Family Settles Amusement Park Accident Lawsuit

Anaheim, CAThe family of a young boy seriously injured in an amusement park accident has settled its lawsuit with Knott's Berry Farm. The horrific theme park accident occurred on one of the park's roller coasters and resulted in injury to a 12-year-old boy. Meanwhile, another theme park accident has resulted in injuries to a young girl.

The family of Kyle Wheeler settled a lawsuit against Knott's Berry Farm for an undisclosed amount, putting an end to an ordeal that began when the boy rode the Xcelerator roller coaster in September 2009. According to the Los Angeles Times (08/27/11), Kyle was on the roller coaster when a launch cable snapped, split the car in half and gashed Kyle's left leg.

Following the horrific accident, Kyle required multiple surgeries and skin grafts and physical therapy for his knee and ankle. The family's lawyer said that they have put out $60,000 in medical bills so far and will have to pay $30,000 for a future operation to remove scar tissue from Kyle's leg.

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health examined the roller coaster and blamed the accident on improper maintenance on the part of Knott's Berry Farm and the ride's manufacturer.

Meanwhile, an accident at Mariner's Landing Pier, in Wildwood, New Jersey, resulted in a 13-year-old girl being taken to the hospital. According to The Star-Ledger (08/20/11), the mast of a pirate ship ride snapped while the ride was in motion. The young girl was taken to the hospital with undisclosed injuries while four other people were treated for minor injuries at the scene.

This is the second serious accident at the amusement park this summer. In June, an 11-year-old girl died after she fell from the Ferris wheel. Abiah Jones was on a class trip when she rode on the Ferris wheel. Her parents filed a lawsuit against the ride's operator, although no cause for the accident has been cited. A report released after the accident indicated that, to fall from the gondola, a passenger would likely have to stand up. The report recommended that children not be allowed to ride alone in Ferris wheels.