Four Universal Studios Hollywood guests are suing the theme park after getting stuck on a Wizarding World of Harry Potter ride.
Guests Sue Universal Studios Hollywood
According to Entertainment Weekly, Debra Biane, Gerald Scott Biane, Josh Taylorson, and Sami-Joh Goldberg filed the complaint on Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court.
On April 7, 2022, the plaintiffs were riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in Universal Studios Hollywood when it stopped. KABC-TV reported a power outage that day which stranded guests on some rides.
The lawsuit says the plaintiffs’ ride vehicle was first stuck “midair at an angle that left them tilted backward and to the right” for approximately one hour. It was moved to an upright position where it remained for 30 more minutes. The plaintiffs were then able to exit the ride.
The complaint says they “were left in a position which subjected them to severe injuries for an unreasonable and dangerous amount of time” and that they incurred “medical expenses and general damages in an amount to be proven at the time of trial.”
They are suing for damages, alleging liability, negligence, and the infliction of emotional distress. Married couple Debra Biane and Gerald Scott Biane are also suing for emotional distress “as a result of watching the other spouse being injured.”
Debra’s injuries allegedly required “significant medical treatment, including surgery,” which has prevented her from being able to “perform the duties of a wife” including maintaining the home and providing love, sexual relations, moral support, and companionship.
The plaintiffs claim Universal Studios Hollywood breached their duty of care by “failing to provide proper backups such as generators in case of a power outage; failing to properly maintain backups such as generators in case of a power outage; permitting rollercoasters to operate when rolling power outages were occurring; [and] failing to warn customers of rolling power outages.”
A spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood told EW, “We do not comment on pending litigation.”
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