Demand The Limits Injury Attorneys retained to represent the Florida family whose child was injured while riding the Mako roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando.
On March 15, 2025, a troubling incident at SeaWorld Orlando has generated both media attention and legal action.
A Florida family has filed a lawsuit against SeaWorld Orlando after their child was injured on the Mako roller coaster, the tallest coaster in Orlando. According to the complaint, the girl was struck in the face by an object while riding Mako in March 2025. The impact required stitches to her forehead and later led to a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Anxiety Disorder.
Read the full news report here: FOX 35 Orlando.
The lawsuit alleges general negligence and failure to train by SeaWorld staff, and seeks damages in excess of $50,000. FOX 13 Tampa Bay SeaWorld’s response: safety is a “top priority,” and it is “taking the matter seriously,” but beyond that they declined to comment as litigation is pending. FOX 13 Tampa Bay
Why This Case Matters
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Guest safety vs. guest responsibility: Coasters are high-thrill rides, and parks typically require rules about loose items, bags, objects that could become projectiles. If those rules aren’t enforced properly, risk increases. The lawsuit claims SeaWorld did not adequately enforce the procedures for securing personal items before boarding. Inside the Magic
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Physical and psychological harms: Beyond the immediate physical injury (stitches to the forehead), the child allegedly developed PTSD and anxiety. This raises questions about how parks account for post-incident trauma.
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Legal precedent and accountability: Lawsuits like this force theme parks to explain their safety protocols, employee training, and how they manage risk. They also affect public perception and potentially impact policy or regulation of amusement and theme parks.
SeaWorld’s History: Other Incidents & Concerns
This is not the first time SeaWorld has faced criticism for guest or employee safety. Some relevant past incidents and controversies include:
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In September 2024, a SeaWorld trainer at Orlando was injured during a training exercise with a killer whale. OSHA fined SeaWorld $16,000 after determining the employee was not properly protected from hazards including “struck-by” and drowning risk. FOX 35 Orlando
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The long-standing controversies involving Tilikum, the orca at SeaWorld Orlando, including the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010, have shaped public scrutiny over safety and animal welfare. Orca Network
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Statistics and reports show multiple injuries, sometimes serious, at theme parks generally due to ride malfunction, operator error, or loose objects. Theme park injury reports and safety regulations aim to capture and prevent such risks.
Questions Raised & What to Watch For
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Did SeaWorld enforce its own policies regarding loose items before loading guests?
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Was the object thrown, dropped, or simply unsecured?
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How quickly did staff respond after the injury, and what medical protocols were followed?
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What training do ride operators receive regarding safety, rule enforcement, and guest risk?
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How transparent will the incident be in safety and regulatory disclosures?
OUR COMMITMENT
At Demand The Limits, we are committed to representing this child and her family to the fullest extent of the law.
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Parks have a legal and moral duty to protect families.
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Victims of negligence deserve answers and justice.
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Stronger training and enforcement are necessary to prevent tragedies.
If you or a loved one has been injured at a Florida theme park, contact us today. You are not alone, and we are here to fight for your family.
Sources:
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Fox 13 News: Lawsuit: Florida girl hit in face by rider’s object while on SeaWorld Orlando coaster. FOX 35 Orlando
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Florida Politics: Child hit in the face by item on SeaWorld roller coaster, lawsuit says. Florida Politics
Demand The Limits Injury Attorneys
Contact: 561-600-3555
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Facebook: @demandthelimitsinjuryattorneys
