In a shocking turn of events, a woman from Seminole County has initiated a lawsuit against Epic Universe, claiming she sustained injuries while riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster. This is particularly significant as it follows the tragic death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who lost his life on the same ride just last week.
The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, details that the 49-year-old plaintiff has been suffering from pain due to an injury incurred on the Stardust Racers nearly five months prior. According to the legal documents, she rode the roller coaster in April, during a time when she was considered a business invitee, having visited the park before it officially opened to the public.
The complaint outlines a harrowing experience, stating that throughout the ride, her head was subjected to violent shaking, repeatedly slamming against the headrest of her seat. Attorney Nicholas Spetsas, who is representing the woman, has requested a jury trial and is seeking at least $50,000 in damages. The lawsuit accuses Universal City Development Partners LTD of several failures, including not adequately restraining the plaintiff’s head, neglecting to rectify a dangerously unsafe condition, and lacking proper safety measures.
"When you enter a theme park, you place your trust in that establishment to ensure your safety. No one anticipates getting injured or worse while enjoying a day out," Spetsas remarked, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He further noted that his client had to leave the park early on April 30 due to feeling unwell after the ride.
The lawsuit claims that as a direct result of the defendant's negligence, the plaintiff has endured severe and lasting bodily injuries, along with significant pain and suffering. While Spetsas refrained from disclosing specific details about the injury, he did confirm that it was a traumatic head injury.
The situation becomes even more concerning when considering the recent death of Rodriguez Zavala. Spetsas pointed out that the combination of a fatality and now additional injuries linked to the same ride raises serious safety questions. Legal analyst Bill Sheaffer shared insights with Channel 9, suggesting that this new lawsuit could bolster the case for Rodriguez Zavala’s family, who are also pursuing legal action.
Currently, the medical examiner has only confirmed that Rodriguez Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries, which his family’s attorneys assert were caused by his head repeatedly striking metal components of the ride. Sheaffer noted, "There’s a shared element here that could be advantageous for both lawsuits. If it turns out that Rodriguez Zavala's death was indeed due to a head injury, the lawsuit filed by Spetsas could have significant implications."
He added, "The more plaintiffs there are, the stronger the case becomes for them, and conversely, the more challenging it is for Universal."
This unfolding situation raises critical questions about safety standards at amusement parks. Are these rides being adequately monitored and maintained? What measures are in place to protect riders? As this case develops, it will be interesting to see how it impacts not only the individuals involved but also the broader conversation about safety in theme parks.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you believe that amusement parks are doing enough to ensure the safety of their guests? Share your opinions in the comments below!
