“Magic Gone Wrong: Jury Awards $7.25 Million to Woman Injured on Harry Potter Ride”
In a twist that even the best Hogwarts tales couldn’t conjure, 74-year-old Pamela Morrison has been awarded a whopping $7.25 million after a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood took a tragic turn. While trying to exit the immensely popular Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride—a thrill that whisks riders through a simulation of Hogwarts—Morrison reportedly suffered severe injuries when her harness failed to secure her properly. As she stepped from the moving walkway onto solid ground, a slip sent her spiraling into a world of pain, resulting in a broken lower back and a serious tear in her hip muscles.
According to court docs and reports from the LA Times, Morrison was enjoying a magical day at the park with her grandson when disaster struck. The ride, which has been a crowd favorite since opening in 2016, involves riders hanging from a vehicle that offers the illusion of flight—a blast, unless your safety equipment doesn’t buckle. As Morrison recalled in court, “The belt was still moving, and so my foot went on that belt and then… my other foot went on to the stationary floor, and it knocked me off my feet.” Ouch!
Morrison’s legal team argued that her fall was due to the negligence of Universal Studios, citing lapses in safety protocols and inadequate employee training. The suit claimed that she was a lawful invitee who was subjected to dangerous conditions on the premises. On the flip side, the park’s lawyers pointed fingers at Morrison, claiming she wasn’t paying enough attention—a surprising defense considering the ride’s chaotic nature. Expert opinions during the trial agreed, highlighting how disembarking from a moving walkway can significantly disturb one’s balance, particularly when rushed.
The jury ultimately sided with Morrison, awarding her $250,000 for economic losses, $2 million for past pain and suffering, and an eye-watering $5 million for future noneconomic damages—which basically screams, “You messed with the wrong grandma!” This case brings to light the ongoing issues of ride safety in amusement parks, as highlighted by other incidents across the United States that have lead to serious injuries and lawsuits. Just last summer, another popular amusement park faced scrutiny after a rider fell out of their seat on a roller coaster. The ride industry’s safety continues to be questioned, reminding us all that sometimes, the magic comes with a hefty price tag.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and LA Times, People Magazine, NBC News
