Spetsas Buist Accident Injury Lawyers, PLLC (led by attorneys Nicholas Spetsas and Charles Buist) has established itself as prominent counsel representing injured park visitors in litigation involving Stardust Racers, the dual-launch roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe.
The litigation primarily focuses on allegations that the coaster’s high-speed maneuvers (up to 62 mph), G-forces, and lap-bar restraint system (which lacks upper-body/shoulder harnesses) cause riders to lose consciousness, suffer head and neck trauma, or collide violently with ride components.
Overview of Stardust Racers Cases Handled by Spetsas Buist
1. Lundy v. Universal City Development Partners, Ltd. & Mack Rides GmbH & Co. KG
- Plaintiff: Jennifer Lundy (on behalf of her minor child, L.L.).
- Filing Date: August 2026 (removed to Federal Court in September 2026).
- Allegations: The lawsuit claims that the plaintiff's minor son suffered severe, permanent head, spinal, and neurological injuries during a ride on Stardust Racers. The complaint asserts that extreme gravitational forces caused the child to lose consciousness and strike his head repeatedly, citing negligent ride design and inadequate upper-body restraint systems.
- Status: Active litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
2. Visitor Injury Claims
- Plaintiff: A Sanford, Florida resident (and other individual guests).
- Filing Date: September 2025.
- Allegations: The lawsuits claimed severe physical injuries resulting from the coaster’s intense physical forces and rapid acceleration sequences. Plaintiffs sought damages for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
- Status: Universal Orlando resolved a subset of these early personal injury filings via confidential settlements shortly after complaint filings.
3. Subsequent Injury Actions (Group Filings)
- Plaintiffs: Multiple park visitors filing individual actions in Florida state court.
- Allegations: Following initial reports of injuries and a fatal incident on the attraction in late 2025, Spetsas Buist filed a series of lawsuits on behalf of at least 5 distinct riders. The claims universally cite severe trauma, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), whiplash, and loss of consciousness.
- Defendants: Universal City Development Partners, Ltd. and attraction manufacturer Mack Rides GmbH & Co. KG.
- Status: Active state and federal court proceedings.
Legal Theories Asserted by the Firm
Across these cases, Spetsas Buist’s trial strategy centers on two core legal frameworks:
- Premises Liability & Failure to Warn (against Universal): Asserting that Universal failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions, failed to provide adequate safety briefings/warnings regarding high G-force risks, and reopened the attraction without adequate upper-body safety modifications.
- Strict Product Liability & Negligent Design (against Mack Rides): Alleging that the coaster’s restraint system is defective for high-speed, multi-inversion maneuvers because it relies on a lap bar rather than a full over-the-shoulder restraint.
Contact us at Spetsas Buist today for a free evaluation of your case.
Disclaimer: The facts and circumstances of your case may differ from the matters described on this page. Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict future case outcomes. Results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.