A newly filed lawsuit claims that Family Kingdom’s Swamp Fox rollercoaster left a North Carolina man paralyzed.
“Defendants knew or should have known that the roller coaster required extensive maintenance and refurbishment prior to use and encouraging persons to use the roller coaster when it was unreasonably dangerous and unsafe with a significant potential to cause serious injuries to its users,” the lawsuit says.
On Thursday, the man’s wife sued the iconic Ocean Boulevard amusement park, alleging negligence and ultra hazardous activities.
In July 2021, the couple from North Carolina visited the park and rode the 2,4000-foot coaster that reaches speeds of 75 mph.
The man sustained a spinal cord injury that resulted in quadriplegia. The lawsuit names Family Kingdom, Leigh Meese, and Ocean Avenue Attractions LLC as defendants.
It is alleged that defendants knew or should have known that the roller coaster required extensive maintenance and refurbishment prior to use. They encouraged people to use the roller coaster when it was unsafe and unreasonably dangerous, with a significant risk of serious injuries.
She had a history of back problems, but said she has ridden roller coasters without trouble in the past.
Unspecified financial damages are sought by the man’s wife.
Family Kingdom has been sued for the coaster several times since it opened in 1966.
In 2019, a Horry County woman sued, saying the ride was too rough and dangerous.
The park also failed to adequately warn customers that the Swamp Fox roller coaster was significantly more dangerous than typical roller coasters.
“However, the Swamp Fox Rollercoaster was much rougher than a normal roller coaster, and rose up off the tracks and slammed back down again, aggravating Plaintiff’s prior back injuries.”, the suit claims.
Family Kingdom Lawsuit by MyrtleBeachSC news