Amusement Park Accidents



Beginning in 2017, we represented the family of a 10-year-old boy who was killed on a waterslide at the Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kansas when the raft in which he was riding became airborne and crashed into metal rods supporting the slide’s overhead netting.
The matter involved experts in polymer fiber science, biomechanical engineering, computer forensics, accident reconstruction, warnings operations, restraint devices, and ride design.
The case ultimately settled for $19.7 million, with contributions from the water park, the raft manufacturer, a consulting firm and the construction company that built the ride.
Mike Rader Discusses Amusement Park Accidents
Each case is unique. Every case starts with us getting to know you and your family. Our team will gather information and take steps to ensure evidence is properly preserved.
We will conduct a thorough investigation to identify who is responsible, confirm what happened, and determine theories of liability. We will put together a team of highly skilled experts in the industry to assist with the investigation and support the claims. We work with specialists in the fields of biomechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer forensics, accident reconstruction, warnings, operations, ride design, and scientific visualization.
Each amusement park accident case is different and requires a tailored legal and investigative strategy. From the moment our amusement park injury lawyers in Kansas City are brought in, they focus on preserving important evidence (like maintenance records, operator logs, and internal errors) that might help reveal a lapse in traditional safety protocols. We know and understand that time is of the essence in cases like these, especially when large corporate entities move quickly to protect their own best interests.
Our team at Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader has a deep knowledge and understanding of the regulations that govern amusement parks and has worked on cases against Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun, Silver Dollar City, Cedar Fair, and the Schlitterbahn water park. We know that amusement park companies often rely on complex liability structures, subcontracts, and insurance, and our team has the knowledge and tools available to pierce through those intricacies to hold the proper parties accountable after an accident.
Because amusement park accidents are both rare and often disastrous, they can draw intense media interest. BFRR will handle communication with media outlets so our clients can focus on what is important. Our team is adept at merging legal and PR strategies, from media statements and press conferences to the implications of press coverage on potential jurors.
Our attorneys and staff at Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader are committed to protecting our clients’ privacy, rights, and long-term well-being throughout the legal process, especially when the injuries suffered at an amusement park involve children or a tragic loss of life.


Do You Think You Might Have an Amusement or Water Park Case?
For amusement parks to operate safely, multiple entities, including the ride designers, manufacturers, the amusement park owners and amusement park employees must all work together and use reasonable care to prevent harm. When some or all of parts of this system break down, harm can result.
At Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader, we tackle cases that might overwhelm other firms and distill the issues into compelling accounts that resonate with judges and juries. Our team is not afraid to devote the time, resources and expertise needed to get the job done right. As a result, we’ve built a formidable reputation in the courtroom.
We approach our cases from every possible angle. We don’t limit our approach to legal analysis; we also look at the cases from a business perspective. Our experience working for and against large businesses has provided experience and expertise that most firms do not have. We aim to reach the best result for you and your family but know that sometimes in order to get companies to sit at the negotiating table, we need to present your case in a way that will convince a business that resolution is the right answer. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to reach resolution with our opponents and achieve results for our clients.
Amusement park litigation often requires a great deal of technical and specialized knowledge. The attorneys at Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader use every resource available to learn everything about an amusement park and the rides from the point of development to everyday use. We have an extensive network of experts we call on to help us understand different areas of the amusement park sphere. With the help of experts, we aim to identify the key issues and areas of vulnerability for our opponents. Whether it means diving into the planning, operations, and maintenance practices of the park or the design and manufacturing processes for an attraction, we will spend the time necessary to learn all we can about the product that harmed you. With this knowledge, we are equipped to maximize the value of your case.