OCEAN CITY — A civil suit was filed last week against Trimper’s Rides seeking $1 million and citing negligence against the Boardwalk amusement park following an incident in June 2012 when a child was allegedly run over by a ride.
Last Wednesday, a Virginia family filed suit in U.S. District Court against Trimper’s alleging negligence during a June 2012 incident when a child was allegedly hit by a miniature vehicle of the Hampton I ride at the Boardwalk amusement park and slammed to the floor, causing a fracture to his skull. The suit seeks $1 million in damages for current and future medical expenses, diminution in quality of life, disability, mental anguish and pain and suffering.
According to the complaint, the unidentified child was with his uncle and a larger group of kids visiting the amusement park on June 28, 2012. Around 3:15 p.m., the child was riding the Hampton I amusement, which features miniature vehicles riding on a circular track designed for young people. At some point, the ride operator stopped the Hampton I to allow another child to get off. The alleged victim, believing the ride was over since it had stopped, got out of his car.
According to the complaint, the operator then started the amusement again and the child was struck by a vehicle and knocked to the ground. The suit alleges negligence on the part of the operator and her employers.
“The operator, without first confirming that the tracks were clear and that all passengers of the ride were secure, resumed the ride,” the complaint reads. At this time, one of the ride vehicles slammed into ‘J.’ The intense impact of the collision slammed him down, fracturing his skull on the cement floor. As he lay screaming, the ride vehicle continued rising off the track and dragging J’s body forward, causing abrasions on his torso, arms, legs and head.”
Trimper’s officials declined to comment this week, pointing out the company has not yet been served with the complaint. Trimper’s attorney Regan Smith also declined to comment.
In May, a New Jersey woman filed a suit seeking a combined $350,000 against Trimper’s alleging she was riding the “Baja Buggy” when the ride malfunctioned during a rotation, leaving her and other riders suspended about eight feet off the ground.
After being unable to fix the ride in a timely fashion, the operator instructed the riders to jump to the ground below. The victim allegedly landed on her right side and suffered disabling injuries including a torn anterior cruciate ligament.