Orlando Amusement Park Negligence Lawyer | Epic Universe Death Case

In September 2025, tragedy struck at Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park when a 32-year-old man was found unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The man, later identified as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, suffered fatal blunt force injuries while on the attraction. The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled his death accidental, and Universal temporarily shut down the ride for investigation before reopening it weeks later with revised safety warnings and eligibility restrictions.

This heartbreaking incident reignited conversations about amusement park negligence and the duty of care theme parks owe to their guests. With millions of visitors each year, Orlando’s theme parks must balance high-speed thrills with strict safety standards, and when tragedy strikes, legal accountability becomes a serious question.

Understanding Amusement Park Negligence in Florida

Under Florida law, theme parks like Universal and Disney are held to a high standard of care. They must ensure that rides are properly designed, maintained, and operated, and that guests are adequately warned about risks. When a guest is injured or killed, potential legal claims may involve:

1. Negligent maintenance or inspection of rides and equipment.
2. Operator error or inadequate training.
3. Failure to warn guests of known or foreseeable dangers.
4. Product liability for defective ride design or malfunction.
5. Premises liability for unsafe areas around ride entrances or exits.

Even if a ride is operating “as intended,” an investigation often explores whether the ride design, restraint systems, or warning signs were sufficient to protect riders of all body types and health conditions.

Legal Analysis: Fatal and Non-Fatal Theme Park Injuries

Wrongful Death Cases

In a wrongful death case like the one at Epic Universe, the victim’s family may bring a claim under Florida Statutes § 768.21. They can seek compensation for:

1. Funeral and burial expenses.
2. Loss of companionship and emotional support.
3. Lost financial support or income.
4. Mental pain and suffering.

The challenge lies in proving that negligence directly caused the death. Expert testimony, ride inspection reports, and witness statements often play a key role.

Non-Fatal Theme Park Injuries

Not all theme park incidents are fatal. Many guests suffer neck, spine, or head injuries from restraint systems, sudden stops, or uneven platforms. Others may slip on wet surfaces in queues or loading areas. These cases typically fall under premises liability law, which focuses on whether the property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix or warn about it.

Graves Law has seen these types of cases firsthand, from slip and fall accidents at Florida theme parks to ride-related injuries caused by poor supervision or defective design.

The Legal Basis of Ride Warning Signs in Florida

Every major theme park in Orlando posts ride warning signs detailing health restrictions and potential risks. These are more than just disclaimers, they serve as a legal safeguard and part of the operator’s duty to warn. However, under Florida law, a sign alone does not automatically absolve liability. Warnings must be:

1. Visible and clearly worded in multiple languages when necessary.
2. Accurate and specific to the risks of the attraction.
3. Placed in appropriate locations, such as ride entrances and loading areas.

After the Epic Universe tragedy, Universal reportedly updated several warning signs and eligibility requirements for riders with mobility or medical limitations. This step, while necessary, raises the question of whether the original warnings were adequate and whether stronger protections could have prevented the incident.

Holding Negligent Theme Parks Accountable

Theme parks operate as massive entertainment enterprises, but they are still responsible for ensuring public safety. When injuries occur, victims face not only physical pain but also mounting medical bills and emotional trauma.

At Graves Law, we help individuals and families throughout Florida pursue claims against negligent property owners and amusement park operators. Whether your case involves a wrongful death, a serious injury, or a premises liability claim, our firm investigates every angle, from ride engineering to maintenance records and operator conduct.

Contact Graves Law

If you or a loved one were injured at a Florida theme park, contact Graves Law today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys handle cases involving:

1. Amusement park injuries and wrongful death.
2. Slip and fall accidents.
3. Car and truck accidents.
4. Workers’ compensation claims.
5. Medical malpractice.

We proudly represent clients across Orlando, Lake Mary, and throughout Central Florida. Call Graves Law or visit our website to speak with an attorney about your case.