocols and design of its attractions. Public and legal attention will remain focused on the outcomes of these cases and any further developments.
- The lawsuit demands Universal compensate the woman for her injuries.
- A jury trial has been requested to decide the compensation amount.
- State records indicate other riders have reported issues on Stardust Racers.
- Universal has not commented on the new lawsuit.
