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When Bad Things Happen at Disney…..Again

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mickey dollar signsIn August, 2013, I published the original “When Bad Things Happen at Disney” post, about the unfortunate bus crash at Walt Disney World®. Today while reading the Orlando Sentinel, I once again find myself wondering why people assume if something happens at Disney, it is Disney’s fault. I will once again begin with an apology – I’m sure I will offend someone – so I’m sorry in advance! This is only my opinion.

As I have said many times before, pixie dusted eyes quickly turn into Disney dollar eyes when something bad happens at Disney – many automatically look to Disney for a payday – reimbursement or freebie.

Here is what I read today in the Orlando Sentinel – Please let me add that I am heartbroken for this family. No family should have to suffer the loss of a family member, mother, wife or loved one.

WIDOWER FILES WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT AGAINST DISNEY: “The family of a Broward County woman who died last year has filed a lawsuit against Disney blaming the theme park employees for her ultimately fatal leg injuries. According to the complaint filed last month, Katherine Jo-Ann Baliton visited the park with her family on March 23, 2012. Baliton fell and fractured a bone in her left leg as she attempted to board the Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Cruise attraction with her 3-year-old son in her arms, the complaint said. Her family said if Disney employees had helped the woman onto the ride, that could have prevented her fall. Baliton underwent surgery for her injuries on April 4. On April 7, 2012, she died because of a blood clot in her leg. The family said Disney failed to ensure the woman’s safety. The family wants repayment of medical and funeral expenses as well as loss of financial earnings and payment for mental pain and suffering for Baliton’s husband.” (Copyright © 2013, Orlando Sentinel)

Yes, I am saddened by this story. Yes, it is a terrible tragedy. However, I can’t help but wonder – Why is it the fault of the Disney employees that she attempted to board an attraction with her 3 year old son in her arms and fell? Why didn’t her family members help her board the attraction? Is her husband filing suit against the family members that failed to help her? Is the hospital that set her fracture on March 23 being sued? Is the surgeon who operated on her being sued since it seems to me that is where the critical blood clot came from?

The loss of life is always horrible. Leaving behind small children, a husband and family is devastating – I know – this has happened in my own family. All that is reported is that Disney is being blamed and Disney is being sued. Which leads me to my usual statement – all that goes wrong at Disney is not Disney’s fault. So many look at Disney as a cash cow to blame for everything that may go wrong while they are on Disney property. People need to look within themselves and consider their own actions.

This is sad for the family of Jo-Ann Baliton, but this is also sad for the Disney employees who are being blamed for this tragedy.

Cate Twobyfour

Sunday 8th of December 2013

Bad things happen. Period. Why must it be someone's fault? I would not try to board a boat in the water while holding a three year old. They are heavy and gangley. If they move, it changes your center of gravity. People need to take responsibility for their own actions. So many people see dollar signs when something bad happens. It's ridiculous. It costs so much money to fight suits that ultimately, people win no matter whose fault it is, and we all pay for it with higher prices. I have been to Disney World 20+ times, and ridden that ride at least 20 times, and the CM's always try to help a person on/off if they need it, and often if they don't. Ridiculous.

Kim K.

Saturday 7th of December 2013

I agree that it is a terrible tragedy for the family and I am truly sorry this happened to them. That being said, it is amazing to me how America as a whole has turned into a society of other-blamers and completely litigious. This spring, my family had the opportunity to go to Legoland in Germany. Overall, it is identical to Legoland here in the U.S. with a few noticeable differences. First, there was generally only one operator per ride. It doesn't take more than one when the riders must be responsible for themselves. Second, there were few if any warning signs. Again, it doesn't take warning signs when the riders must be responsible for themselves. It was a little disconcerting at first to not have help on/off a ride or to close and lock and doublecheck a door, but you know what? It occurred to me that no one is more concerned for my family's safety than I am and as such, I kind of liked knowing that I could be responsible for it. We never got on a ride without fastening and checking our seatbelts, making sure our door or lapbar was down and locked, etc. I expected that Legoland would give me the tools I needed to make my family safe and it appeared they did, but it was up to me to do the "small" things. Having ridden Jungle Cruise numerous times, I realize that I am getting on a real boat. Boats move with the water. The dock is stationary. How best to get on it? I hold on to the boat. When my son was little, one of us held my son while the other got on the boat and then we handed him over so that the other one of us had both hands to get on the boat safely. No one told us to do this. It just seemed like the prudent, safe thing to to. If we made Americans responsible for their own actions as the Germans seem to have done, we'd all probably be a lot safer.

Logan

Friday 6th of December 2013

I have to agree with you Janice! Seems today when something goes wrong, even if it's the persons fault... they point the finger at the company/person who has to most money and go for the gold! HOW greedy a thing to do! Yes, it is sad, but this could have happened anywhere and at any time.. who would they blame if it happened on their own sidewalk, etc.? People need to accept responsibility for their own actions and not blame others.

dawnsdorkydisneydiary

Friday 6th of December 2013

Great Article Janice! We did something similar on Mousequest Podcast Episode 48 titled "How to be a good guest" it lets guests know, don't automatically blame the cast member or Disney! Kudos

Bobbi Kramer

Friday 6th of December 2013

Yes, this is TOTALLY a tragedy for the family of this poor woman, but in NO WAY is this the fault of Disney. The MOST I can see Disney being 'responsible' for is immediate attention for the woman with her broken leg. I am sure she has insurance that will cover her medical bills in the hospital. And yes, blood clots are sadly a very possible chance after surgery. Patients sign a form before all surgeries about the chance of blood clots post op. That being said, I find it hard to believe that Disney was negligent in this case. In the hundreds of times I've ridden the Jungle Cruise over the years, never ONCE did the Disney CM assigned to the ride NOT ask me if I would like assistance, either boarding the ride, or getting off of the ride! And if a CM had seen the woman trying to board the boat holding a child, they surely would have just gone ahead and helped her without asking if she wanted help first. I hope Disney wins this case.