Expert Witness Blog
In September 2022, Pamela Morrison, a 74-year-old Arizona resident, visited Universal Studios Hollywood’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter with her grandson. As part of their visit, they decided to experience the popular attraction “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.” While attempting to board the ride, Morrison encountered difficulty with the safety harness, which failed to secure properly. Ride operators informed her that she would not be able to ride and directed her to exit the moving walkway.
As she attempted to step from the moving walkway onto solid ground, Morrison lost her footing and fell. The incident resulted in severe injuries, including a fracture in her lower back and a significant muscle tear around her hip. The aftermath of the fall required extensive medical care and left Morrison with long-term mobility challenges and chronic pain.
Following the incident, Morrison filed a lawsuit against Universal Studios Hollywood, alleging negligence in the operation of the attraction and the unsafe design of its exit system. Her legal team argued that Universal failed to ensure her safety when the harness malfunctioned and that the moving walkway should have been stopped to allow her to exit safely. Furthermore, they contended that park employees were more concerned with keeping the ride on schedule—operating at an estimated 1,800 riders per hour—than they were with attending to a vulnerable guest.
Central to Morrison’s case was the testimony of an Amusement Parks Expert Witness, who provided insight into the safety standards and operational protocols of amusement park attractions. The expert explained that moving walkways, such as the one used in the exit system for this ride, pose particular risks—especially to elderly guests or those experiencing confusion, stress, or difficulty moving. According to the expert, industry best practices emphasize the need to halt such walkways when guests encounter trouble or are in need of assistance. The failure to stop the walkway, the expert concluded, significantly contributed to the hazardous condition that led to Morrison’s injuries.
The jury found in Morrison’s favor, determining that Universal Studios created or failed to mitigate an unreasonably dangerous condition. After deliberation, they awarded Morrison $7.25 million in damages. This included $250,000 for future medical costs, $2 million for past pain and suffering, and $5 million for future noneconomic damages associated with her lasting impairment and reduced quality of life.
This case stands as a reminder of the responsibility amusement parks have to ensure the safety of their guests, particularly when mechanical systems like moving walkways interact with patrons of all ages and physical abilities. Moreover, it illustrates the critical role expert testimony plays in establishing standards of care in complex environments. An Amusement Parks Expert Witness is uniquely qualified to analyze how attractions are designed and operated, determine whether park staff acted in accordance with safety protocols, and offer opinions that help jurors understand the technical aspects of ride safety.
Ultimately, the Morrison case underscores how operational speed should never outweigh guest safety. While efficiency is essential for business, the court’s decision affirmed that theme parks must place the well-being of visitors above all else. The findings suggest that even a momentary delay to stop a ride or walkway can be justified—if not legally required—when a guest’s safety is in question.
Case Citation: Morrison v. Universal City Studios, LLC, Case No. CV 24-2119-DMG (KESx), U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.