A historic verdict in the United States has just awarded $310 million in damages to the family of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old who died in 2022 after falling from a ride at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida.
This ruling, which represents one of the largest compensations awarded in similar cases, sets a precedent in the fight for safety in amusement parks.
On March 24, 2022, Tyre Sampson, a resident of Missouri, visited ICON Park with his football team during spring break.
He decided to ride the Orlando FreeFall, a 131-meter tall free fall tower that reaches speeds of up to 120 km/h.
Despite weighing 173 kilograms, which exceeded the permitted limit of 130 kilograms, the staff allowed him to ride the attraction after making manual adjustments to his seat.
During the descent, Tyre slipped from the safety devices and fell more than 30 meters, suffering a fatal impact.
This tragic event sparked a series of legal actions that culminated in the recent court ruling.
The Sampson family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against three parties: Funtime Handels GmbH, the Austrian manufacturer of the ride; Slingshot Group, operator of the Orlando FreeFall; and ICON Park, where the attraction was located.
The family's legal team, led by attorney Ben Crump, argued that the tragedy was the result of gross negligence and failures in safety measures.
The investigation revealed that there were no visible weight restrictions near the attraction and that the adjustments made to Tyre's seat compromised his safety.
The jury determined that Funtime Handels was negligent in allowing the attraction to operate without adequate safety standards, awarding the family $310 million in compensation, which will be divided equally between the child's parents.
This ruling sends a strong message about the responsibility of companies to protect users of their products.
Implications for the amusement park industry
In addition to the financial compensation, the case has had a significant impact on the regulation of amusement rides.
In May 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis enacted the Tyre Sampson Act, which strengthens safety standards in the state's amusement parks.
Among the new regulations, the following stand out:
-Stricter requirements to ensure that security devices are suitable for all users, regardless of their size or weight.
-Stricter inspections and clear signage requirements regarding attractions' restrictions.
These measures aim to prevent similar tragedies and ensure that user safety takes precedence over economic benefits.
Dismantling of the Orlando FreeFall
In direct response to the tragedy, the Orlando FreeFall was dismantled in March 2023.
Nekia Dodd, Tyre's mother, witnessed the demolition of the tower, describing it as an emotionally devastating yet necessary moment to close this painful chapter.
"When he passed away, I wasn't there for him, so I had to do it," she then expressed.
Funtime Handels GmbH, the manufacturer of the attraction, did not send representatives to the trial, which caused outrage in Tyre's family.
The young man's mother expressed her frustration over the company's lack of apologies or acknowledgment.
Attorney Michael Haggard, who also represented the family, warned that the company could face additional sanctions and even lose its license to operate in the United States if it fails to comply with the payment of the compensation.
"This verdict is a step forward in holding corporations accountable for the safety of their products," stated Ben Crump, civil rights attorney and advocate for the family.
The tragedy also serves as a wake-up call for amusement parks and manufacturers of these facilities worldwide, demanding a reevaluation of safety practices and greater regulation to protect users.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tyre Sampson Case Compensation and Safety at Amusement Parks
What was the amount of compensation awarded to Tyre Sampson's family?
The family of Tyre Sampson received a compensation of $310 million. This verdict is regarded as one of the highest in negligence cases at amusement parks, highlighting the seriousness of the incident and the accountability of the companies involved.
What security measures were implemented in Florida following the tragedy of Tyre Sampson?
As a result of the accident, the Tyre Sampson Law was enacted in Florida, which reinforces safety standards in amusement parks. The new regulations include stricter requirements for safety devices and the obligation for clear signage regarding ride restrictions.
What happened to the Orlando FreeFall ride after the accident?
The Orlando FreeFall was dismantled in March 2023 in direct response to the tragedy. Tyre Sampson's mother witnessed the demolition, which was a painful yet necessary process to close this tragic chapter.
What responsibilities were determined in the trial regarding the death of Tyre Sampson?
The jury found that Funtime Handels GmbH was negligent in operating the ride without adhering to proper safety standards. Tyre Sampson's family received substantial compensation as a result of this demonstrated negligence in the trial.
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