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Harrowing roller coaster death under investigation

On Behalf of | Jul 25, 2013 | Wrongful Death

Virginia amusement park operators are following the news of the death of a Texas mother who fell to her death from a roller coaster at a Six Flags amusement park closely. Wrongful death claims are often filed after such a tragedy once its causes are discovered.

The 52-year-old woman reportedly fell from the 14-story “Texas Giant” roller coaster as it rounded a turn. A witness on the ride told authorities that she seemed to have trouble with her safety restraint and thought it looked “loose.” Two of the woman’s children were on the ride and saw their mother fall. Her grown son, who was nearby at the park, was prevented from immediately rushing to the ride by police.

The Texas Giant roller coaster was built in 1990 as an all-wooden coaster, but was rebuilt and debuted as a wood and steel ride in 2011. The woman’s death is only the second ride fatality ever at this Six Flags park. An Arkansas woman was killed in 1999 when her boat capsized during a “Roaring Rapids” ride. Ten other park visitors were injured in that incident, and nine were injured in 2006 when a “Texas Tornado” ride malfunctioned.

Fatal accidents are always devastating, not only in terms of dollars and cents but also in the pain and suffering of family and friends left behind. At times like these, an experienced wrongful death attorney may be able to help relieve some of the burden by negotiating compensation from those deemed responsible for the death. Such an attorney may work on the loved ones’ behalf in court, allowing those affected to concentrate their efforts and attention on the long road to emotional recovery.

Source: Bloomberg, “Six Flags investigates fatal accident on Texas giant coaster”, Dan Hart, July 21, 2013

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