Universal Orlando Sued Over Roller Coaster Injury

A mother filed a lawsuit after her son allegedly sustained injuries while riding a coaster in Orlando.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Theme Parks

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a curved steel roller coaster track segment, evoking themes of safety and mechanical inquiry.
Jennifer Lundy has filed a lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort and Mack Rides, alleging her son suffered serious injuries on a roller coaster in 2025. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Jennifer Lundy sued Universal Orlando Resort and Mack Rides on Aug. 17, 2026, alleging her son suffered head, facial, and spinal injuries on Oct. 13, 2025. The lawsuit claims the ride lacked adequate restraint and support for passengers.

Why it matters

The legal action highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding high-intensity attractions at Orlando theme parks. The complaint follows a separate 2025 incident involving a fatal medical event on the same ride.

The roller coaster reaches speeds of 62 mph and peaks at 133 feet, requiring riders to be at least 48 inches tall. The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $50,000.

The players

Jennifer Lundy

She is the plaintiff who initiated legal action against the theme park operator following an alleged injury to her son.

Universal Orlando Resort

It is a major entertainment destination in Orlando that operates the attraction involved in the litigation.

Mack Rides

This company is a manufacturer of amusement park attractions that was named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala

He was a 32-year-old rider who lost consciousness on the same attraction in 2025 and subsequently died.

The details

The plaintiff alleges her son lost consciousness due to forces produced by the ride, causing his head and face to impact the vehicle. The suit contends that the defendants knowingly operated the coaster in an unsafe condition.

Timeline

  1. Sept. 17, 2025: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala lost consciousness on the ride.

  2. Oct. 13, 2025: The plaintiff's son was allegedly injured.

  3. Dec. 13, 2025: The Zavala family settled their lawsuit with the park.

  4. Aug. 17, 2026: Jennifer Lundy initially filed the lawsuit.

  5. Sept. 18, 2026: The case moved to federal court and Universal filed an answer.

Roadmap

This litigation follows the precedent set by the 2025 Kevin Rodriguez Zavala fatal roller coaster incident. Such claims often drive significant changes in safety protocols and restraint engineering across the theme park industry.

Visitors to Orlando resorts should be aware of the 48-inch height requirement and the physical forces involved in high-speed attractions. The litigation underscores the importance of reviewing posted health and safety warnings before boarding intense rides.

The takeaway

Roller coaster riders should always adhere to posted safety restrictions to mitigate potential risks during operation. Legal disputes of this nature serve as a reminder for operators to maintain stringent equipment and restraint standards.

Further reading

For more information on industry safety standards, visit the Theme Parks section.