Shatoya Meeks filed a lawsuit and claimed that in July 2011 she suffered cuts and torn ligaments to her wrist and hands while riding the Wahoo Racer. The Wahoo Racer is a ride at the Gurnee amusement park’s Hurricane Harbor water park. In her suit, Ms. Meeks alleged that amusement park workers negligently operated the slide, failed to inspect the ride properly before its operation, and failed to adequately warn riders. Attorneys for the water park countered Ms. Meeks lawsuit and claimed that she should have been more attentive while on the ride and that her own negligence contributed to the accident.
According to court documents, every morning, before the Wahoo Racer opened, a park employee would ride down the slide to ensure it was working safely. Employees inspected the slide, which is made of fiberglass, for nicks or other damage that would create sharp areas on a weekly basis. The slide’s manufacturer instead recommended that the ride be inspected daily before turning the water on.
Ms. Meeks testified that when she rode the Wahoo Racer, she felt a force to her hands and right ankle. After the ride, she noticed her hands were bleeding. She was taken to the hospital, where she underwent surgery to her left hand. Ms. Meeks complained she could no longer move three fingers on her left hand, and as a result, she can no longer work as an administrative assistant. She further claimed she also has difficulty with tasks such as brushing her teeth and cooking meals.
When someone is injured or dies as a result of another’s negligent act, financial recovery may be available. Such recovery is particularly important when permanent, life changing injuries are incurred. It is important to contact someone who understands the intricacies of the injured party’s right to recover.
Abraham Watkins offers a free consultation to anyone wishing to pursue a claim for injuries that occurred as a result of another’s negligence.