With over a dozen locations spread throughout the country, Six Flags is one of the most famous, beloved, and immediately recognizable theme parks in the United States. But while Six Flags provides family fun and warm memories for the overwhelming majority of its visitors, several accidents have taken place in the past.
If you were hurt in an accident at Six Flags, you may be able to receive compensation for the pain, suffering, and financial hardship your injuries have burdened you with. An experienced attorney may be able to help. To schedule a completely free and confidential legal consultation, call the Six Flags accident injury lawyers of The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 709-6940. If the statute of limitations expires, you will no longer have the opportunity to file a claim, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Call our law offices today to start exploring your options.
How Our Six Flags Accident Injury Attorneys Can Help
When you enter an amusement park, you rightfully assume that all of the proper precautions have been taken to protect your safety as a paying customer. Rides must be assembled to specifications, regularly inspected, and subject to routine maintenance. Ride operators must be vigilant, attentive, and properly trained to safely run the park’s attractions. Finally, the premises itself must be kept reasonably free of hazardous conditions to help ensure visitor safety. If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one, in certain situations the park may be financially liable for your losses.
Let the knowledgeable theme park accident lawyers of The Reiff Law Firm help you seek the justice you deserve. Our committed legal team is equipped with more than 34 years of practical experience handling a broad spectrum of personal injury and wrongful death matters related to amusement parks, and have litigated cases involving a wide variety of injuries and attractions. When you need the support of an aggressive, client-focused, results-oriented legal team, you can call on The Reiff Law Firm for assistance.
Common Accidents and Injuries at Six Flags
Six Flags made its world debut in 1962. In more than half a century of operation, fatal and nonfatal incidents have been documented.
Most recently, in July of 2014, the Ninja Coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California experienced problems after the front of the coaster train collided with a fallen tree branch. The train immediately derailed from the track, stranding approximately two dozen riders for several hours before rescue arrived. Several passengers were hospitalized with head injuries.
Other documented incidents include:
- July 19, 2000 — A 12-year-old girl lost part of her right big toe on the Cajun Cliffhanger, which is no longer in operation. The accident was attributed to improper ride operation.
- May 1, 2004 — A 55-year-old man was ejected from Superman: Ride of Steel. The man later passed away from his injuries.
- June 21, 2007 — A 13-year-old girl’s feet were severed by a broken cable on the Superman: Tower of Power.
Injuries at Six Flags Magic Mountain
As previously reported, the accident on the Magic Mountain roller coaster occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on July 7th, 2014. A tree branch fell onto the Ninja’s track. The branch became lodged in the track and did not fall to the ground. The ride operator apparently did not notice the branch. When the coaster was launched, it traveled as expected until it hit the debris on the track and became derailed. The derailment of the roller coaster train left 22 people stranded precariously in the air. While initial reports pegged the Ninja-riders as being stranded at 20 feet, new reports have concluded that the riders were actually suspended nearly 40 feet in the air. As of July 15th, 2014, the roller coaster was still closed to guests. Meanwhile, the California division of OSHA has opened an investigation into the incident.
While firefighters and other rescue workers worked bravely, it appears that some serious injuries could not be avoided. Initial reports identified four minor injuries, but it appears that after having the opportunity to undergo medical evaluation additional injuries were identified. Two riders, Jeremy Ead and Olivia Feldman, alleged that they suffered a serious injury as a result of the Ninja accident. Ead claims that the tree branch on the tracks struck him in the head and caused serious injury — a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Both Ead and Feldman have filed lawsuits in federal court alleging that Six Flags Magic Mountain failed “to provide a safe and fit vehicle, so as to cause plaintiff to suffer injuries and damages.” They are seeking seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages and attorneys fees.One can only speculate as to the fear and anxiety each rider experienced as they wondered if they would step safely onto solid ground again.
Teen Worker Dies at Six Flags Great Adventure
Amusement parks are typical settings for fun times and relaxed group activities. Usually a trip to a theme park or state fair means getting your mind off whatever may be causing you stress and even enjoying a safe thrill. Unfortunately, due to several deaths and severe injuries that have occurred at amusement parks this summer, many of us are probably beginning to feel a little more concerned about our safety while visiting these attractions. However, it has probably not occurred to us that even the workers at these parks are at serious risk for injury as well. The recent tragedy at Six Flags Great Adventure provides a devastating example.
Six Flags Great Adventure is a world-famous amusement park located in Jackson, New Jersey. Six Flags has been a long-time favorite among thrill seekers and roller coaster lovers. Tragically, the beloved park was the site of a devastating accident on Wednesday, September 6th. A 19-year-old worker was stringing lights near a fountain when he was struck by a lift truck. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
There are not many details on the accident at this time and police are conducting an ongoing investigation. No additional injuries were reported as a result of the accident and the worker’s name has not been released. A spokeswoman for Six Flags commented: “We are deeply saddened by our colleague’s passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Who is Injured Most Often at Six Flags Amusement Parks?
In general, it is estimated that amusement park accidents in the United States are split almost evenly between children and adults, though children between 10 and 14 account for approximately 20% of documented incidents.
While many people associate accidents with roller coasters, rides of any type can trigger catastrophe, including small, slow rides intended for young children and family entertainment. In fact, one study published in Clinical Pediatrics determined that seemingly harmless carousels and merry-go-rounds accounted for approximately one-fifth of all accidents involving children.
