Theme Park Injuries, MDL Momentum, PI Firms Can’t Ignore This

Universal Faces Multiple Lawsuits After Theme-Park Ride Injuries

Multiple lawsuits were filed on December 18, 2025, alleging that guests at Universal Orlando Resort’s Stardust Racers roller coaster sustained severe and permanent injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, strokes, paralysis, and brain bleeds.

The complaints claim negligent design and inadequate restraints following the death of a rider three months earlier. Plaintiffs’ lawyers say they intend to push discovery for engineering and safety records.

💡Why it matters: This cluster of filings demonstrates a mass-tort–like trend in high-profile amusement ride injury litigation. If these cases consolidate or see coordinated discovery pushes, plaintiffs’ counsel could establish playbooks applicable to other product liability fronts in 2026.

Depo-Provera Lawsuit Momentum Accelerates (MDL Update)

New scientific evidence linking the contraceptive Depo-Provera to meningioma brain tumors has contributed to a substantial uptick in filings in the federal MDL as of December 2025.

Over 1,400 cases are now pending, with 245 added in November alone, compared with just a handful in prior months — signaling renewed plaintiff interest and active federal docket movement. The FDA has also updated the label to reflect reported tumor risks.

💡Why it matters: Fast-moving MDLs with emerging science can set liability baselines early, influence expert framing, and shape settlement expectations in parallel state and federal suits.

PI firms tracking product or pharmaceutical injury lines should keep an eye on Depo-Provera’s procedural milestones in early 2026.

2026 Valuation Lookahead — Build “Demand Bands” Now

Headline-making verdicts and filings ripple into every firm’s case value expectations.

Here’s how top firms are using year-end data to sharpen leverage:

Tactic — Demand Band Modeling:

💡 Why it works: This helps you avoid over- or under-demanding in initial negotiations and ensures that your case valuations align with what the market is actually doing as 2026 begins.

Template: “Intent-Driven Retargeting Sequence”

If your firm isn’t retargeting high-intent prospects this holiday season (e.g., car crash, workplace injury, slip-and-fall), you’re leaving revenue on the table.

Here’s a simple breakdown you can test:

💡 Why it works: Retargeting reduces friction for hesitant prospects by keeping your value front of mind right after initial engagement — and can flip undecided viewers into consults as the year closes.

Morgan & Morgan — 2025 Industry Recognition

National plaintiff’s powerhouse Morgan & Morgan announced major industry honors in 2025 — including Products Liability/Mass Torts Litigation Department of the Year and finalist nods for multiple Law Firm of the Year designations across legal outlets like Law360 and National Law Journal.

Why we picked them:

Recognition across multiple peer and industry platforms suggests a firm that balances case results with strategic visibility — something every PI practice should consider in their positioning strategy.

Steal this tactic:

Build a recognition calendar for your firm — track peer reviews and awards (Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, local business accolades) and feature them actively in marketing and client messaging. Recognition compounds credibility over time.

EvenUp’s Medical Management Product

Recent tech developments in personal injury legal operations include EvenUp’s new Medical Management tool, now available to help firms track clients’ care in real time and reduce treatment gaps that can erode case value.

Why it matters:

Medical interruptions or undocumented treatments are a common weak point in PI cases. A structured medical management system helps you monitor:

Actionable insight:

Consider layering medical tracking tools into your case operations stack now — especially for complex, long-haul injury files. It’s not just intake or research tech; this improves core case strength.

Until next time,

-The PI Brief

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