Disney has once again found itself in a precarious legal situation.
Storm clouds over the Magic Kingdom…
Disney has been making headlines recently for things other than parks and entertainment announcements. There have been some shocking twists and turns in the wrongful death lawsuit Disney is involved with due to a possible allergy-related death at Disney World, and this is fresh off the heels of Disney doling out $9.5 million to Disneyland Magic Key Passholders after settling a lawsuit. Well, the Walt Disney Company is back in the limelight again thanks to a new “stampede” lawsuit.
According to a report from Fox 35 Orlando, Disney is being hit with a lawsuit from a tourist who was knocked over and injured at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on June 25th, 2024. Labeling this a “stampede” incident, the plaintiff, DebraO’Steen, and her attorneys at Morgan & Morgan filed a negligence suit last week.
Crowds at Magic Kingdom
O’Steen, who was visiting Disney World from Pennsylvania, said she was rushed by a crowd that knocked her over on what she called a “packed and extremely busy” day.
The crowd — which was apparently caused by an event gathering at the park — was not controlled properly by Disney World staff, per O’Steen and her lawyers’ accusations. The two events that day were the Festival of Fantasy Parade and the Happily Ever After fireworks spectacular, but which event the incident took place before has not been specified.
Fireworks crowds
Per the lawsuit and Fox 35, O’Steen is claiming she suffered “bodily and terminal injury, mental and physical pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, hospitalization expenses, and past lost wages.” The lawsuit is demanding damages and a trial by jury.
Main Street
While Disney installs security measures such as uniformed police officers, specially-trained hazard detection canines, security checks, and more, the lawsuit claims negligence by Disney and poor crowd control “ahead of the event” that resulted in O’Steen’s injuries.
People waiting for Festival of Fantasy
We’ll keep you posted on updates from this story as well as all the latest Disney World news so stay tuned right here at DFB.
UPDATE: Disney Waives Right to Arbitration In Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Not going to lie, definitely saw this one coming and am kind of surprised it hasn’t happened sooner. Disney is packed sometimes and can be chaos especially if your someone in a wheelchair or scooter or have to go the opposite way of the crowd.
Please understand something, folks…Morgan & Morgan ABSOLUTELY LOVES SUING DISNEY! John’s brother was paralyzed after diving into a pool at Disney and they sued them. There are signs posted all over the place about diving being prohibited. I don’t know the entire details of the incident, only the results that they won their suit. P.S. I used to work for them and this is a common story told at their annual meetings! Also, EVERYONE knows that Disney is always crowded to some extent and yes, there are IDIOTS anywhere you go in the world! BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND YOU! It is unfortunate that this person was “knocked over” by a “stampede” situation (probably some group of people trying to rush to get somewhere), but you must always be aware of what is going on and be prepared!
Nobody wants to take responsibility for anything nowadays, whatever happens it’s always somebody else’s fault. And this country has become sue happy, especially when the defendant is rich. I hope Disney demands all of her medical records, leading up to and after the incident. The plaintiff being “knocked over” should not result in a windfall. I worked as a paralegal for over 40 years, and it just amazes me what people will do for free money.
The only vulture that sues Disney more than Morgan and Morgan is Crump. Both have made a fortune suing Disney. Disney always offers a settlement, but if you don’t take it, Disney will vigorously defend itself.
She had a “terminal” injury? Did the attorney mean permanent or is she dying? Who goes to Disney and doesn’t expect a crowd? These suits are just nuts. And people wonder why the Disney prices are high? Paying off lawsuits.
I’m confused. Was she knocked over or trampled? How would being knocked over cause disability and/or disfigurement? Of course the law firm representing her is a bona fide ambulance chaser.
