Twin brothers from Georgia have initiated legal action against Universal Orlando Resort, alleging they sustained substantial injuries while experiencing a malfunction on the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction at the Epic Universe theme park. In identical lawsuits filed last week, Erick and Derrick Burroughs, both aged 45, contend that the motion simulation ride ceased abruptly during their visit on Christmas Day last year, resulting in them being "thrusted erratically" within their seats and causing what they describe as "significant injuries."
Details of the Incident and Legal Claims
The lawsuits assert that Universal Orlando had a fundamental duty to maintain the ride "in a reasonably safe condition" and to adequately warn guests of "any dangerous conditions," obligations which the theme park resort is accused of "negligently" failing to fulfill. The Burroughs are each seeking damages exceeding $50,000 to compensate for physical injuries, mental anguish, lost wages, medical expenses, and other related suffering.
Background of the Attraction
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry debuted in May 2025 as the premier attraction within the new Wizarding World - Ministry of Magic area at Epic Universe. Upon its opening, the ride garnered immense popularity, with reports indicating that guests endured wait times of up to five hours to experience it on the inaugural day.
Legal Representation and Statements
Morgan & Morgan, the law firm representing the twin brothers, issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to holding Universal accountable for the alleged safety failures. "The most important job of a theme park is to keep its guests safe. Instead, Universal allegedly operated a ride that had been plagued by repeated malfunctions, glitches, and hard stops since it opened," the firm declared.
The statement further elaborated, "Our clients continue to seek treatment for their injuries, which are impacting their everyday lives. They have filed these lawsuits to hold Universal accountable for a safety incident we allege was entirely preventable."
Previous Similar Incident
This lawsuit follows a prior case from last May, where Casey Causey of Florida sued Universal for $50,000. Causey claimed to have been injured in July 2023 when the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride malfunctioned, leaving him stranded midair for over an hour. The Independent has reached out to Universal Orlando Resort for comment on the recent allegations, but no response has been provided at this time.
