Family Sues California Water Park After Boy Sustains Horrific Injuries

The parents of a 10-year-old boy who was injured after being flung over the edge of a three-story water slide are now suing the California water park where the incident occurred. According to a news report in the Daily Mail, a video of the ordeal captured the moment the boy was ejected from the slide at the Wave Water Park in Dublin near San Francisco back in May. The boy had emerged from the bottom of the Emerald Plunge ride and flew over the edge of the slide before skidding several feet on the concrete.

The boy suffered scrapes across his back, shoulder, arms and legs. His parents took him to the hospital for treatment of injuries after the incident, which apparently happened on the water park’s opening day, which was May 27. The family’s attorney has said they will be filing a lawsuit against the city of Dublin and the manufacturer of the slide, WhiteWater industries. City officials closed the water slide and another one close by and they’ve said it’ll remain closed until state safety officials give their approval for the city to reopen and operate them again.

Water Slide Accidents

Water slide accidents may be uncommon, but can be devastating when they do occur. On Aug. 7, 2016, Caleb Schwab, the 10-year-old son of Kansas Congressman Scott Schwab died from injuries while riding on the Verruckt at the Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City. The boy died from a fatal neck injury after he was decapitated. The family ended up receiving $20 million in settlement payments from the owner and operator of the water slide as well as general contractors and consultants involved in the project.

Liability Issues

Amusement parks or owners of such attractions have a responsibility to ensure that rides and attractions and properly constructed, installed and maintained. They are required to fix broken or malfunctioning parts. The design of a ride or attraction can also be important in such cases. When a ride accident occurs, a number of parties may be held responsible including but not limited to the ride owner, operator, contractors involved, the company that owns the park where the ride situated, etc.

Injured victims of ride accidents may be able to seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitative treatments, pain and suffering and emotional stress. An experienced amusement park accident lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5081593/Boy-injured-thrown-California-water-slide.html