Twin brothers have sued Universal Orlando Resort, claiming they were injured on a Harry Potter ride at Epic Universe.
In identical lawsuits filed last week, Erick and Derrick Burroughs of Georgia, both 45, alleged they were riding on the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry on Christmas Day last year when it malfunctioned.
The motion simulation ride stopped abruptly and the Burroughs were “thrusted erratically” in their seats, causing “significant injuries,” according to the lawsuits.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry opened last year as the biggest attraction in the new Wizarding World - Ministry of Magic in May 2025. Guests had to wait five hours to get on the ride on opening day, People reported at the time.
The lawsuits claim Universal Orlando had the duty to maintain the ride “in a reasonably safe condition” and warn guests of “any dangerous conditions,” which the theme park resort “negligently” failed to do.
The Burroughs are asking for more than $50,000 in damages each for their physical injuries, mental anguish, lost wages, medical bills and other claimed suffering.
The Independent has reached out to Universal Orlando Resort for comment.
Morgan & Morgan, a law firm representing the twins, said in a statement that it wants to hold Universal accountable.
“The most important job of a theme park is to keep its guests safe. Instead, Universal allegedly operated a ride that had been plagued by repeated malfunctions, glitches and hard stops since it opened,” the law firm said.
“Our clients continue to seek treatment for their injuries, which are impacting their everyday lives. They have filed these lawsuits to hold Universal accountable for a safety incident we allege was entirely preventable,” the statement continued.
Last May, Casey Causey of Florida sued Universal for $50,000, claiming to have been injured in July 2023 when the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride malfunctioned and left him stranded midair for more than an hour.
