$7.25 Million Verdict Against Universal Studios in ‘Harry Potter’ Ride Injury Case

A California federal jury awarded $7.25 million to an Arizona woman who suffered a severe spinal injury while exiting a "Harry Potter" ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. The plaintiff, Pamela Morrison, fell while stepping off the moving walkway of the attraction, resulting in a crushed spine.

Jurors determined that the ride posed a safety hazard and that Universal Studios was responsible for Morrison’s injuries. The verdict includes $250,000 in economic damages and $7 million in noneconomic damages for her pain and suffering.

The Allegations

The lawsuit centered on Universal Studios' alleged failure to adhere to proper safety protocols. Morrison's safety harness was not secured before the ride began. When ride attendants instructed her to exit, she had to step off a moving conveyor belt onto a stationary platform, causing her to lose balance and fall.

Her attorney, Taylor S. Kruse of Los Angeles City Law APLC, argued that the injury could have been prevented if Universal had followed its safety procedures. "The whole case came down to ‘one button, five seconds, and the rest of Pamela Morrison’s life,’” Kruse stated in closing arguments.

Defense attorney Edward E. Ward Jr. of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP countered that Morrison, 74, was responsible for her own fall, asserting that she was focused on following her grandson rather than watching her step. He characterized the incident as “an unfortunate fall.”

The Trial

The jury deliberated for approximately four hours before reaching a verdict. During the trial, expert witness Ban Choi of the Institute of Risk & Safety Analysis testified that even healthy individuals struggle with stepping safely onto and off moving walkways. He further noted that the ride's design—requiring guests to step perpendicularly from the moving walkway onto a stationary floor—posed an inherent danger.

Kruse argued that Universal prioritized keeping the ride operational over guest safety. He highlighted that the park has a target of 1,800 riders per hour and claimed that stopping the ride for Morrison would have disrupted operations.

The Law Firms Involved

Pamela Morrison was represented by Taylor S. Kruse of Los Angeles City Law APLC.

Universal Studios was represented by Edward E. Ward Jr. and Tracey Stromberg of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP.

What’s Next?

The verdict highlights potential safety concerns in theme park attractions, particularly those involving moving walkways. Universal Studios may appeal the decision, arguing that Morrison’s fall was due to her own inattention rather than a ride defect.

The case, Pamela L. Morrison v. Universal City Studios LLC, was heard in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California under case number 2:24-cv-02119.