Universal Orlando Resort is now facing a serious lawsuit after a guest claims she was unexpectedly attacked by a security dog during what she believed would be a simple request for assistance. What was supposed to be a routine moment—one meant to help her autistic daughter enter the park—turned into something painful and frightening, according to the court filing.Credit: Inside the MagicThe lawsuit, brought by guest Jennifer L. Rhodes, adds new pressure to Universal at a moment when the company is already navigating several other lawsuits tied to guest injuries, ride-related incidents, and questions about safety communication.A Request for Help Turns Into a Medical EmergencyBefore visiting the resort, Rhodes says she reached out to Universal’s guest services team for advice on how to best support her autistic daughter during park entry. She was reportedly told to speak with a security guard upon arrival, believing they would guide her through whatever accommodations were needed.On August 31, 2024, she approached a uniformed guard stationed at Universal Orlando. The guard was accompanied by a security dog. According to the lawsuit, there were no signs warning guests that the dog might behave aggressively or that contact with the animal should be avoided.Credit: Edited by Inside The MagicRhodes says she began the interaction politely by asking, “Excuse me, do you work here?” The guard responded yes, encouraging her to continue the conversation. She then explained, “I have an autistic child,” expecting guidance or direction.Instead, the lawsuit alleges that the security dog suddenly lunged at her without warning. Rhodes claims the dog bit her arm, wrist, and abdomen in what she described as a “savage” and completely unprovoked attack. She says the injuries were severe and resulted in long-lasting physical harm.The lawsuit seeks $50,000 in damages for medical expenses, long-term injury, and suffering connected to the incident.Universal’s Growing List of LawsuitsWhile this case has drawn fresh attention, it arrives during a particularly challenging stretch for Universal Orlando, which is already facing several lawsuits tied to ride operations and guest injuries.One of the most devastating cases involves Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who lost consciousness after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe on September 17. He later passed away due to “multiple blunt impact injuries,” according to reports referenced in the lawsuit filed by his family.Credit: UniversalAttorneys representing Zavala’s family—including well-known civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump—have stated that his disability had nothing to do with his death. They argue that the attraction’s posted health warnings were too vague and did not give guests with lifelong conditions enough information to understand the risks. Attorney Natalie Jackson specifically challenged the clarity of the signage, saying it did not outline anything that would suggest a person with Zavala’s spinal disease should not ride.This case created intense public scrutiny, not just over the ride itself but over how Universal communicates safety policies, especially for those with medical conditions that are not always visibly apparent.A Separate Incident Over Ride Restraints Was Recently SettledIn addition to the dog-related lawsuit and the Stardust Racers tragedy, Universal recently settled yet another case involving a guest injury. This earlier lawsuit came from Sandi Streets, a 49-year-old guest who claims her head was violently shaken during a ride, causing it to strike the headrest. Streets alleged that Universal failed to properly restrain her head, and that this failure led to her injuries.Credit: UniversalAlthough the case has been settled, it added to a growing pattern—multiple guests reporting serious physical harm, each under very different circumstances, and each prompting questions about oversight, safety, and consistency across Universal’s parks and attractions.Why This Dog Attack Case Stands OutWhile ride injuries often dominate lawsuits in the theme park world, this new case stands out because it involves a security officer and a working dog—two entities guests generally expect to enhance safety, not compromise it.Security animals at large entertainment venues typically undergo specialized training, and guests frequently assume they are safe to interact with or at least speak near. Rhodes’ lawsuit argues that she followed Universal’s own guidance by seeking out a guard and that she had no reason to anticipate danger. With no posted warnings and no verbal caution given by the guard, she believes Universal failed to protect her at a moment when she was trying to follow proper procedures.The fact that Rhodes approached the guard specifically because of her daughter’s disability adds emotional weight to the claim. Theme parks regularly highlight their commitment to accessibility and inclusion. An incident involving a guest seeking disability-related assistance raises broader questions about training and consistency in how staff respond to families with unique needs.A Closer Look at Universal’s Safety ExpectationsUniversal Orlando, like all major theme park operators, maintains extensive training and safety policies—not only for rides but also for its security personnel and support teams. But the recent wave of lawsuits puts a spotlight on how effectively those policies hold up in real-world situations.Credit: UniversalEpic Universe, Universal’s newest and most technologically advanced theme park, has already been at the center of safety conversations due to the tragic death of Zavala. With enormous crowds and record-breaking turnout expected in the years ahead, pressure is mounting on the company to demonstrate that its standards are consistent across every corner of the resort.Guests expect the thrill to be on the rides—not in unexpected interactions with staff or animals.What Happens Next?Universal has not publicly commented on the lawsuit involving Rhodes, and it may be months or years before the case moves toward resolution. These types of claims require detailed review, expert testimony, and examination of whether safety procedures were properly followed.