Woman Files Lawsuit After Suffering TBI on Roller Coaster
Roller coasters can be fun and exhilarating, but they do come with risks. These rides travel at high speeds, often make sharp turns, and even go upside down. Even if the rider remains inside the ride and does not fall out, these movements can be hard on the body. One woman claims she suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) while riding a roller coaster.
The Florida woman has filed a lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort. She claims that riding one of the theme park’s roller coasters caused her to suffer a traumatic brain injury. The woman and her husband, from Broward County, are seeking damages of more than $50,000, according to the lawsuit.
The incident happened on February 11, 2023, when the woman rode the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. The ride takes guests on a climb toward the sky at a 90-degree angle before a quick drop in which speeds reach more than 65 miles per hour. The woman claims that her head shook violently and slammed into her seat’s headrest all throughout the ride.
According to the lawsuit, the theme park failed to properly restrain the woman’s head. They also failed to adequately warn her that her head would be shaken and slammed during the ride, as the warning signs were considered “inadequate.”
The woman allegedly suffered severe and permanent personal injuries as a result of riding the roller coaster. She suffered a brain injury, physical impairment, and mental anguish, according to the lawsuit. She and her husband are demanding a jury trial.
Can You Get a TBI on a Roller Coaster?
This lawsuit may scare people. Can you really get a TBI from riding a roller coaster? In the past, many medical professionals believed that the high gravitational forces (G-forces) induced by roller coasters could pose a significant TBI risk. Further research on head injuries, however, has shown that G-forces alone cannot predict TBI.
Research also shows that the linear and rotational components of head acceleration during roller coaster rides were milder than those induced by many common activities, such as running and playing sports. Even though the head may move back and forth during a roller coaster ride, there appears to be an extremely low risk of TBI.
However, that does not mean it is impossible. If the head is hit hard enough, a TBI could occur.
Contact a Personal Injury Today
Roller coasters can be fun, but they can be fast and experience drops at high altitudes, resulting in injuries to riders. Riders need to understand the risks involved, but amusement parks and operators need to be aware of safety issues as well.
Brain injuries can cause lasting damage. If you have suffered one, contact a Tampa traumatic brain injury attorney from Moore Law. This is a scary time, so let us protect your rights and help you get the justice you deserve. Schedule a consultation by calling 813-510-5400 or filling out the online form.
Source:
foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/florida-woman-sues-universal-orlando-alleges-traumatic-brain-injury-riding-coaster-lawsuit
