What happens when a ride malfunctions (like it did at Knotts Berry Farm)?

A fun day at Knotts Berry Farm turned out to be not-so-fun for several riders this week.

The “Sol-Spin” ride got stuck, leaving 22 riders stranded in mid-air for over two hours. It should be noted that the riders were stuck 6 stories off the ground. According to the Orange County Register, two riders were transported to the hospital for their injuries.

This is not the first incident at Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. A few years ago, someone climbed over 300 feet to the top of the Supreme Scream attraction, forcing the park to shut down the ride.

In 2016, Supreme Scream also experienced a malfunction, causing riders to be suspended hundreds of feet in the air for over 7 hours.

When you think of a fun day at an amusement park, you’re probably not thinking that any of this will happen. I can’t imagine the horror of being stuck so high up in the air, waiting for amusement park staff to safely bring you down.

What remedies are available to someone who experienced a ride malfunction at Knotts Berry Farm or other amusement park?

A roller coaster or amusement park ride that malfunctions often can be attributed to negligence. Similar to car accident cases, the underlying theory of negligence in an amusement park setting is that the park owes its riders a duty of care. Parks have a duty to inspect their rides and properly maintain them. They are complicated pieces of machinery that often test the laws of physics.

In 2020, the California Court of Appeal ruled that waterslides are a “common carrier.” Common carriers—those that transport or offer carriage to riders in exchange of money—owe special duties of care to their riders. I discussed this issue in detail here.

California courts have held that elevators and ski lifts are common examples of common carriers. An argument can be made that roller coasters and other rides at Knotts Berry Farm would be considered common carriers too.

Riders who experienced a malfunction at Knotts Berry Farm or other amusement park may carry the trauma with them for the rest of their lives. A debilitating fear of heights may develop, as well as other emotional and even physiological symptoms as a result of being stranded for so long in mid air.

If you or someone you know were injured at Knotts Berry Farm, or any other popular Southern California amusement park, my office is available to consult with you about your case.

I’m ready to assist, 24/6.