As the investigation into the death of a woman who fell to her death from the Texas Giant roller coaster, more reports emerge regarding amusement ride inspections, says Frenkel & Frenkel.
As the investigation continues into the tragic death of a woman who fell from the Texas Giant roller coaster at the Six Flags over Texas amusement park, details are emerging about the inspection requirements of amusement rides in the state. A death and serious injury occurred during the 2011 and 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, prior to the death of Rosa Ayala-Goana in July at the Six Flags Park. Daily Inspections The amusement rides at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo require daily inspections as they are traveling amusements, which require far more inspections than rides similar to the Texas Giant, considered a fixed amusement park ride. Texas Department of Insurance has oversight over amusement park inspections, yet the department allows those inspections to be self-regulated by the operators of the park and the insurance companies that cover them. Texas agencies do not conduct inspections of the rides or instigate safety investigations when someone is injured or killed on a ride. Hi Roller Incident In 2011, Brian Greenhouse, fell to his death from the Hi Miler roller coaster at the 2011 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, landing on another visitor to the carnival, who suffered a broken ankle. After the incident, it was discovered that many reports of loosening safety restraints on the ride were discovered, many of which were reported to attendants who did nothing to address or report the situation. As a travelling amusement park ride, the Hi Miler was required to undergo a daily inspection, yet the many reports of safety restraints working improperly indicates that these inspections were not thorough. Amusement Park Ride Inspection Overhaul According to witnesses, Ms. Ayala-Goana informed the attendant that her safety restraint was not latching properly moments before the ride began moving. The attendant did not address Ms. Ayala-Goana’s concerns, much like the attendants in the Hi Roller incident ignored riders who claimed the safety harnesses failed. Many are calling for stronger inspections and better reporting of injuries on amusement park rides, claiming that allowing the amusement parks to police themselves regarding safety is not working. When an injury or death occurs on an amusement park ride, a negligence or product liability claim may be in order. Contact Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel to schedule a free consultation regarding an amusement park injury that may have been caused by carelessness, lack of inspections or defective ride components.