I agree with Coral. Everyone knows Disney is crowded. Pay attention. Stay away from crowds. Go at your risk. Disney does have people all over, but if is hard to control in the crowd. People do not listen, and the security guards cannot hit them over the head with a stick. I go to Disney a lot. If it looks like an area has to many people “stampeding”, I go the other way. People do always sue Disney even though it is their own fault like the guy swimming in the water next to the sign that said “stay out — alligators”.
MORGAN & MORGAN. They have their posters plastered all over NYC and numerous commercials on tv. The, so called, injury lawyers.
Morgan & Morgan = Ambulance chasers
Truly today’s epitome of a law firm just looking for reasons to sue a company. Sadly our culture today is that so many refuse to take responsibility for themselves and instead want to redirect blame to someone else.
When I was in Jr High I was in a “stampede” situation in one of the hallways. People stepping all over me. Did I sue the school district because all of us kids were crowding the area waiting for the bell to ring and I got pushed down when it did? No. It’s not their fault at all. It was an accident. People blame Disney for everything to try and get money. That’s got to be the reason.
Yeah, typical Morgan and Morgan, “for the people”. That is the most laughable motto. Everyone knows it has nothing to do with “the people” it’s all about the dollar for them. I understand he may have in the beginning wanted to help “the people” but greed eventually took control. For sure if you want a powerhouse attorney and you have a possible payout, he’s definitely good at it. I know he evaluates the potential payout and if it’s high enough for him. The person who got trampled, to bad they can’t sue the idiots who didn’t stop and help the person up. Human decency.
I’m sorry this person got hurt by what would seem an unfortunate event. But they are about to ruin some of the best parts of magic kingdom for everyone.
Everyone is so intent on finding someone to blame for everything now. Have they sued the actual person that knocked them over or just Disney? The litigation culture we live in is getting out of hand.
Yeah… a horde of people are going to do what they want. The cast members can only do so much and your going to have police crowd controls for the freakin fireworks shows every night. Stay closer to the edge and back away while the crazies move on.
You Americans are quite a litigious lot. What ever happened to personal responsibility.
In January I fell down the stairs at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I severely injured my ankle and I am still in recovery and physical therapy. It didn’t even occur to me to sue. Sometimes we have to take ownership of our actions.
I’ve been to Disney during very crowded events and I’ve never once thought there should be more cast members directing! If anything, there are so many cast members directing people to walk in certain places and to be careful that it seems like overkill. Looks like everyone knows this law office loves to go after Disney so hopefully all the facts will come out.
I think I remember when this incident happened, someone posted about it in one of the AP groups. I go almost daily and when I saw the post I changed my mind and stayed home.
Apparently there was a large group from some organization there for for a few days. They were not supervised as they were supposed to be. Supposedly they trampled over a child as well. They were also seen running around the all-star sports resort.
The organizers of this group should be sued.
Wow, so many of you discrediting the plaintiff here because of Disney’s lack of control with crowding. My mother got her foot run over by a wheelchair and it hurt for days because of the crowd exiting the park. Not the parkgoer’s fault, but dang, there should be a ton more cast members ensuring an orderly exit when people leave, otherwise they’re asking for a lawsuit.
Seriously? ““bodily and terminal injury, mental and physical pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, hospitalization expenses, and past lost wages.”…..what exactly happened to cause all this? People love to sue Disney…they see it as a possible windfall. I see this as somebody trying to cash in because they fell at Disney. This could happen anywhere with a crowd. Pay attention to your surroundings.
I was pushed over once as I left Indiana Jones with my family. Yes I would have been trampled on if it were not for my family
I will say cast members came to my aid, wheeled me to first aid where I was checked over and well looked after.
I did have a beautiful black eye, but nothing serious and I would not dream of suing for something that was an accident.
Smells fishy… We’ve all been there lining up for a parade, mo big deal, just find a place to watch or not. Stampede? Kinda doubtful unless Hanson was in it…lol I sure do hope they have this on video.
I hate that someone got hurt BUT Disney can only control so much. They direct foot traffic as best as they can but not everyone follows simple directives.