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Lawsuit Over Theme Park Ride Injuries
Sandi Streets, a Florida woman, has filed a negligence lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort.
“A woman, Sandi Streets, has filed a negligence lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort, claiming she sustained permanent injuries on a roller coaster at the new Epic Universe theme park.”
She claims she sustained permanent injuries on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at the new Epic Universe theme park.
Streets alleges that the ride failed to properly restrain her head, causing violent shaking and injury.
She also states that the park did not adequately warn riders of the ride’s dangers.
This lawsuit was filed shortly after the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who died from blunt impact injuries after riding the same coaster.
Universal has stated that internal investigations found the ride and procedures were functioning properly.
Preliminary findings from Florida investigators support Universal's statement.
However, Zavala’s family disputes these findings and has not yet filed a lawsuit.
They are seeking more clarity on the cause of his death.
Roller Coaster Safety Concerns
The lawsuit by Sandi Streets highlights concerns over the safety of the Stardust Racers roller coaster, particularly its restraint system.
Streets claims that the ride's lap-only restraint system was inadequate for the high speeds, leading to her head violently shaking and hitting the headrest, resulting in severe headaches and neck pain.
She is seeking at least $50,000 in damages and aims to improve ride safety.
This legal action comes in the wake of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's death, which has drawn significant attention to the ride's safety protocols.
Universal Orlando Resort has emphasized that safety is a top priority and that internal investigations, supported by state findings, indicate the ride was operating correctly.
Roller Coaster Incident Investigation
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's tragic death has intensified scrutiny on the Stardust Racers roller coaster.
“Zavala, who had a spinal disability and used a wheelchair, was ruled to have died accidentally.”
Zavala, who had a preexisting spinal disability, died from blunt impact injuries.
His family disputes the findings of the park and state investigators, who ruled his death accidental.
The family has hired lawyers to investigate the circumstances of his fatal injuries, claiming he suffered repeated head trauma during the ride.
Universal Orlando Resort has not commented on the lawsuit but has reiterated that safety procedures were followed and the ride was functioning properly.
The ride remains closed pending ongoing investigations.
Theme Park Ride Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about theme park safety and the adequacy of ride restraint systems.
Streets' lawsuit and Zavala's death have raised questions about whether Universal should modify the restraint system on the Stardust Racers ride.
Some sources, like Inside the Magic, suggest that more lawsuits could arise from this incident, and there is a call for Universal to improve safety measures.
The case has also drawn attention to the potential risks for riders with pre-existing conditions, as highlighted by WKRC, which reports that other riders have experienced symptoms after riding the coaster.