Universal Studios Ordered to Pay $7.25 Million After Grandmother's Ride Exit Injury

A federal jury found Universal Studios Hollywood liable for unsafe conditions that caused a 74-year-old Arizona woman to suffer a crushed spine while exiting a Harry Potter-themed ride.

• Pamela Morrison, 74, was injured in September 2022 while exiting the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Universal Studios Hollywood after her harness failed to secure properly.
• Morrison fell when stepping from a moving walkway onto a stationary platform, resulting in a crushed spine and long-term mobility issues that have significantly impacted her daily life.
• Her attorney argued that park employees failed to stop the moving walkway to allow for a safe exit, prioritizing operational efficiency over guest safety to meet a capacity of 1,800 riders per hour.
• A jury awarded Morrison $7.25 million, including $250,000 for economic damages, $2 million for past noneconomic damages, and $5 million for future noneconomic damages.
• Safety experts testified that the ride's design posed a risk, especially for older individuals, as transitioning from a moving to a stationary surface can destabilize walkers.

5 Articles

Los Angeles Times Orange County Register The Independent Entertainment Weekly