A Grandmother’s Magical Day Turns Tragic: Woman Awarded $7.25 Million for Injury on Harry Potter Ride
An enchanting day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood took a dark turn for 74-year-old Pamela Morrison from Arizona. What was supposed to be a joyful adventure with her grandson ended with Morrison in an ambulance, her spine crushed after an incident on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride in September 2022. Now, a federal court in California has ruled in her favor, awarding her a staggering $7.25 million in damages.
The Incident and Legal Battle
During the trial, Morrison recounted the harrowing moment when she was asked to exit the ride due to a malfunctioning harness. As she stepped from the moving walkway onto solid ground, her foot inadvertently landed on the still-moving belt, causing her to lose her balance and fall. The resulting injury was described as intensely painful, temporarily impeding her ability to perform basic tasks like using the bathroom without assistance.
Morrison’s attorney, Taylor Kruse, argued that Universal Studios Hollywood was negligent in failing to stop the moving walkway to ensure her safe exit. According to court documents, Kruse contended that halting the belt would have been a simple and reasonable precaution to prevent such accidents. However, the defense team for the amusement park claimed that the fall was Morrison’s fault, alleging that she was distracted by her grandson and failed to exercise proper care while disembarking.
The Verdict and Expert Analysis
Despite the park’s arguments, the jury sided with Morrison, holding Universal Studios accountable for the hazardous conditions that led to her injury. Safety expert Ban Choi from the Institute of Risk & Safety Analyses weighed in, highlighting the design flaw of the ride that required individuals to step perpendicularly from the moving walkway to the stationary floor. Choi’s analysis emphasized the destabilizing effect of entering or exiting a moving walkway, especially when rushed, which exacerbated Morrison’s risk of falling.
According to a previous analysis by The Times, incidents like Morrison’s are not uncommon in Southern California theme parks, with accidents during boarding or disembarking accounting for approximately 1 in 8 reported cases. Following her fall, Morrison was transported to a local hospital, where she underwent treatment for a fracture in her lower back and significant muscle tears around her hip, affecting her mobility and stability.
The Court’s Decision and Compensation
In a groundbreaking ruling, the jury awarded Morrison $250,000 for economic damages, $2 million for past noneconomic damages, and a staggering $5 million for future noneconomic damages. The substantial sum reflects not only the physical injuries Morrison sustained but also the emotional and psychological toll of the incident on her quality of life.
The Verdict’s Impact and Call for Safety
Morrison’s case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety measures in theme parks and recreational facilities. As visitors flock to these attractions seeking thrills and adventure, it is crucial for operators to prioritize guest safety above all else. The outcome of this legal battle underscores the accountability that establishments bear in ensuring the well-being of their patrons, even in the midst of immersive experiences.
In a world where magic and reality converge, Morrison’s journey through the enchanted realm of Harry Potter took an unexpected turn, culminating in a legal victory that resonates far beyond the walls of Universal Studios Hollywood. As she navigates the aftermath of her ordeal, Morrison’s story stands as a testament to the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity, seeking justice and redress for harm suffered in pursuit of joy and wonder.
