Maryland Accident Law Blog
Earlier this month at Six Flags America, a roller coaster stalled in mid-air, trapping those aboard for four hours while emergency crews tried to reach them and bring them to safety. According to a report by US News and World Report, the “Joker Jinx” came to a complete stop just before reaching its highest point. The riders were stuck on the coaster 75 feet in the air.
According to a Six Flags spokesperson, the roller coaster has a sophisticated safety system in place that stops the ride whenever there is any safety concern. Therefore, the ride didn’t technically break down but stalled to prevent an unsafe situation. As far as Six Flags is concerned, there was no breach of safety, and the riders were never in danger. However, it probably didn’t feel that way for the two dozen people on the ride at the time.
Luckily, no one was hurt, even though it was a hot day and the riders were stuck in the sun for hours. Emergency crews were able to climb up the coaster and take down all the riders before anyone suffered any serious adverse condition.
The ride was closed after the event and remains closed pending the result of an investigation into why the coaster stalled.
Keeping Riders Safe
Amusements parks can be dangerous places, even when rides are working properly. However, when a ride malfunctions, the chance of something going wrong skyrockets. Although Six Flags has a fairly good track record when it comes to ride safety, the occasional human or mechanical error can jeopardize riders’ lives.
Thankfully, no one was harmed in this month’s incident at Six Flags America. However, that will not always be the case when a roller coaster malfunctions. Had there been serious injuries or even a death, Six Flags may have been liable for the accident, depending on the circumstances.
Business owners who invite customers onto their land owe those customers a duty to maintain safe premises. If there is a hazard on the business owner’s property that poses a threat to the public or a customer, the business owner must warn them that the hazard exists. When a business owner negligently maintains its premises and an injury occurs as a result, it can be held liable in a Maryland court of law.
Have You Been Injured While on Another’s Property?
If you have recently been injured while on the land of another or at a business, it may have been due to the landowner’s or business owner’s negligence in maintaining a safe environment. If so, you could be entitled to monetary damages to help compensate you for your medical expenses and pain and suffering. To learn more about the laws of premises liability in Maryland, and to speak to a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney about your potential case, click here, or call 410-654-3600 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Hopkins’ Gynecologist Videotaped Patient Exams, Resulting in $190 Million Class-Action Settlement, Maryland Accident Law Blog, July 23, 2014.
Woman Who Lost Husband and Two Sons When Home Depot Collapsed Sues Under Negligence Theory Maryland Accident Law Blog, August 20, 2014.