Universal Orlando is back in the spotlight after a mother filed a lawsuit claiming she was attacked by a security dog while seeking assistance for her autistic daughter. The suit paints a picture of a moment that should’ve been calm and routine but instead resulted in painful injuries and a legal fight now underway.
The guest, Jennifer L. Rhodes, says she contacted Universal’s guest services before her family trip. She wanted to make sure the entry process would go smoothly for her daughter, and according to her lawsuit, she was advised to speak with security staff once she arrived.
On August 31, 2024, Rhodes located a security guard on duty—one accompanied by a working dog. The suit notes that nothing in the area warned guests about the dog’s behavior, nor did the guard tell her to keep her distance. Rhodes claims she began the conversation simply by asking, “Excuse me, do you work here?” When the guard responded yes, she told him she had an autistic child and needed assistance.
The lawsuit says the dog suddenly lunged and bit her without provocation. Rhodes alleges that the animal attacked her arm, wrist, and abdomen, leaving injuries that required medical attention and have resulted in long-term effects. She is pursuing $50,000 in damages.
This case is unfolding against a backdrop of several other legal challenges for Universal Orlando. One of the most discussed lawsuits involves Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a guest who died shortly after riding Stardust Racers in Epic Universe. Attorneys representing his family argue that disability was not the cause and that Universal’s warning signs were too vague to offer meaningful guidance to riders with medical conditions.
Another lawsuit, which has already been settled, involved Sandi Streets, who said her head forcefully struck a ride’s headrest due to lack of proper restraint during the attraction.
Together, these cases raise questions about how effectively Universal handles guest communication, safety protocols, and on-site training—whether the interaction involves a ride, a restraint system, or, in Rhodes’ case, a security dog. Her lawsuit suggests that she did everything right: contacted Universal beforehand, followed their instructions, and approached security gently. Instead of getting the help she expected, she says she left the encounter with painful injuries and a long legal battle ahead.
