Universal Orlando Resort is under legal scrutiny after Sandi Streets filed a negligence lawsuit, claiming permanent injuries from a roller coaster at the newly opened Epic Universe theme park. This complaint follows the recent death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who also sustained injuries on the same ride, prompting concerns about amusement park safety. Streets alleges that violent shaking during the ride caused her head to hit the headrest, resulting in long-term injuries. She contends that the park failed to adequately secure her and warn of potential dangers. Her injuries reportedly led to disability, significant medical expenses, and a diminished work capacity.
Despite the similarities to Zavala’s incident, where blunt impact injuries were determined as the cause of death, Universal has stated that their internal review found no issues with the ride’s operations or staff procedures. These conclusions are also supported by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ preliminary investigation. Although Zavala’s family has not pursued legal action, they question the findings and seek clarity about the events leading to his death. Zavala, who had a spinal disability and used a wheelchair, did not have his disability cited in the cause of death.
These legal challenges highlight broader concerns about amusement park safety, echoing past incidents at other venues where ride malfunctions endangered riders, bringing safety regulations and accountability into the spotlight. The growing media attention on these cases underscores the need for industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies to rigorously enforce and continually review safety protocols to prevent accidents and maintain public trust in amusement ride safety.