A New York Mom Sues Disney for $2 Million After Severe Injuries at Typhoon Lagoon

In a shocking development, Kimberly Panetta, a mother from Long Island, is suing Disney for $2 million after she claims to have suffered severe injuries during her family's visit to Typhoon Lagoon, a popular water park at Walt Disney World. According to court documents and her testimony, the incident occurred in April 2022 when she was struck by a powerful wave while trying to rescue her 3-year-old daughter. The wave reportedly dragged both of them underwater, and Kimberly was left with deep cuts and scrapes after skidding across the cement floor of the pool, which Panetta compared to being 'dragged on concrete'. Her husband, Frank Panetta, a lawyer, has also expressed his concern over the situation, noting that the wave could have seriously injured their daughter had Kimberly not intervened. The couple has described the aftermath as traumatizing for their family, forcing them to cancel planned activities at the park due to Kimberly's injuries, including applying bandages and creams to her wounds. The legal complaint points out that Disney's response to the incident was inadequate, as they offered only a $250 credit following the injury. Furthermore, this lawsuit is not the first against the resort regarding injuries at Typhoon Lagoon; other guests have reported severe incidents on attractions like the 'Humunga Kowabunga' slide, suggesting a pattern of safety concerns at the water park. Notably, one incident involved a young woman losing consciousness after riding the slide, raising questions about the park's safety measures and the adequacy of warnings for guests. This entire scenario brings to light crucial conversations about safety protocols at amusement parks—especially those oriented towards families and children like Disney. With wave pools known for their unpredictable nature, the expectation is that the parks implement stringent safety standards to prevent such accidents. Critics have begun to voice their opinions online, with some questioning the validity of Panetta's claims, suggesting that there are typically warning sirens before large waves. The incident has ignited debate about the responsibility of amusement parks to protect their guests and the implications of personal injury lawsuits in high-stakes entertainment environments. Overall, while the Panetta family deserves to have their case heard, the decisions Disney makes with respect to safety measures might be under the microscope as this case unfolds.