On August 7, 2016, Caleb Schwab visited the Schlitterbahn waterpark in Kansas with his three brothers and parents. Unfortunately, due to a horrific incident on the Verrückt-deemed the world’s tallest waterslide-Caleb never returned home.
On the day of the incident, Caleb decided to ride the thrilling Verrückt (which means insane in German) while his brother waited for him at the end of the pool. Caleb got on a multi-person raft that made a 17-story drop with speeds of 70 mph, followed by a surge, and a final 50-foot descent into a pool. Caleb was riding the raft with two other women. Unfortunately, somewhere along the ride, Caleb flew from the slide and was decapitated while the two women accompanying him suffered serious facial injuries.
Following this tragic incident, Kanas governor Sam Brownback signed legislation placing more stringent requirements on rides to prevent another family from facing a similar horrific incident.
On May 4, 2017, it was announced that Caleb’s family would receive nearly $20 million in settlement payments. The women accompanying Caleb have also settled their claims with the waterpark. The compensation will come from a variety of companies associated with Schlitterbahn, a Texas-based water park operator, the general contractor, raft manufacturer, and company that consulted on the Verrückt waterslide.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of an accident at an amusement park or waterpark, the law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner can assist with your claim. Call us today at (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211 for your free consultation.