Parents of Daughter in ‘Head-On’ Go-Kart Crash After Alleged Malfunction Sue Virginia Amusement Park

Parents of Daughter in ‘Head-On’ Go-Kart Crash at Virginia Amusement Park File Lawsuit

A couple from Virginia has taken legal action against a local indoor amusement park following an incident where their daughter sustained what they described as “severe” injuries during a go-kart crash. Ellen and Michael Smith, residents of Fairfax County, filed a lawsuit on behalf of their adult daughter, Chloe Elizabeth Smith, on November 14 in the U.S. Eastern District of Virginia. The lawsuit alleges that Chloe suffered injuries due to a go-kart crash at Fun Land of Fairfax in Centreville.

Chloe, who has autism, was reportedly involved in the incident during a visit to the amusement park in February 2024. The complaint claims that Chloe’s go-kart unexpectedly accelerated at a dangerous speed, leading to a head-on collision with a retaining wall. The lawsuit further states that neither Chloe nor her mother Ellen were provided with any written waiver or safety instructions before participating in the park’s activities.

According to the allegations, when Chloe and Ellen approached the go-kart track, a staff member assisted Chloe in securing herself in the kart but failed to properly check and secure the safety restraints. Despite Chloe expressing concerns about the kart’s speed, she was cleared to proceed. The lawsuit claims that Chloe’s go-kart suddenly accelerated, causing her to collide with the retaining wall and sustain injuries to her lower extremities.

Following the incident, Chloe reportedly underwent medical treatment for her injuries, with ongoing treatment expected in the future. The complaint names operator Five Star Parks & Attractions, along with its subsidiaries Fun Land Opco LLC and The Track Intermediate Opco LLC, as defendants. The legal team representing Chloe is seeking damages amounting to $1 million, in addition to post-judgment interest and other relevant relief.

Despite attempts to contact the Smiths’ attorneys and representatives from Five Star for comment, no response has been received at the time of reporting. Five Star operates in numerous markets nationwide, emphasizing a commitment to guest and staff safety on its website. It is mentioned that the company prioritizes maintaining secure facilities and adhering to industry standards to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Theme park incidents, such as the one involving Chloe Smith, highlight the importance of safety protocols and adequate staff training in amusement parks. The lawsuit underscores the responsibility of operators to provide clear safety guidelines and secure restraints for patrons participating in attractions. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future negligence claims against amusement park operators.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the Smith family continues to seek accountability for the alleged negligence that resulted in Chloe’s injuries. The repercussions of this lawsuit may prompt amusement parks to review and enhance their safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Public scrutiny of amusement park safety standards is expected to increase following this high-profile case.

In conclusion, the lawsuit filed by Chloe’s parents against Fun Land of Fairfax sheds light on the potential risks associated with amusement park attractions and the legal obligations of park operators to ensure visitor safety. The outcome of this case will not only impact the individuals involved but may also influence safety practices within the amusement park industry. As the legal process progresses, the importance of upholding safety standards and accountability in recreational facilities remains a significant topic of discussion.

As the lawsuit proceeds, it serves as a reminder for amusement parks to prioritize guest safety and implement stringent safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries. The incident involving Chloe Smith underscores the need for thorough safety protocols and staff training to mitigate risks and ensure a secure environment for park visitors. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to uphold safety standards and hold accountable those responsible for lapses in ensuring visitor well-being at amusement parks.