Amusement parks are a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike, but unfortunately, accidents can and do happen. When an accident occurs at an amusement park, it can result in serious injuries or even death. In some cases, the victims or their families may choose to pursue legal action against the park, resulting in large lawsuit payouts. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most notable amusement park accidents that resulted in high lawsuit payments.
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Six Flags Magic Mountain, California – Superman: The Escape
In 2001, a 28-year-old man was riding Superman: The Escape at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California when he was ejected from the coaster’s car and fell 115 feet to his death. The victim’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Six Flags, alleging that the park failed to properly maintain the ride and ensure the safety of its riders.
The case was settled in 2003 for an undisclosed amount, but reports suggest that the payout was in the range of $20-30 million. The family was represented by attorney Gary A. Dordick and had an amusement park ride expert witness testify on their behalf.
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Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, Kentucky – Superman Tower of Power
In 2007, a 13-year-old girl suffered serious injuries when a cable snapped on the Superman Tower of Power ride at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. The cable severed the girl’s feet just above the ankle, resulting in the amputation of both legs below the knee.
The victim’s family filed a lawsuit against Six Flags, alleging that the park failed to properly maintain the ride and ensure the safety of its riders. The case was settled in 2010 for $10 million. The family was represented by attorney Mark Edwards and had an amusement park ride expert witness testify on their behalf.
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Cedar Point, Ohio – Shoot the Rapids
In 2013, seven people were injured when a boat on the Shoot the Rapids water ride at Cedar Point in Ohio flipped over. The passengers were trapped in the water as the boat continued to move along the ride’s course, resulting in injuries such as concussions, whiplash, and back injuries.
Several of the injured passengers filed lawsuits against Cedar Point, alleging that the park failed to properly maintain the ride and ensure the safety of its riders. The cases were settled in 2016 for a total of $1.7 million. The plaintiffs were represented by attorneys Jeffrey A. Friedman and Kevin F. Kurgis and had an amusement park ride expert witness testify on their behalf.
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Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Kansas – Verrückt
In 2016, a 10-year-old boy was killed on the Verrückt water slide at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas. The boy was riding in a raft with two other passengers when the raft went airborne and struck a metal pole, killing the boy and injuring the other passengers.
The victim’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Schlitterbahn, alleging that the park failed to properly design, build, and maintain the ride. The case was settled in 2018 for $20 million. The family was represented by attorney Michael Rader and had an amusement park ride expert witness testify on their behalf.
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Ohio State Fair, Ohio – Fire Ball
In 2017, an 18-year-old man was killed and several others were injured when the Fire Ball ride at the Ohio State Fair malfunctioned. The ride’s gondola detached from the ride’s support beam and went flying through the air, resulting in the death and injuries.
Several of the injured passengers and the family of the deceased victim filed lawsuits against the ride’s manufacturer, the ride’s operator, and the state of Ohio.
Exercise Equipment Expert Witness
Anamusement park ride expert witnessis a professional with extensive knowledge and experience in the design, manufacturing, and safety standards of exercise equipment. They can be called upon to provide testimony in legal cases involving personal injury or product liability related to exercise equipment.
