Six Flags Guest Says He Severely Burned Feet After His Shoes Were Allegedly Given Away to Another Guest: Complaint

A South Carolina man is suing Six Flags Darien Lake after an incident at the amusement park allegedly left him with second-degree burns on his feet. Harrison Huffman, a 20-year-old Army specialist currently stationed in New York, has filed a civil lawsuit against the popular theme park in Corfu, New York. The events which led to the lawsuit took place on June 28 when Huffman visited the park.

According to court documents, Huffman claims that park staff instructed him to remove his sandals prior to boarding the Tantrum roller coaster. Following their guidance, he placed his footwear in a designated storage area, wherein, he asserts, the park assumed temporary control of his property—a legal concept known as “bailment.” Upon returning from the ride, Huffman alleges that his sandals were accidentally given to another visitor, leaving him with no footwear on a particularly hot day.

Huffman says he approached staff for assistance, requesting either a pair of temporary shoes or transportation around the park, such as a golf cart or wheelchair. Unfortunately, he alleges that his requests were ignored and he was instructed to walk barefoot over the searing asphalt to a security station. After notifying staff about the painful burns developing on his feet, he claims he was sent on a lengthy barefoot trek to the park’s EMS station.

In the complaint, Huffman describes experiencing “severe and painful thermal injuries,” which require extensive medical attention, including wrapping and treatment from on-site emergency services as well as follow-up medical care. He asserts that the injuries rendered him temporarily disabled and affected his ability to carry out his military responsibilities as well as his secondary employment. Additionally, he states that he missed out on pre-paid travel and concert events due to his condition.

Currently representing himself, Huffman is seeking an unspecified amount in damages, which he plans to donate to a non-profit organisation. He maintains that his motivation for bringing the lawsuit extends beyond financial compensation. “It really just isn’t for money,” Huffman stated, “It’s just trying to do something about a predatory practice because I am in a unique position to do so.”

In response to the claims, a representative from Six Flags has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Furthermore, outreach to EPR Properties, the Missouri-based company that owns the theme park, has not yet yielded a response.

Huffman’s behaviour following the ordeal has drawn some controversy, as he suggests that the park’s staff failed in their duty of care, putting guests at risk. The classification of their actions as ‘negligent’ has highlighted the importance of protocols regarding guest safety and property management at amusement parks.

The legal proceedings look set to probe into the specific details of “bailment” and visitors’ rights, as well as the responsibilities of amusement park staff in managing guest belongings. As the case progresses, it will likely spark discussions about safety policies and guest accessibility in recreational environments.

With both parties yet to formally respond to the allegations in any legal capacity, the outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain. However, it serves as a reminder of the vital duty that parks owe to their patrons and the potential ramifications of negligence that might occur during everyday operational practices.