A woman sues Disney after alleging she sustained a brain injury in the Typhoon Lagoon waterslide during her stay in the theme park.
The woman, Laura Reyes-Merino, has filed a lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, claiming that she suffered a brain injury after riding a waterslide in Florida.
The incident allegedly left her unconscious and bleeding, sparking concerns over the park's safety measures in the waterslide and lifeguard availability.
Woman Sues Disney for Typhoon Lagoon Waterslide
The Disney lawsuit, submitted to the Orange County Circuit Court on Monday, accuses the company of failing to maintain a safe environment and neglecting to provide adequate warnings about the absence of lifeguards at the end of the ride.
According to the complaint, the woman's mother and fiancé discovered her limp and bleeding at the ride's conclusion and sought immediate help from ride attendants.
However, the attendants allegedly stated they were not lifeguards and advised them to locate a lifeguard for assistance.
"Had Defendant had lifeguards at the end of the ride to watch and help guests coming off the ride, Plaintiff's brain injury would not have occurred as she wouldn't have been drowning in the water coughing up blood," the lawsuit states.
The suit seeks damages exceeding $50,000 and highlights that the 25-year-old woman from Orange County is currently undergoing neurological treatment for her injuries.
Her attorney, Richard Russo, emphasized the severity of the incident, describing how her fiancé and mother were desperately searching for lifeguards to provide aid.
Previous Complaints of Injuries and Lack of Lifeguards
The Humunga Kowabunga ride features a five-story drop, propelling riders at speeds of nearly 40 mph.
On the day of the incident, the woman reportedly hit her head multiple times inside the slide, resulting in her losing consciousness. Her fiancé and mother, who were also on the ride, quickly realized she was in distress and immediately called for help.
According to the lawsuit, ride attendants informed the family that they were not lifeguards and instructed them to find lifeguards themselves.
Eventually, a lifeguard arrived but reportedly could not assist directly, leading to an ambulance being called.
This is not the first time the Humunga Kowabunga ride has been under scrutiny. In October, another woman filed a lawsuit, claiming she suffered severe vaginal lacerations and internal organ damage due to a dangerous wedgie caused by the same ride. Disney has yet to comment on either lawsuit.
Broader Implications To Future Disney Resort Goers
Disney did not respond to requests for comments on the recent lawsuit. The lack of lifeguard presence and the park's safety protocols are now under intense examination as this incident adds to the growing list of legal challenges faced by the entertainment giant.
The case underscores the importance of strict safety measures and effective communication regarding potential hazards in amusement parks.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how Disney will address these allegations and whether additional safety improvements will be implemented at Typhoon Lagoon and other attractions.
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