A 25-year-old woman, Laura Reyes-Merino, is suing Walt Disney Parks for a brain injury she sustained while riding the Humunga Kowabunga water slide at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. She claims she lost consciousness, coughed up blood, and was left to drown in the water as there were no lifeguards on duty at the time of the incident. Her fiancé had to pull her out of the water and call for assistance, leading to further delays in receiving medical treatment.
The lawsuit alleges that had there been lifeguards at the end of the ride, Reyes-Merino’s brain injury could have been prevented. The severity of her brain injury was not specified, but she claims to have suffered disability, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, and a loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life as a result of the incident. Reyes-Merino is seeking a minimum of $50,000 in damages from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
This is not the first lawsuit filed against Disney over injuries sustained on the Humunga Kowabunga ride. Another lawsuit was filed last year by a woman who suffered a painful wedgie and injuries to her internal organs and hernia after riding the slide. The woman experienced severe lacerations and internal damage when the slide caused water to be violently forced inside her, resulting in a painful wedgie upon impact with the water at the end of the ride.
Reyes-Merino’s lawsuit also highlights the lack of lifeguards on duty at the slide and their delayed response in providing assistance. Her fiancé had to pull her out of the water and wait for a lifeguard to arrive, who then called for an ambulance instead of providing immediate aid. This resulted in further delays in receiving medical treatment for Reyes-Merino’s injuries and could have potentially led to a more serious outcome had her fiancé not intervened.
The lawsuit raises concerns about the safety measures in place at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, specifically regarding the presence of lifeguards at water slides and their ability to respond promptly to emergencies. Reyes-Merino’s case also highlights the potential risks associated with thrill rides and attractions at amusement parks, emphasizing the importance of proper safety protocols and staff training to prevent injuries and accidents.
In light of these incidents, Disney may face increased scrutiny over the safety of its water park attractions and the adequacy of its emergency response procedures. The lawsuits filed by Reyes-Merino and the woman who suffered a painful wedgie serve as reminders of the potential dangers posed by water slides and the responsibilities of theme parks to ensure the well-being of their guests. Disney’s response to these lawsuits and any changes implemented to enhance safety measures could have far-reaching implications for the theme park industry as a whole.
