Epic Universe Opens Amidst Injury Reports: What Are Your Rights?

Universal’s Epic Universe opened on May 22, 2025, adding a new dimension to Orlando’s already impressive theme park landscape. However, even before the grand opening, concerns about safety and potential injuries were already surfacing. According to the latest quarterly report on theme park injuries in Florida, Universal’s Epic Universe documented three incidents since opening: two involving dizziness or numbness on the Stardust Racers ride, both in individuals with pre-existing conditions, and one case of chest pain on the Hiccups Wing Gliders ride. This raises an important question: What are your rights if you experience an injury at Epic Universe or any other Florida theme park?

Understanding Theme Park Injuries: More Common Than You Think?

While theme parks strive to create a safe and enjoyable environment, accidents can and do happen. Millions of people visit Florida’s theme parks each year, and despite rigorous safety measures, the sheer volume of visitors means that injuries are a possibility. While the chances of sustaining a serious injury on a theme park ride are estimated to be low, approximately 1 in 15.5 million rides taken, it is important to be aware of the potential risks.

Common causes of theme park injuries include:

Ride Malfunctions: Mechanical failures or operational errors can lead to severe injuries, especially on fast-moving rides.
Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet surfaces, uneven walkways, and poorly maintained areas can cause visitors to slip or trip, resulting in broken bones, sprains, or head injuries.
Operator Error: Errors made by ride operators, such as not following proper procedures or handling equipment incorrectly, can lead to injuries.
Guest Behavior: Guest behavior, such as carrying loose items, not following safety instructions or running in unauthorized areas can also lead to injuries.
Overcrowding: Large crowds can lead to accidents caused by pushing, collisions, or general unsafe conditions.
Foodborne Illnesses: Poor food safety standards at park restaurants can lead to serious illness, requiring medical attention.

Types of injuries reported at theme parks include:

Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
Broken bones and fractures
Sprains and strains
Cuts, lacerations, and abrasions
Drowning and water-related injuries
Heat-related illnesses
Internal injuries

Florida Law and Theme Park Liability

Theme parks in Florida have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for their visitors. This duty of care includes:

Regularly inspecting and maintaining rides and attractions
Providing adequate training to employees
Warning visitors of potential hazards
Maintaining safe premises, including walkways and common areas
Providing appropriate security measures

If a theme park breaches this duty of care and their negligence leads to an injury, they may be held liable for damages. To establish liability in a theme park injury claim, you must prove the following:

Duty of Care: The theme park owed you a duty of care to ensure your safety.
Breach of Duty: The theme park breached that duty through negligence.
Causation: The theme park’s negligence directly caused your injuries.
Damages: You suffered damages as a result of your injuries (medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.).

Florida operates under a comparative negligence system. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for your injury, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident.

Recent Incidents at Epic Universe

As mentioned earlier, Epic Universe has already reported some incidents since its opening. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, three visitors were hospitalized after falling sick on new thrill rides.

A 32-year-old man felt chest pain on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.
A 63-year-old man reported feeling a “dizziness/altered state of consciousness” after riding Stardust Racers.
A 47-year-old woman reported “visual disturbance/numbness” after riding Stardust Racers.

It is important to note that two of the three injuries occurred on the same attraction, Stardust Racers, and involved guests with pre-existing conditions. While these incidents are still being investigated, they highlight the potential risks associated with theme park rides, even at a brand-new park like Epic Universe.

What to Do If You Are Injured at a Theme Park

If you or a loved one is injured at Epic Universe or any other theme park in Florida, it is crucial to take the following steps:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is essential to get evaluated by a medical professional. This will also create a record of your injuries.
Report the Incident: Notify park staff immediately and file an official incident report. Be sure to obtain a copy of the report for your records.
Collect Evidence: If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including any hazards or defective equipment that contributed to your injury. Gather contact information from any witnesses.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced Florida personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with the theme park’s insurance company to pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If your injury was caused by the negligence of the theme park or its staff, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

Medical Expenses: Including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments related to your injury.
Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injury and any reduction in earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: If the injury results in long-term consequences, you may be entitled to additional damages.

Statute of Limitations

In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the incident. This means that you must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of your injury, or you may lose your right to recover compensation. It is crucial to act promptly to preserve your rights.

Theme Park Safety Measures

Theme parks in Florida employ various safety measures to protect their visitors. These measures include:

Regular ride inspections and maintenance
Employee training and certification
Warning signs and safety instructions
Height and weight restrictions on rides
Safety restraints and devices
Emergency procedures and medical personnel

Despite these measures, accidents can still happen. It is essential to be aware of your surroundings and follow all safety instructions while visiting a theme park.

Conclusion

While Epic Universe promises to be an exciting addition to Orlando’s theme park scene, it is important to remember that accidents can occur anywhere. If you are injured at Epic Universe or any other Florida theme park due to the park’s negligence, you have rights. By understanding your rights and taking the necessary steps to protect yourself, you can pursue fair compensation for your injuries and hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact an experienced Florida personal injury attorney to discuss your case and explore your legal options.