Millions of people visit theme parks each year expecting the attractions to be thrilling but safe. When a ride stops unexpectedly, or a dangerous condition causes an injury, questions arise about who is responsible. It could be the theme park that is responsible, but it can also be a third party.
Recently, there have been two reported incidents involving Harry Potter attractions at Universal parks in California and Florida that have led to personal injury litigation – one case in 2025 and another in 2026. The California incident resulted in a lawsuit and a multimillion-dollar jury verdict. The Florida incident led twin brothers to file separate lawsuits because each brother alleged his own injuries and damages.
Although the Florida incident resulted in two individual complaints, the brothers’ cases are discussed together because they arise from the same alleged ride event.
California Woman Injured at Universal Studios Hollywood
In September 2022, Pamela Morrison was visiting Universal Studios Hollywood with her grandson when she attempted to board Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
According to reports about the case, Morrison’s safety harness did not secure properly, and employees instructed her to exit the attraction. Morrison fell while stepping from the moving walkway onto a stationary floor and suffered a spinal compression fracture.
Morrison alleged that Universal employees should have stopped the moving walkway so she could exit safely. Universal disputed responsibility and argued that Morrison was focused on her grandson instead of watching where she was stepping.
The 2025 Jury Verdict
On February 14, 2025, a federal jury returned a verdict in Morrison’s favor and awarded her a total of $7.25 million.
According to reporting about the Universal Studios verdict, the award included:
- $250,000 for future medical expenses
- $2 million for past pain and suffering
- $5 million for future pain and suffering
The jury found Universal responsible for the dangerous conditions that led to Morrison’s fall. The jury reportedly deliberated for approximately four hours before reaching its verdict.
What Happened After the Verdict?
Universal later appealed the judgment. The Ninth Circuit docket shows that the appeal was voluntarily dismissed by stipulation on April 15, 2026.
The public appellate docket does not explain why the parties agreed to dismiss the appeal or disclose the terms of any private agreement.
This verdict was based on the evidence presented in Morrison’s case. It does not guarantee or predict the outcome of another theme park injury claim.
Twin Brothers File Separate Lawsuits Against Universal Orlando
The Florida incident involved Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, an attraction located at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando.
Twin brothers Derrick and Erick Burrough filed separate lawsuits alleging that they were injured while riding the attraction with their families on Christmas Day 2025.
According to ClickOrlando’s report on the Florida cases, the brothers alleged that the ride malfunctioned and stopped abruptly. Their complaints claim that the sudden stop caused them to move erratically in their seats and suffer significant neck and back injuries.
The brothers allege that their injuries required hospitalization and additional medical treatment.
What Do the Florida Lawsuits Allege?
The separate complaints accuse Universal of negligence, including allegedly:
- Failing to maintain the attraction in a reasonably safe condition
- Failing to correct a dangerous condition
- Failing to warn guests about a condition Universal allegedly knew or should have known about
- Failing to operate the attraction with reasonable care
Each complaint alleges damages greater than $50,000. This amount represents the damages alleged for jurisdictional purposes and should not be interpreted as a final valuation, settlement, or court award.
The Florida complaints contain allegations, not findings, that Universal was negligent. Universal may dispute the allegations and present its own evidence and defenses.
As of August 2026, no final outcome was identified in the publicly available reporting reviewed for this article.
When Can an Injury at a Universal Studios Park Support a Personal Injury Claim?
Getting injured at a theme park does not automatically mean the park is legally responsible. A ride malfunction, sudden stop, or accident also does not prove negligence by itself.
A negligence claim generally requires evidence showing:
- The defendant owed the injured person a duty of care
- The defendant failed to exercise reasonable care
- That failure caused or contributed to the injury
- The injured person suffered legally recognized damages
Depending on the circumstances, a potential theme park injury claim could involve allegations such as:
- Failing to inspect a ride properly
- Failing to perform necessary maintenance
- Failing to repair a known mechanical problem
- Failing to correct a dangerous property condition
- Failing to provide adequate warnings or instructions
- Operating an attraction improperly
- Failing to follow established safety procedures
- Failing to train or supervise ride employees adequately
- Using a defective restraint, seat, or ride component
Not every theme park injury claim is based solely on negligence. A defective ride component could also raise product liability questions involving the ride designer, manufacturer, component supplier, or maintenance contractor. Our Universal Studios accident attorneys can help you understand whether you may have a case depending on all available factors.
Injured at Universal Studios or Another Theme Park?
A serious theme park injury can result in medical expenses, time away from work, pain and suffering, and other losses. Determining whether Universal or another party may be responsible requires examining how the accident happened and what evidence is available.
If you were injured at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort, Epic Universe, or another theme park in California or Florida, our personal injury attorneys at TORKLAW can review the circumstances and help you understand your legal options.
