LOS ANGELES — A 74-year-old woman from Arizona has been awarded $7.25 million by a federal jury after sustaining a spinal injury from a fall at Universal Studios Hollywood. The incident occurred in September 2022 at the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, during an outing with her grandson.
Pamela Morrison encountered trouble when the harness intended to secure her to the ride failed to latch properly. As she attempted to disembark via a moving walkway, she slipped and fell onto solid ground, causing a spinal compression fracture.
Taylor Kruse, Morrison’s attorney, argued that the theme park staff negligently failed to stop the moving walkway to facilitate a safe exit. According to Kruse, pausing the walkway would have taken merely four seconds, a minor delay compared to the ride’s goal of accommodating 1,800 riders per hour.
Defense attorneys for Universal Studios contended during the trial that Morrison was not paying sufficient attention to her movements because she was distracted by her grandson. They claimed this lack of attention was a contributing factor to her fall.
However, after a three-day trial and four hours of deliberation on February 14, the jury sided with Morrison. They concluded that Universal Studios had indeed created the hazardous conditions that led to her injuries. The damages awarded to Morrison included $250,000 for future medical expenses, $2 million for past pain and suffering, and $5 million for future pain and suffering.
“The fall changed her entire life,” Kruse commented on the jury’s verdict, deeming it a fair reflection of the trauma Morrison endured.
Universal Studios Hollywood has been contacted for comment regarding the jury’s decision but has not yet responded.
The verdict underscores the ongoing issues related to safety measures at amusement parks, a critical topic that has seen various legal outcomes over the years. The balance between operational efficiency and guest safety continues to be a pivotal point of discussion among safety experts and legal professionals.
This accident highlights the potential risks that theme park visitors may face and the legal responsibilities that facilities must uphold to prevent such occurrences. It also serves as a reminder of the possible life-altering consequences that can result from what might seem like minor operational decisions.
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