URGENT UPDATE: Twin brothers have filed lawsuits against Universal Orlando Resort, claiming serious injuries from a malfunction on the Harry Potter ride at its newly opened Epic Universe theme park. Derrick Burrough from Tennessee and Erick Burrough from Georgia are seeking over $50,000 in damages after the ride reportedly malfunctioned on Christmas Day 2022.
The brothers allege they suffered significant back and neck injuries when the ride, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry,” abruptly stopped, causing them to be “thrusted erratically” in their seats. The lawsuits, filed by the Morgan & Morgan law firm, assert that the brothers’ injuries have severely impacted their ability to lead a normal life.
“We are taking action to hold Universal accountable for a safety incident that we believe was entirely preventable,” said attorney John Morgan. The firm emphasized the essential duty of theme parks to ensure guest safety, highlighting that the ride has faced multiple reported malfunctions since its opening.
According to reports from online content creators and users on Reddit, the “Battle at the Ministry” ride has experienced glitches, hard stops, and maintenance issues, including extensive shutdowns on its opening day. Riders have reported being stuck for over an hour due to abrupt stops, raising concerns about the ride’s safety protocols.
The lawsuits claim Universal was negligent in maintaining the ride safely, suggesting that the company failed to address known dangerous conditions. The brothers are reportedly undergoing ongoing treatment for their injuries, which include physical impairment, mental anguish, and financial loss due to medical expenses and lost wages.
This legal action follows a troubling trend of lawsuits against Universal for similar incidents. Recently, the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who tragically died after riding the Stardust Racers rollercoaster at Epic Universe, reached a settlement with the company. In the aftermath, several other riders have filed separate lawsuits alleging injuries on the same ride.
As Universal Orlando faces increasing scrutiny over ride safety, the Burrough brothers seek justice for their traumatic experience, underscoring the critical need for rigorous safety measures in amusement parks.
What to watch for: As these lawsuits progress, further details may emerge regarding Universal’s ride maintenance practices and the broader implications for visitor safety at theme parks.
