A Guatemalan family has brought a lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort saying they should be required to provide warning signs regarding the potential dangers of attractions in Spanish, according to WPTV.
- The lawsuit comes two years after the family’s 38-year old father suffered a fatal heart attack after riding the Skull Island: Reign of Kong attraction at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
- The man had prior heart problems and did not speak english.
- The family’s wrongful death lawsuit says Universal was negligent for not providing warnings in Spanish.
- Orlando saw 72 million visitors in 2017, with 6.1 million of them coming from outside the United States. Just under 900,000 of those visitors came from Spanish-speaking countries, and 820,000 came from the Portuguese-speaking Brazil.
- In front of Skull Island: Reign of Kong, there is a warning sign in English explaining that guests with heart conditions or abnormal blood pressure should not ride.
- The lawsuit explains that, after riding the attraction, the man began to feel ill. He sat on a bench to rest and later collapsed. He was then taken to a hospital where he later died.
- The lawsuit also alleges there was a delay in the medical attention the man received.
- According to WPTV, a Universal spokesman said in an email that Universal Orlando Resort does not comment on pending litigation.
What they’re saying:
- The lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort: "Universal was aware of the great number of tourists on their premises who do not speak English.”
- Lou Pendas, the family's personal injury attorney: "This isn't a crazy request or expectation. It's actually quite basic in this day and age. You are asking for international travelers. This is a mecca for tourism. This is a very basic thing that should be thought of for the safety of patrons."