Epic Universe Roller Coaster Injury: Universal Settles Lawsuit Amidst Safety Concerns

The highly anticipated opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida, has been marred by safety concerns following an incident on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. A recent lawsuit alleging negligence related to injuries sustained on the ride was quickly settled by Universal, raising questions about ride safety and the company’s response to potential hazards. This incident, coupled with a separate death on the same ride, has put theme park safety regulations under intense scrutiny.

The Incident and Lawsuit

On April 30, 2025, Sandi Streets, a guest invited to a preview of Epic Universe before its official May opening, rode the Stardust Racers coaster. The lawsuit, filed in Orange County, Florida, alleges that Streets suffered permanent injuries due to the ride’s violent movements and inadequate head restraints. According to the complaint, her “head shook violently and slammed into the seat’s headrest throughout the ride,” resulting in disability, medical expenses, lost wages, and the exacerbation of a pre-existing condition. The lawsuit claimed Universal failed to maintain the ride in a reasonably safe condition and did not provide adequate warnings about the ride’s dangers.

Just days after the lawsuit was filed, a settlement was reached, and the case was voluntarily dismissed. The terms of the settlement remain confidential. However, the speed with which Universal resolved the matter suggests a desire to mitigate potential negative publicity and address safety concerns promptly.

A Death on Stardust Racers

Adding to the concerns, a 32-year-old man, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, died on September 17, 2025, after riding Stardust Racers. The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries” and classified the manner of death as an accident. Zavala had a pre-existing spinal condition and used a wheelchair.

Following Zavala’s death, Universal closed the ride for investigation. While initial internal findings indicated that the ride systems functioned normally, equipment was intact, and proper procedures were followed, the incident has prompted further scrutiny. Lawyers for Zavala’s family have publicly challenged these findings and are conducting their own investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Negligence and Duty of Care

The lawsuit filed by Streets centered on the concept of negligence. In personal injury law, negligence occurs when a party fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. To prove negligence, a plaintiff must demonstrate:

Duty of Care: The defendant (in this case, Universal) owed a duty of care to the plaintiff (Streets) to ensure her safety.
Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty of care by failing to maintain a safe ride, provide adequate restraints, or warn of potential hazards.
Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In Streets’ case, the lawsuit argued that Universal breached its duty of care by failing to properly restrain riders’ heads, inspect and maintain the roller coaster, correct dangerous conditions, and warn riders adequately.

Theme Park Safety Regulations in Florida

The state of Florida has specific regulations in place to ensure the safety of amusement park rides. However, a unique aspect of Florida law exempts major theme parks, like Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, from state safety inspections. These parks, employing more than 1,000 people and maintaining full-time inspectors, are permitted to self-regulate and conduct their own safety inspections. They are required to report injuries requiring hospitalization for more than 24 hours to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

This self-regulation model has faced criticism, with some arguing that it creates a potential conflict of interest and reduces transparency. The Tyre Sampson Act, enacted following a tragic accident on a non-permanent ride, aims to enhance safety measures and increase transparency in the amusement park industry.

Stardust Racers: What’s Next?

Following the recent incidents, Universal has taken steps to address safety concerns surrounding Stardust Racers. Construction lights and a boom lift have been spotted near the ride’s track, fueling speculation that additional trim brakes are being installed to moderate the coaster’s speed. Trim brakes are mechanisms that reduce a roller coaster’s speed along certain stretches of track, enhancing ride longevity and improving safety by reducing wear and tear.

The addition of trim brakes could alter the ride experience, potentially making it more family-friendly but less thrilling for some riders. The changes to Stardust Racers are a key moment in Epic Universe’s early history.

What to Do If Injured at a Theme Park

Despite safety measures, accidents can still occur at theme parks. If you are injured on a ride, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority.
Document Everything: Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any contributing factors.
Gather Information: Collect contact information from witnesses and park employees.
Report the Incident: File an incident report with the theme park.
Consult an Attorney: A personal injury attorney experienced in theme park accidents can advise you of your legal rights and options.

The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney

Navigating the aftermath of a theme park injury can be complex. Large theme park companies have extensive legal teams to protect their interests. An experienced Orlando theme park accident attorney can help you:

Investigate the accident to determine the cause and liability.
Gather evidence to support your claim.
Negotiate with the theme park and its insurance company.
File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary.
Maximize your compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Conclusion

The recent incidents at Universal’s Epic Universe highlight the importance of theme park safety and the potential consequences of negligence. While Universal has taken steps to address the concerns surrounding Stardust Racers, the incidents serve as a reminder that accidents can happen, and it’s crucial to be aware of your rights and options if you are injured. If you or a loved one has been injured at a theme park, seeking legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to protect your interests and pursue the compensation you deserve.