Jury Awards Millions to Woman Injured on Moving Walkway at Universal Studios
Amusement Park Accidents and Moving Walkways: A Case Study of Injuries and Liability
A jury awarded a 74-year-old Arizona $7.25 million for injuries she suffered on a moving walkway at the Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Indeed, amusement parks are meant to be places of fun and excitement, but for some visitors, they can become the site of serious injuries.
One of the more common, yet often overlooked, risks in amusement parks involves moving walkways. These devices, designed to transport guests from one area to another, can pose significant hazards if not properly designed, maintained, or monitored. Also, the theme park employees often ignore the plight of injured guests and fail to provide adequate medical attention.
In this blog post, we will examine a recent case involving a moving walkway accident at Universal Studios Hollywood and explore how such incidents can result in devastating injuries and legal consequences for park operators.
Case Study: Pamela Morrison’s Injury at Universal Studios Hollywood
A recent case sheds light on the dangers that can arise from moving walkways at amusement parks. Pamela Morrison, a 74-year-old Arizona woman, was awarded $7.25 million in February by a federal jury after suffering serious injuries while disembarking from the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. It happened in September after park employees asked Morrison to leave the ride after her safety harness failed to lock properly.
Morrison began to step off the moving walkway, lost her balance, and fell. The fall resulted in a crushed spine, along with a lower back fracture and torn muscles around her hip. In the months that followed, Morrison experienced significant pain and difficulty with movement and stability. This affected her ability to continue an active lifestyle she had previously enjoyed.
In this case, Universal Studios argued that Morrison was to blame for not paying attention to where she was stepping. However, the jury disagreed, finding the park liable for her injuries. The court awarded Morrison $250,000 for economic damages, $2 million for past noneconomic damages, as well as $5 million for future noneconomic damages.
The Role of Moving Walkways in Amusement Park Accidents
While moving walkways can provide convenience and efficiency in busy amusement parks, they also present unique risks to guests, especially when combined with other attractions. These walkways, which are often used to transport guests to and from rides, can be particularly dangerous if they are not properly maintained or if riders are not given clear instructions on how to safely disembark.
In Morrison’s case, the moving walkway itself was not necessarily the direct cause of the injury. Rather, the combination of an improperly functioning safety harness and the lack of adequate instructions for exiting the ride created a situation where a simple misstep led to a catastrophic fall. When safety mechanisms fail, or when patrons are not adequately prepared for the movement of the walkway, accidents like this become more likely.
This Case Teaches Us About Liability
This case highlights an important aspect of personal injury law—property owners, including amusement parks, have a responsibility to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors. The jury in Morrison’s case determined that Universal Studios Hollywood was liable for her injuries because the park failed to prevent the accident from occurring.
Amusement parks are held to a high standard of care, especially when it comes to the safety of their patrons. This means that they must not only ensure the proper functioning of their rides and walkways, but also provide sufficient warnings and safety instructions to guests. In this case, the failure to adequately address the risks associated with disembarking from the moving walkway, coupled with the malfunctioning safety harness, contributed directly to Morrison’s fall and resulting injuries.
Preventing Accidents Involving Moving Walkways
Amusement park operators can take several steps to reduce the risk of accidents involving moving walkways:
- Regular Maintenance and Inspections: Amusement parks should ensure that all moving walkways are regularly maintained and inspected for mechanical issues that could cause them to malfunction.
- Clear Instructions for Guests: Parks should provide clear, easily understandable instructions for guests on how to safely disembark from rides or move along walkways. This may include visual cues, audio instructions, or staff members available to assist guests.
- Warning Signs: Appropriate warning signs should be posted near moving walkways, especially when there are unusual conditions such as mechanical issues or high traffic.
- Adequate Staff Training: Employees should be trained to identify potential hazards and assist guests in navigating the walkways safely, particularly in situations where a malfunction may occur.
- Passenger Safety: The safety of the ride system, including harnesses and other restraints, should always be the highest priority. Ensuring that all safety mechanisms function properly and are tested regularly is essential to preventing accidents.
Conclusion
Pamela Morrison’s case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers present in even the most seemingly benign amusement park features, like moving walkways. It also emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance, clear communication, and a strong focus on guest safety. For those who have been injured in similar accidents, consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine whether the park operator may be liable for the injuries sustained. As seen in this case, a federal jury found that Universal Studios Hollywood was responsible for the injury, resulting in a significant award for the victim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an amusement park accident, particularly involving moving walkways or malfunctioning rides, seeking legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial. With the right legal support, you can hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Injured at an Amusement Park? Call 1-800-208-3538
Johnson Attorneys Group provides legal services to people who have been hurt in accidents at amusement parks and other businesses. We will do everything possible to get you the maximum settlement available to cover medical costs, lost wages as well as pain and suffering.
Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, and other California amusement parks must provide a safe environment for their millions of guests and visitors. It’s our obligation as your attorney to get you compensation as well as ensure what happened to you will not happen to others.
If you are hurt in an accident that takes place at a California theme park, you need a California-licensed attorney to handle your claim no matter whether you live in the United States or another country. Please do not hesitate to call us and speak with our qualified personal injury attorney about your potential case. There is no charge for initial consultations and our services are conducted on a contingency fee basis so there is no attorney fees if there is no settlement or verdict. Call for a free consultation at 1-(800) 208-3538.
