Six Flags Sued: Did Roller Coaster Design Cause Preventable Brain Injury?

Each year, millions of thrill-seekers flock to amusement parks like Six Flags, enticed by the adrenaline rush of high-speed roller coasters. While these parks strive to provide safe entertainment, accidents can and do happen. According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the chance of suffering a serious injury on a ride in an amusement park in the U.S. is 1 in 15.5 million rides taken. When injuries occur, questions arise about the safety of ride designs and whether negligence played a role. Recently, the spotlight has turned to Six Flags, with a lawsuit alleging that a roller coaster design led to a preventable brain injury.

Understanding the Lawsuit

The core question is: Can a roller coaster’s design be inherently dangerous, leading to injuries that could have been prevented? This is at the heart of many personal injury lawsuits against amusement parks.

In March 2025, a lawsuit was filed against Six Flags Magic Mountain following the death of a 22-year-old San Diego State University graduate. The lawsuit alleges that Christopher Hawley sustained a fatal brain injury while riding the X2 roller coaster in June 2022. The family claims the ride came to an abrupt halt, resulting in a catastrophic subdural hematoma. The lawsuit further alleges negligence, design defect, and failure to warn riders of potential dangers associated with the X2 roller coaster. The family is pursuing $10 million in damages, with a trial date scheduled for October 13.

Roller Coaster Accidents and Injuries

Roller coaster accidents, though relatively rare, can result in serious injuries. These injuries can range from soft tissue damage and whiplash to more severe conditions like traumatic brain injuries.

Common Types of Roller Coaster Injuries:

Head and Neck Injuries: Whiplash, concussions, and other head trauma can occur due to the sudden acceleration, deceleration, and jerky movements of roller coasters.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries are common due to the forces exerted on the body during rides.
Brain Injuries: In rare cases, roller coasters can cause brain injuries such as subdural hematomas or hemorrhages.

The Role of Roller Coaster Design

The design of a roller coaster plays a crucial role in its safety. Factors such as the track layout, speed, G-forces, and restraint systems all contribute to the overall risk of injury. If a roller coaster is poorly designed or fails to meet industry safety standards, it can increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Design Considerations:

G-Forces: Roller coasters exert G-forces on riders, which can cause stress on the body. Excessive G-forces, especially sustained over longer periods, can lead to injuries.
Restraint Systems: Properly designed and maintained restraint systems are essential for keeping riders safely secured during the ride. Malfunctioning or inadequate restraints can lead to riders being thrown from the ride or sustaining injuries.
Track Layout: The track layout, including the sharpness of turns, steepness of drops, and presence of inversions, can impact the forces exerted on riders. Poorly designed track layouts can increase the risk of whiplash or other injuries.

Proving Negligence in Roller Coaster Injury Cases

To win a roller coaster injury lawsuit, it’s crucial to establish negligence on the part of the amusement park or ride manufacturer. This typically involves demonstrating that the defendant had a duty of care to ensure the safety of riders, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused the injury.

Elements of a Negligence Claim:

Duty of Care: Amusement parks have a duty to provide a safe environment for their guests, including ensuring that rides are properly designed, maintained, and operated.
Breach of Duty: A breach of duty occurs when the amusement park fails to meet its duty of care. This could involve negligent design, inadequate maintenance, or improper operation of the ride.
Causation: The plaintiff must prove that the breach of duty directly caused their injuries. This requires demonstrating a clear link between the negligent act and the resulting harm.
Damages: The plaintiff must prove that they suffered damages as a result of their injuries. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Preventable Brain Injury

The question of whether a brain injury sustained on a roller coaster was “preventable” is central to cases like the Six Flags lawsuit. To demonstrate preventability, it must be shown that the injury resulted from a known or foreseeable risk that the park could have mitigated through safer design, better warnings, or more rigorous safety measures.

Factors Suggesting Preventability:

Prior Incidents: Evidence of previous accidents or injuries on the same ride or similar rides can indicate a known risk.
Design Flaws: Expert testimony can establish that the ride’s design was inherently dangerous or failed to meet industry safety standards.
Inadequate Warnings: If the park failed to adequately warn riders about the potential risks of the ride, this can support a claim of negligence.
Maintenance Issues: Poor maintenance or inspection practices can contribute to preventable injuries.

The Role of Regulations and Standards

While there are no mandatory national safety standards for amusement rides in the U.S., the industry adheres to voluntary standards developed by ASTM International. These standards cover various aspects of ride design, manufacturing, operation, and maintenance. Many states incorporate these standards into their regulatory laws.

Key Regulatory Aspects:

State Oversight: States are primarily responsible for regulating and inspecting fixed-site amusement parks.
ASTM Standards: Amusement parks widely follow ASTM International standards, which provide guidelines for ride safety.
Inspections: Amusement parks conduct routine inspections, and state regulatory officials, third-party inspectors, and insurance companies also carry out inspections.

What to Do If You’re Injured on a Roller Coaster

If you or a loved one has been injured on a roller coaster, it’s essential to take the following steps:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get immediate medical attention for your injuries.
Report the Incident: Report the incident to the amusement park management and obtain a copy of the incident report.
Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible, including photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and any documentation related to the ride.
Consult an Attorney: Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in amusement park accident cases. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through the claims process.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Amusement park injury cases can be complex, involving intricate legal and technical issues. An experienced attorney can help you navigate these challenges and build a strong case to recover the compensation you deserve.

How an Attorney Can Help:

Investigate the Accident: An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to determine the cause and identify all liable parties.
Gather Evidence: An attorney can gather evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to support your claim.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies: An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement.
File a Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Conclusion

The lawsuit against Six Flags highlights the importance of roller coaster safety and the potential consequences of negligent design or operation. While roller coasters can provide thrilling experiences, it’s crucial for amusement parks to prioritize safety and take all necessary precautions to protect their guests. If you or a loved one has been injured on a roller coaster, seeking legal assistance can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.