Furthermore, it is important to point out that not all injuries which occur at theme parks are necessarily related to a ride. For example, if the conditions are correct, a slip and fall accident can easily occur. According to the CDC, accidents of this type are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults aged 65 and older. These falls can be caused by factors like slippery patches, loose cables on the ground, and loose or broken railings.
Common injuries which accident victims might experience include:
- Back Injuries
- Bone Fractures
- Head Injuries
- Lacerations
- Neck Injuries
- Paralysis
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
Workers, Not Only Riders, Are at Risk for Amusement Park Injuries
We often hear news stories about amusement park visitors being injured and even killed. Our blog has reported extensively this summer on the tragic death that occurred at the Ohio State Fair in July. However, we rarely hear about the park’s employees and ride operators getting hurt. As evidenced by the tragedy at Six Flags Great Adventure, working at these parks can be just as, if not more dangerous, than visiting them. Working at these parks involves operating heavy machinery and electrical equipment, and often doing so from a very dangerous height. Making routine repairs, and especially making repairs to malfunctioning machinery, can also pose a serious threat. These rides are regularly inspected and follow strict guidelines regarding their upkeep, but unfortunately this is not enough to avoid accidents. It is purely speculation at this point in the investigation, but it is possible that some Six Flags park safety protocols were either insufficient to prevent this type of accident, or simply not followed by park workers. If you are injured at work we highly recommend you seek a workers compensation attorneys
Injuries Suffered by Workers at Amusement Parks
Nearly 100,000 injuries are reported each year from lift truck (or fork-lift) accidents. Improper training and carelessness on the job are usually to blame. Out of the approximately 855,900 forklifts at use in the U.S., about 11 percent of them will be involved in a forklift accident.
Construction work is known to be one of the most dangerous occupations in America, and those who work at theme parks face many of the same risks. Electrical accidents and falls also make up a significant portion of injuries suffered by amusement park and fair employees. Though there are many safety guidelines in place intended to avoid these accidents, they still occur on an alarmingly frequent basis. If you have been injured attending or working at a theme park, it is essential to seek legal help.
Common Six Flags Waterpark Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injury in the United States. Areas near water, such as pool decks and marina docks, can be especially hazardous to unsuspecting victims because they are typically wet. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has set out specific requirements for marina dock and swimming pool owners and operators to prevent slip and fall accidents. Marina docks must have non-slip surfaces, be maintained in non-slip conditions, and stairs must have non-slip surfaces. The ADA requires places of public accommodation, like marinas and swimming pools, to have walking surfaces with a coefficient of friction of at least 0.6. When surfaces become wet, a higher coefficient of friction is needed to prevent slipping and serious injuries that may result.
Areas around rides, pools, and changing areas can become slippery because of water, contaminants, cleaning residue, and algae and mold growth, and property owners are obligated to take corrective actions to ensure walkways are safe. Areas constructed from wood decking can warp and splinter, pulling nails loose and causing a tripping hazard if not properly maintained. Wood decking can also rot and decay, becoming weak and soft, creating a risk of breaking or collapsing and seriously injuring those unfortunate enough to be using the area. Regular cleaning and maintenance of common and pools areas can prevent thousands of slip and fall accidents. Most slip and fall accidents are caused by an unexpected change in walking surfaces, so swimming pool and waterpark visitors should be warned if surfaces may become slick or pose a slipping hazard.
When property owners fail to maintain their premises in safe conditions, and fail to provide non-slip walkways or warn of potentially hazardous conditions, Pennsylvania premises liability law will hold them liable for injuries that may occur on their premises. Slip and fall accidents can cause catastrophic injuries like broken bones, closed head injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, paraplegia, quadriplegia, herniated discs, and lacerations, and can even lead to drowning and death if the victim falls into nearby water. Serious injuries like these can require life-long medical care, and lead to thousands of dollars in expenses. Many times, injuries victims suffer can cause permanent disability and prevent them from being able to work and provide income for their families.
Six Flags Accident Injury Attorneys With the Experience in Premises Liability You Need
If you or a loved one was injured at a theme park or water park in Pennsylvania, the park may be responsible for your injuries, and may owe you financial compensation. You need someone on your side with the experience and understanding of Pennsylvania’s premises liability law to ensure you are compensated for you or your loved ones’ injuries. For over 50 years, the skill and commitment of our attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm have helped win clients millions. We can help you investigate the cause of your injuries, and determine if someone’s carelessness or negligence contributed to your slip and fall accident.
With hundreds of millions awarded, multimillion-dollar verdicts, and a proven track record of success representing slip and fall victims and their families, The Reiff Law Firm will work hard to help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering caused by a slip and fall, and we will fight to ensure your rights are protected and justice is obtained. Contact our Philadelphia amusement park accident lawyers today to learn more about how we can protect your rights and restore your hopes and dreams.
If you or a loved one have been injured at a theme park, whether as a patron or employee, it is essential to contact an experienced attorney. The national amusement park injury attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm may be able to take your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. We have decades of experience handling amusement park injury cases and are dedicated to ensuring that negligent third parties are held accountable. To find out what your case may be worth, call (215) 709-6940 for a free consultation with our amusement park injury lawyers.
