Just two weeks after Walt Disney World posted a third-quarter profit 26% LESS than this time last year, the Florida Magic Kingdom has been beleaguered with legal issues such as sexual assault, wrongful deaths, and personal injuries.
Minnie Mouse Victim of Sexual Assault
Most recently, Pennsylvania resident John Moyer, 60, was convicted of molesting Minnie Mouse during a visit Moyer and his family made to Toontown at the Magic Kingdom in Florida. Arguments were ridiculous – can you fondle a mouse? Criminal defense attorneys for Moyer said that Disney employees and Moyer’s family didn’t witness the sexual assault. Nonetheless, Moyer was convicted yesterday of misdemeanor battery for the fondling. The punishment for misdemeanor battery in Florida is a $1,000 fine and one year in jail.
Wrongful Deaths in Walt Disney World
Monorail Train Accident Causes Wrongful Death
Tragically, 21-year-old monorail operator Austin Wuennenberg was killed July 5, 2009 after a July 4th fireworks celebration. The part-time operator died when another monorail train operator backed up into his rail. Human error was said to have caused the accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating employee records, hours of employment, and training. Austin Wuennenberg’s family can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against Walt Disney World for pain and suffering and funeral expenses.
Slip and Fall Accident Reason for Wrongful Death
Also in July, 47-year-old Mark Priest died a few days after a slip and fall accident during a pirate show performance near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Accident victim Priest slipped on a wet spot on the ground during a planned stumble of the performance. He hit his head on a wall and was brought to the hospital where he seemed to have been recovering. However, a few days later he died. The cause of death is still unknown.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office are investigating Priest’s wrongful death.
If someone is injured or dies as the result of a slip and fall at their workplace, their immediate family members can engage in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Walt Disney World Bus Accident Causes Injuries
Just when it couldn’t get any worse, two Walt Disney World buses collided about a month ago. The collision caused injuries to twelve out of the 50 passengers. It occurred during a trip from the Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary Resort Hotel. The bus crash was outside the Contemporary Resort.
The twelve people that were injured would be wise to hire an Orlando personal injury attorney specializing in bus accidents. They can sue Walt Disney World for medical expenses, and loss of income relating to the accident.
Goes to show you … Disney World is no Fantasyland.
