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A Broward County, Florida, couple is suing Universal Orlando Resort, as they claim the wife suffered a traumatic brain injury after riding one of the resort’s popular roller coaster attractions.
Related: Fan-Favorite Universal Orlando Attraction Causing Severe Reaction in Guests
Credit: Discover Universal
On February 28, Geriann and Richard Clem filed suit against Universal City Development Partners, Ltd., in Orange County court for “personal injuries and damages” that exceed $50,000.
According to the lawsuit, Geriann Clem boarded Universal’s Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster on February 11, 2023, and claims that during the ride, her “head shook violently and slammed into her seat’s headrest throughout the duration of the ride.” Clem claims that the ordeal aboard the ride ultimately resulted in her having a traumatic brain injury.
Universal’s Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Universal Orlando’s website describes the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit as a “towering coaster [that] offers a musical twist: as you strap in, you’ll pick the song you want to hear above your own shrieks. Adrenaline pumping and music thumping, you’ll climb toward the sky at a 90-degree angle and tackle the first ferocious drop. Topping out at 65 miles per hour, this rip-roaring ride is a blast from beginning to end.”
Credit: Flickr/Jeremy Thompson
With a topping-out speed of 65 miles per hour, Universal’s Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is one of the fastest attractions on Universal Orlando Resort’s property.
Court documents describe the roller coaster further, stating that the ride features heights of 167 feet, as well as twists, drops, flips, and turns. The suit further alleges that Universal’s Rip Ride Rockit doesn’t provide riders with a head restraint of any kind.
Credit: Flickr/Justin Shaw
The lawsuit states the ride also reaches heights of 167 feet and has twists, turns, drops, and flips. The suit alleges the coaster did not provide its riders with any head restraints. Further, court documents show that the Clems claim that Universal Studios Orlando Resort “failed to warn” Ms. Clem that her head would move around and be slammed against the headrest during the ride.
The suit further states that warning signs posted outside the ride are “inadequate.”
Per the suit, Geriann Clem suffered “severe and permanent personal injuries” as a result of riding Universal Studios Orlando’s Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, and that her injuries include a brain injury, physical impairment, and mental anguish.
Credit: Flickr/Jeremy Thompson
The Broward County couple has demanded a jury trial in the matter.
Read the entire suit by clicking here.
