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A Florida couple is suing Universal Orlando after alleging that one of them experienced a severe injury after riding one of its roller coasters.
According to Fox 35 Orlando, Geriann and Richard Clem visited the Universal Orlando Resort on February 11, 2023. Geriann reportedly rode the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster.
The couple’s lawsuit asserts that the ride reaches a “top speed” of 65 miles per hour and hits a height of 167 feet. Additionally, the coaster takes riders on a series of twists and turns “without providing its riders with any head restraints.”
Although Geriann may have anticipated a rocky ride, she allegedly experienced much more than that on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. According to the lawsuit, the woman’s head “shook violently” and “slammed into her seat’s headrest throughout the duration of the ride.”
As a result, the woman allegedly sustained “severe and personal permanent injuries.” These reportedly include a “traumatic brain injury, pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment, mental anguish,” and other consequences.
According to Fox 35 Orlando, the lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort was filed on February 28 in Orange County, Florida. The filing accuses the resort of negligence and “loss of consortium.”
Grant Law Office asserts that loss of consortium encompasses how an injury can affect one’s personal life.
The suit asserts that the resort acted negligently by not restraining the woman’s head during the ride. Additionally, Universal allegedly failed to inspect the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, identify its “reasonably dangerous” conditions, and provide “proper safety precautions.”
Furthermore, Universal did not warn Geriann of the potential consequences of riding the coaster, as well as what she would experience during the ride.
The suit also alleges that in regard to the loss of consortium, Geriann’s husband will “continue to suffer” the “loss of his spouse’s services, support, consortium,” care, and comfort.
According to Fox 35 Orlando, Geriann and Richard Clem’s lawsuit is seeking compensation for “personal injuries and damages” in the excess amount of $50,000.
Additionally, the couple is reportedly seeking a trial by jury.
The outlet reports that it has reached out to Universal Orlando Resort for a comment but has not received one yet.
