Terror on Amusement Park Rides

August and September usher in the last opportunities of summer to enjoy fun in the sun at festivals and amusement parks. But this year, families got more than they bargained for when amusement turned to terror. 

Below are some shocking events that occurred at various venues: 

• In August, 5-year-old Pradipla Sutradhar was riding the Sea Serpent kiddie coaster on Coney Island. Although he had twice before gone on the ride, Pradipla became scared on his third time around and attempted to exit the car while it was in motion. As his 8-year-old sister tried to restrain him, Pradipla crawled under the lap bar and jumped from the ride, breaking his leg. Despite the lack of harness for the ride, the park operator stated no violations of safety were committed. 
• The Oyster Festival in Norwalk, Connecticut was the site of a frightening accident on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in September. When a swing-type ride that lifts riders high into the air lost power and dropped down suddenly, 18 people were injured as riders were thrown into each other. Twelve children and one adult were transported to the hospital with non-serious injuries. 
• A Dallas woman was killed in July when she was ejected from the Texas Giant roller coaster in Fort Worth, Texas. Her family recently filed suit against the Six Flags amusement park claiming negligence in her death. 

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) reports that the odds of being injured at a fixed-site amusement park are one in 24 million. Those may be the numbers, but the fear, injury and death experienced by adults and children at amusement parks tell a different story. 

If you have questions about an injury you sustained on a park ride, seek experienced legal counsel.