Six Flags over Tragedy: Friday at Six Flags in Arlington, a woman tumbled from the Texas Giant roller coaster and fell to a tragic death far below. Our amusement park accident attorneys emphasize that the Texas Giant is 14 stories high. The woman’s young son was on the roller coaster with her when the tragedy occurred.
Witnesses indicated that the safety restraint might have been inadequately secured before the Texas Giant ride started, and that the restraint came loose as the ride was in progress. And that’s when the woman fell to her death, screaming. Authorities haven’t made any official pronouncements on the woman’s actual cause of death or the reasons for the fall. And ultimately, our amusement park accident attorneys understand full well that a thorough investigation should be conducted to determine all of the contributing factors to the accident.
Ride Operator Error as a Cause of Serious Injuries and Fatal Ride Accidents
Ride operator error is not an unusual cause of ride accidents. Ride operators are sometimes very young, bored, and/or underpaid. The priority they place on ride safety might be somewhat different from the emphasis that you would place on safety. Click the link to read about ride operator error as a cause of serious injuries and fatal ride accidents.
Inadequate Maintenance and Equipment Failure as Possible Causes of Fatal Ride Accidents
Frequent safety inspections and careful maintenance are necessary to keep amusement park rides safe and in good operating condition. Our amusement park accident attorneys recently helped resolve a case brought by the family of a man, Brian Greenhouse, who fell about three stories to his death from the Hi Miler roller coaster at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March 2011. The ride was owned by Ray Cammack Shows and was part of a traveling carnival that operated at large events across the country.
Mr. Greenhouse fell from the roller coaster when his lap bar released at the top of an incline. Investigation of the accident revealed that this very lap bar had released in several previous incidents. Riders of the Hi Miler had reported the danger more than once, but ride operators had ignored their complaints. And the ride owner had not taken steps to secure the lap bar after their complaints.
Negligent maintenance was alleged as a cause of the lap bar failure. Accident investigations showed that the screw that was supposed to hold the latching pin secure was out of place after the man’s fatal fall. The displacement of the screw had allowed the lap bar to move around freely and release the man at a critical point in the ride. Our amusement park accident attorneys were successful in presenting strong evidence regarding the ride owner’s fault in causing the problem that led to the fatal fall from the roller coaster and in winning a $2.7 million settlement for Mr. Greenhouse’s family. Watch our video to learn more about the Greenhouse victory in the case.
The man who died in the fall from the Hi Miler was the father of a 6-year-old boy. Just as the woman who fell from the Texas Giant roller coaster was the mother of a child who was on the ride with her.
Obtaining Just Financial Compensation after a Serious Roller Coaster Accident
Our experienced amusement park accident attorneys at Denena Points, PC were able to help the family of the man who fell from the Hi Miler win $2.7 million in just compensation for the grievous loss they needlessly suffered. We could help you and your family too if you’ve suffered a tragic roller coaster accident.
Contact us for an entirely free and confidential initial legal consultation to discuss the tragedy and evaluate your potential for the just financial recovery you deserve after your needless losses. You have no obligation to hire an attorney. And we never charge you attorneys’ fees unless we win your case, so there’s no financial risk to you. Reach us at 281-369-4363 or through our online contact form. Let us help you find justice.