A woman has filed a lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort, claiming she sustained permanent injuries on a roller coaster at its upcoming Epic Universe theme park. This legal action follows the death of a man on the same ride in a separate incident just a week prior. The lawsuit alleges negligence and failure to warn guests about unsafe conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Sandi Streets is suing Universal Orlando Resort for injuries on a new roller coaster.
- The lawsuit was filed after a separate fatal incident on the same ride.
- Streets claims her head violently impacted the headrest, causing permanent injury.
- The park is accused of failing to properly restrain her head and issue warnings.
- Universal and state investigators say the ride systems functioned normally in the fatal incident.
New Lawsuit Alleges Negligence and Injury
Sandi Streets filed a negligence lawsuit in an Orlando state court on Wednesday. She claims she was injured on a dual-launch roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe theme park. The incident occurred during a preview event a few weeks before the park's official opening in May.
According to the lawsuit, during the ride, her head shook violently. This caused it to slam into her seat's headrest. The impact allegedly resulted in permanent injuries to Ms. Streets.
Roller Coaster Details
- Type: Dual-launch coaster
- Maximum Speed: Up to 62 mph (100 kph)
- Location: Universal's Epic Universe theme park, Orlando, Florida
- Opening: Scheduled for May
Impact on Health and Work Capacity
The lawsuit states that Ms. Streets has experienced significant consequences since the alleged incident. These include disability, substantial medical care expenses, and a loss of her ability to work. Her attorney, Nicholas Spetsas, did not immediately provide further details about her specific injuries.
Furthermore, the lawsuit claims the ride exacerbated a pre-existing medical condition. This suggests a worsening of a health issue Ms. Streets had before going on the attraction.
"The ride failed to properly restrain her head, and the theme park failed to adequately warn her of the unsafe and unreasonably dangerous condition of the roller coaster," the lawsuit states.
Previous Fatal Incident on Same Ride
This lawsuit comes just one week after a separate incident on the same roller coaster led to the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. The medical examiner for the Orlando area determined the cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries. The manner of death was ruled an accident.
This previous event has drawn public attention to the new attraction. Universal Orlando Resort has not yet commented on Ms. Streets' lawsuit.
Background on Epic Universe
Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park. It is set to open in May. The park will feature multiple themed lands and new attractions. Preview events are common for new theme parks. They allow staff and invited guests to experience rides before the general public.
Universal's Internal Findings and State Investigation
Following Mr. Zavala's death, Karen Irwin, President of Universal Orlando Resort, sent a message to employees. She stated that internal investigations showed the ride systems functioned normally. She also noted that equipment was intact and Universal staff followed correct procedures.
Investigators from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also reviewed the incident. On the Friday after Mr. Zavala's death, they announced their initial findings. These findings aligned with those reported by Universal Orlando Resort.
Family of Deceased Disputes Findings
Lawyers representing Mr. Zavala's family held a news conference on Wednesday. They expressed disagreement with the conclusions reached by Universal and state investigators. They stated that Mr. Zavala had a spinal disability from birth and used a wheelchair.
However, his attorneys emphasized that his disability did not cause his death. As of now, Mr. Zavala's family has not filed a lawsuit. They have indicated a desire to understand the full circumstances surrounding his death.
The ongoing legal and investigative processes highlight the complexities involved in amusement park safety. These events also underscore the scrutiny new attractions face, especially following serious incidents.
- Legal Action: Sandi Streets' negligence lawsuit seeks damages for permanent injuries.
- Park Response: Universal Orlando Resort has not publicly commented on Ms. Streets' lawsuit.
- Investigation: Both Universal and state officials found ride systems functional in the fatal incident.
- Family Concerns: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's family disputes the initial findings and seeks further clarity.
Broader Implications for Theme Park Safety
Incidents at theme parks, though rare compared to the number of visitors, draw significant public and regulatory attention. Ensuring guest safety is a top priority for operators. This includes rigorous maintenance, clear safety warnings, and proper restraint systems.
The outcomes of these cases can influence future safety protocols. They can also affect how theme parks communicate risks to guests. The legal process will aim to determine if Universal Orlando Resort met its duty of care in this instance.
The public opening of Epic Universe remains a highly anticipated event. However, these recent developments could impact initial perceptions of the park's new attractions. Maintaining public trust in ride safety is crucial for the theme park industry.
