A guest is suing Universal Orlando Resort after allegedly being attacked by a security dog while asking for help for her autistic daughter.
Lawsuit
Jennifer L. Rhodes claims she contacted Universal guest services before her visit to Universal Orlando Resort, asking how to best help her daughter enter the park. She was told to find a security guard and that they would provide assistance.
When Rhodes and her family arrived at Universal on August 31, 2024, she found a security guard who was patrolling with a guard dog. The suit notes there were no warnings or signs stating the dog was dangerous.
Rhodes asked, “Excuse me, do you work here?” The guard replied, “Yes,” and Rhodes said, “I have an autistic child.”
The dog then jumped on her and “savagely attacked,” without provocation, according to the suit. The dog bit her arm, wrist, and abdomen, causing serious and permanent injuries.
The lawsuit is seeking $50,000 in damages.
This is not the only lawsuit Universal has faced recently. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was unconscious after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe on September 17. He passed way from “multiple blunt impact injuries” leading to the family suing Universal over his death.
Benjamin Crump and other lawyers representing Zavala’s family have pushed back on the idea that his disability was related to his death. Regarding signs at the attraction warning guests with certain conditions not to ride, attorney Natalie Jackson said, “That was so vague that it was not a clear warning. He did not have any ongoing pain, or anything like that. He had a lifelong spinal disease and disorder. That is lifelong that he lived with. So there was nothing about being able to walk. There was nothing about being in a wheelchair.”
Another lawsuit filed a few months ago alleged that the caused caused 49-year-old Sandi Streets’ head to shake violently and slam against the headrest. She alleges that Universal failed to properly restrain her head. That lawsuit was settled.
Source: WFTV 9
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