In order to prevent injuries and deaths, theme parks in Texas and elsewhere are expected to post warning signs regarding a ride’s potential risks. However, a lawsuit filed in Florida alleges that such signs should be posted in multiple languages to accommodate international visitors.
According to the lawsuit, which was filed by a Guatemalan family, a 38-year-old father suffered a fatal heart attack after riding Universal Studio’s Orlando Resort’s “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” attraction in 2017. The victim, who spoke Spanish, had a history of heart problems but could not read English-language signs warning visitors with cardiac issues to avoid the ride. After going on the ride, which advertises “sudden” and “dramatic” movements, the victim said he didn’t feel well. Thinking he simply had an upset stomach, his wife left him resting on a bench while she took their son on another ride. However, he collapsed while they were gone and later died at a local hospital.
The lawsuit states that Universal is “aware of the great number” of international tourists that frequent their property each year. Because of this, the family’s lawyer argues that it is “not unreasonable” for the park to post warning signs in English, Spanish and French, which are the three most widely spoken languages in North America. In addition to English and Spanish, Universal Orlando Resort’s official blog offers a Portuguese translation. In 2017, metro Orlando was the most visited destination in the United States, attracting 72 million tourists. Of those, around 6.1 million visited from outside the U.S.
People who have been harmed while on an amusement park ride may have grounds to file a premises liability lawsuit against the property owner if it can be determined that the attraction was hazardous. An attorney could review the case and outline all legal remedies available.
Source: Claims Journal, “Lawsuit Says Florida Theme Park Should Put Warning Signs in Spanish“, Mike Schneider, Jan. 2, 2019
