Six Flags Magic Mountain sued over alleged ‘traumatic brain injuries’ from roller coaster
LOS ANGELES (CBS, KYMA) - Shocking claims from more than 100 people who said they were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries after riding a roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California.
The X2 ride has been shut down since July, and the state is now investigating.
"I struggle for words. I don't necessarily think clearly. And I have short-term…real short-term memory problems," said Michael Wilk, an attorney.
Wilk said he's still recovering from two brain surgeries to stop internal bleeding from a head injury after riding Six Flags Magic Mountain's X2 roller coaster in February.
With speeds up to 76 miles-per-hour, And seats that spin 360-degrees, Six Flags' website boasts, "Your body will be flipping around the entire time."
After his ride on X2, Wilk said he's now on disability, and doesn't know if he'll be able to practice law again.
"That I didn't think is appropriate. Anyone should take a ride in a roller coaster at a legitimate theme park and end up with brain bleed and multiple surgeries in your head," Wilk expressed.
Wilk is one of the more than 100 people the Dordick Law Corporation said it represents who claim they've suffered traumatic brain injuries after riding the coaster.
"When we got there they told us to prepare for end of life," said Naomi Greer-Wilkinson's parents, who added that their daughter is still in the hospital, on a ventilator, after she rode X2 in July.
"Naomi had no idea that she was signing up for something that could potentially rip the veins in her skull," said Christopher Bulone, an attorney.
It all comes after 22-year-old Christopher Hawley died from a brain injury after riding the coaster in 2022. His family recently settled a lawsuit with Six Flags.
Walter Reiss, a longtime amusement ride safety inspector, said, "What concerns me about this ride is the fact that it's so strong that it doesn't have adequate shock absorption to prevent all of that movement."
Six Flags shut down X2 in July, and declined to comment on pending litigation.
