In April 2022, a Disneyland visitor, Katrina Griffin, experienced an unfortunate incident at Disney California Adventure Park that led her to file a lawsuit against the entertainment giant. Griffin claims that while she was bending down to tie her daughter’s shoe, an employee dressed as Goofy walked into her, causing her to fall and sustain severe injuries. The lawsuit alleges that the Goofy character then fell on top of her, exacerbating her injuries.
Disneyland Goofy Lawsuit
The Allegations
The lawsuit, filed in Orange County Superior Court, accuses Disneyland Resort of negligence, claiming that the Goofy character and his handler failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in Griffin’s injuries. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Griffin claims that the incident has left her with “severe, traumatic, debilitating, and permanent physical injuries” that required significant medical care. While the exact nature of her injuries has not been publicly disclosed, the lawsuit suggests that they were substantial enough to warrant legal action.
Disneyland’s Response
Disneyland Resort has not publicly commented on the specifics of the lawsuit, but they have stated that they take the safety of their guests seriously and are investigating the incident. It is important to note that this is not the first time a Disneyland character has been involved in an incident with a guest, but it is one of the few cases that has resulted in a lawsuit.
Implications for Disneyland
The lawsuit has the potential to tarnish Disneyland’s reputation as a family-friendly destination. If the court finds in favor of Griffin, it could lead to increased scrutiny of character interactions and safety protocols at Disneyland and other theme parks. The case could also set a precedent for future lawsuits involving character-related incidents.
Legal Considerations
While the lawsuit may seem unusual, it raises important legal questions about the responsibility of theme parks to ensure the safety of their guests, even during character interactions. It also highlights the potential liability of companies for the actions of their employees, even when those employees are dressed as beloved characters.
