Grandmother Awarded $7.25 Million After Injury at Universal Studios Hollywood

A federal jury has awarded Pamela Morrison, a grandmother from Arizona, a substantial $7.25 million in damages following a fall she sustained while exiting the "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. The incident, which occurred in September 2022, resulted in a fractured spine and significant ongoing pain and limitations for Morrison.

The lawsuit named Universal City Studios LLC, NBCUniversal, LLC, NBCUniversal Media, LLC, and Comcast Corporation as defendants. Morrison’s legal team argued that the entertainment giant failed to provide a safe environment for its patrons. Conversely, the defendants contended that Morrison was responsible for her own injuries, attributing the fall to her own negligence.

According to court documents and statements from Morrison’s attorney, Taylor Scott Kruse, the accident happened as Morrison was disembarking the popular ride with her young grandson. As she transitioned from the moving walkway designed to transport guests to and from the ride vehicles to the stationary ground, she slipped and fell.

The circumstances surrounding the fall were particularly concerning. Reports indicate that Morrison was asked to exit the ride prematurely because her safety harness had failed to secure her properly. This raises questions about the safety protocols and maintenance of the ride, as well as the attentiveness of the Universal Studios staff.

The jury’s verdict highlights the importance of theme parks prioritizing the safety and well-being of their guests, particularly during ride transitions, where the potential for accidents is often heightened.

During the trial, Universal Studios Hollywood’s defense team argued that Morrison was distracted by her grandson at the time of the fall, suggesting that her inattention contributed to the accident. However, the jury ultimately rejected this argument, siding with Morrison and finding the defendants liable for her injuries.

Kruse emphasized the significance of the jury’s decision, stating that they recognized the profound impact the incident had on Morrison’s life. He highlighted the fact that Morrison suffered not only a fractured spine but also hip and shoulder injuries, ultimately leading to a spinal deformity and chronic pain. "She’s a very deserving person, and her life was changed because of this," Kruse said.

The award includes $250,000 for future medical expenses, $2 million for past noneconomic damages, and $5 million for future noneconomic damages. This breakdown reflects the jury’s acknowledgment of the significant financial burden Morrison will face in managing her injuries, as well as the substantial pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life she has already experienced and will continue to experience.

The focus on noneconomic damages, which are intended to compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium, demonstrates the jury’s understanding of the profound impact the accident has had on Morrison’s overall well-being.

Kruse also suggested that the incident was a result of Universal’s prioritization of efficiency over safety. "At the end of the day, they prioritized keeping that conveyor belt moving to get people to the gift shop," he stated, implying that the park may have been more concerned with maximizing profits than with ensuring the safety of its guests.

The case has drawn attention to the potential risks associated with theme park rides and the responsibility of park operators to maintain a safe environment for visitors. The "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride, while popular, is known for its complex movements and transitions, which can pose challenges for some riders, particularly those with mobility issues or pre-existing health conditions.

This verdict may prompt other individuals who have been injured at theme parks to come forward with their own claims. It also serves as a reminder to theme park operators to thoroughly review their safety protocols, conduct regular maintenance on their rides, and prioritize the safety of their guests above all else.

The legal outcome could also lead to changes in the way Universal Studios Hollywood manages ride exits, potentially including enhanced safety measures, increased staffing to assist guests, and improved signage to warn of potential hazards.

USA TODAY has reached out to Universal Studios for comment on the case, but as of this writing, no statement has been issued.

The article was written by Julia, a trending reporter for USA TODAY, who can be contacted via LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, or email. Her contact information is provided for those seeking further information or wishing to follow her reporting.

The case serves as a stark reminder that while theme parks offer entertainment and excitement, they also carry inherent risks. The legal outcome in Morrison’s case underscores the importance of holding park operators accountable for ensuring the safety and well-being of their guests and highlights the potentially devastating consequences of negligence in the amusement park industry. It remains to be seen what specific steps Universal Studios Hollywood will take in response to this verdict, but it is clear that the company will need to address the concerns raised by the jury and take concrete action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.