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An elderly man in his 80s endured a vicious attack when a Disney Parks security dog attacked him at the entrance to the Resort, and to make matters worse, he says Disney showed no concern for his situation.
Disneyland sign at the entrance to the Resort/Credit: Becky Burkett
A Disney Parks security dog attacked an elderly man who was visiting the theme park resort from the state of Nevada. That’s according to a new lawsuit filed against Disney Parks and Resorts in Orange County Superior Court.
It was springtime when Paul Perez, an 81-year-old grandfather from Las Vegas, Nevada, traveled to Disneyland Resort with his wife, his daughter, and his two granddaughters. The family was excited about the prospect of enjoying a day at Walt’s very first park together. In Anaheim, California, where Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure are located, the weather in May is usually very pleasant, with high temperatures in the mid-70s. Grandparents taking their grandchildren to Disneyland, beautiful weather, and anticipation for the magic that they’d soon experience. Things seemed to be lining up for the perfect day at Disney.
The day was anything but perfect, though, as the family never even made it into the park.
Entrance to security and bag check area at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California/Credit: Becky Burkett
According to a new civil lawsuit filed on August 1 in Orange County Superior Court by Ian Pancer, an attorney representing Perez, the elderly man was attacked by a Disney security dog at the entrance to the theme park, and his injuries warranted emergency medical care. The lawsuit, which accuses Disney Parks and Resorts of negligence related to the incident, Perez is seeking restitution after the dog attacked him, biting him in the abdomen and leaving a massive wound. The complaint also states that Perez endured pain, suffering, and emotional distress while also incurring the costs of emergency medical care for treatment of the injuries he sustained as part of the canine attack.
Court documents filed on behalf of Perez state that a Disneyland security Cast Member charged with handling the dog caused the animal to “abruptly step directly in front [of] and very close” to Mr. Perez, who bumped into the canine as the family made their way through the security checkpoint at the entrance to Disneyland Resort. It was then that the dog attacked Perez and bit him in the abdomen, according to the complaint.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland Park in California/Credit: Becky Burkett
Perez was immediately taken to a nearby hospital by his daughter, where his wounds were treated with antibiotics, per The Hill. He was later released following treatment for the wounds.
As of the time of this post, Perez is demanding a jury trial in the matter, and he is seeking damages in an amount that is not yet disclosed and will be “determined by proof at trial,” according to his complaint.
Per Perez’s attorney, the elderly grandfather of two had hoped to avoid litigation, but he says that Disneyland has yet to express the same intentions. Online court records show that a hearing has been scheduled for late January 2024, though the alleged attack took place at Disneyland Resort in May 2022.
