Jury Rejects $34.7M in Roller Coaster Brain Injury Lawsuit
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In recent news, a Los Angeles jury found in favor of Six Flags Magic Mountain, clearing them of all liability in a long-running lawsuit claiming one of the amusement park’s roller coasters caused a visiting girl’s traumatic brain injury.
The Case: Talia Wise v. Six Flags, et al.
The Court: Los Angeles County Superior Court.
The Case No.: BC679307
The Plaintiff: Talia Wise v. Six Flags, et al.
The plaintiff in the case, Talia Wise, claimed the Green Lantern ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain caused damage to her brain in 2015 when she was 13 years old. Wise claimed the Green Lantern rollercoaster ride’s individually spinning seat design was unsafe. (The ride was closed in 2019 after generating some controversy among coaster enthusiasts). The plaintiff argued that due to the rollercoaster design causing her head to snap back and forth violently, she started suffering physical symptoms, including nausea and weakness, immediately after leaving the ride. Wise claims the symptoms escalated into symptoms of alleged traumatic brain injury in the following months. Wise’s counsel argued that Six Flags Magic Mountain should have responded after 44 other first aid incidents related to the Green Lantern rollercoaster and riders allegedly complaining of head-related symptoms.
The Defendant: Talia Wise v. Six Flags, et al.
The defendant in the case, Six Flags Magic Mountain, responded to arguments that no riders on the Green Lantern rollercoaster, including Wise, were subjected to g-forces that could have caused any brain injuries at any time. According to Six Flags Magic Mountain spokespersons and experts, Wise’s initial symptoms at the park resulted from dehydration, and the symptoms that developed over the following months resulted from underlying psychological issues. The legal team for Six Flags Magic Mountain also pointed out repeatedly that medical specialists hired by the plaintiff’s legal team failed to find any physical evidence of a brain injury. According to the Magic Mountain spokesperson, the safety of guests at Magic Mountain is one of the most important aspects of the Six Flags park operation. During the trial, park employees and experts presented information regarding the many safety tests and inspections in place to maintain visitor safety.
The Case: Talia Wise v. Six Flags, et al.
The plaintiff in the case sought approximately $34.7 million in damages. However, Six Flags Magic Mountain successfully argued that the medical records provided by the plaintiff contradicted her injury claims. They also pointed out to the jury that Wise led a productive life after visiting Magic Mountain, even gaining admission to several colleges post-high school. The trial began on August 4th. One day after hearing closing arguments, the Los Angeles jury rejected the plaintiff’s claims and the $34.7M in damages she sought. In a 10-2 decision, the jury found that Magic Mountain’s Green Lantern rollercoaster did not cause traumatic brain injuries to 13-year-old Talia Wise in 2015.
If you have questions about how to file a California traumatic brain injury lawsuit, please get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys are ready to assist you in various law firm offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.
