An Epcot patron is suing Walt Disney, alleging negligence caused a ride to malfunction and cause injuries.
The complaint was filed Feb. 1 in Orange County Circuit Court against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S. Inc., alleging failure to design, construct and operate Epcot’s Fast Track ride in a safe manner.
According to the complaint, on Feb. 16, 2015, the visitor was at Epcot’s MGM Studios when the ride malfunctioned, causing him to be thrown about the Fast Track car. The suit says the man sustained bodily injuries, resulting in pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of the capacity for the enjoyment of life, medical treatment and loss of earnings.
The man alleges Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S. failed to provide sufficient restraints to ensure that persons would remain firmly seated on the ride and failed to ensure that guests were properly seated and restrained prior to the ride operation.
Amusement parks like Epcot, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, etc. are held to a higher standard of safety of care knows as common carrier, a term that also applies to entities that operate airplanes, buses and trains. Theme parks are required to follow more thorough procedures to ensure rider safety.
When an injury occurs at an amusement park, negligence on the part of the staff is usually a key issue. Some of these issues may include:
- Improper ride design or construction
- Improper replacement parts
- Botched inspection procedures
- Careless or reckless ride operators failing to follow procedure
When amusement park accidents and injuries occur, they often require medical treatment and hospitalization, and can even result in death. If you or someone you love has been injured at an amusement park, and you suspect negligence is to blame, our Florida Amusement Park Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit. For a free consultation, call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.