Arizona Grandmother Woman Awarded $7.25 Million in 2025 for Theme Park Injury Lawsuit After Fall on Harry Potter Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2022.
A family trip to Universal Studios Hollywood turned tragic for one Arizona grandmother who suffered a spinal injury while exiting the popular Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. A federal jury has now awarded her $7.25 million in damages, citing the theme park’s failure to provide a safe environment for guests.
What Happened?
In September 2022, Pamela L. Morrison was visiting Universal Studios Hollywood with her grandson when she was injured while getting off the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. According to court documents and her attorney, Taylor Scott Kruse, Morrison's safety harness malfunctioned, prompting staff to ask her to exit the ride.
As she transitioned from a moving walkway to a stationary platform, Morrison fell and suffered a fractured spine. The injury led to a spinal deformity, chronic pain, and additional trauma to her hip and shoulder.
“She’s a very deserving person, and her life was changed because of this,” Kruse told USA Today.
Universal Studios Blamed the Victim
The defendants—Universal City Studios LLC, NBCUniversal, LLC, NBCUniversal Media, LLC, and Comcast Corporation—argued that Morrison was at fault for her injuries. Their legal team claimed she was distracted by her grandson at the time of the fall. However, the jury didn’t buy it.
Instead, the court found that the park's design and operational choices prioritized speed and efficiency over guest safety.
“At the end of the day, they prioritized keeping that conveyor belt moving to get people to the gift shop,” Kruse said.
Jury Awards $7.25 Million for Injury at Universal Studios
On February 14, 2025, a federal jury awarded Morrison $7.25 million, broken down as follows:
$250,000 for future medical expenses
$2 million for past noneconomic damages
$5 million for future noneconomic damages
The case highlights the serious risks associated with theme park accidents and raises concerns about the safety protocols in place for guests, especially older adults and individuals with mobility challenges.
Theme Park Injuries: Know Your Rights
This case underscores the importance of guest safety and the legal responsibility that theme parks have to maintain a secure environment. If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury at a theme park, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Lost wages
Long-term disability
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and that negligent corporations are held accountable.
Have You Been Injured at a Theme Park?
If you’ve experienced a ride injury at Universal Studios or another amusement park, don’t wait. Seek medical attention and legal advice immediately.
