Girl Injured on Amusement Park Ride at Jersey Shore

A four-year-old girl, MiKayla Witt, was injured after being ejected from an amusement park ride in Ocean City, New Jersey.

MiKayla was at the Wonderland Pier with her uncle and went on a race car ride. When the car whipped around, it flung MiKayla out and she was caught underneath as the ride dragged her 10 to 15 feet on the platform. She suffered bruising and is in a cast.

The girl’s uncle said that it appeared that the ride operator did not buckle her into the ride. The operator was subsequently fired.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Carnival and Amusement Safety unit investigating the accident determined that it was caused by operator error.

About 4,400 children are hurt every year on amusement park and carnival rides. Only 1.5% of these injuries are serious enough to require hospitalization.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are about 4.5 amusement ride-related deaths per year.

Girls are more likely to be injured than boys. Injuries are most common to the arms, face, head, legs, and neck. Most injuries are caused by improper restraints, failing to use restraints, or by a child falling off the ride or in the ride.

A lawsuit was recently filed against Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey for injuries suffered by a 13-year-old girl in 2011. Gia Mastroserio was riding on the Sea Dragon, a pirate ship that swings back and forth, when the steel mast broke, injuring her and four others.

Gia suffered from serious eye injuries and scars to her face and body.

The company that made the ride had recommended, in a service bulletin, that the mast be removed or rigorously inspected and maintained. An inspection by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs showed that there was “significant corrosion” on the mast and a plate used to connect its sections.

Earlier in 2011, an 11-year-old had fallen to her death from a Ferris wheel at the same park. It was the first fatality at the location.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident at a carnival or amusement park, contact an experienced Teaneck personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C.