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SeaWorld Sued After Duck Allegedly Hit Rider on Mako Coaster, Knocking Her Unconscious

Court records list a Nov. 8 trial date in Orlando for the case.

Overview

  • Plaintiff Hillary R. Martin filed an Orange County lawsuit alleging a March 24 bird strike on the Mako roller coaster caused loss of consciousness and lasting injuries.
  • The complaint seeks more than $50,000 in damages and a jury trial, asserting SeaWorld failed to maintain a reasonably safe premises.
  • The suit claims a "zone of danger" existed because the 73-mph coaster runs over water in waterfowl habitat and the ride design can disorient birds.
  • The incident does not appear in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ latest quarterly injury report that tracks serious theme-park cases.
  • SeaWorld said guest and employee safety is a top priority and declined further comment due to pending litigation, and local reports cite at least one other recent Mako claim involving a flying object.