When Thrills Turn to Trauma: Brain Injuries From Roller Coasters

When most people think of amusement park injuries, they imagine serious accidents with dramatic, immediately apparent injuries. However, the intense g-forces and whiplash-like motions on high-speed roller coasters can cause "invisible" brain injuries that may take hours, days, or even weeks to produce noticeable symptoms. 

If you or a loved one has experienced unusual symptoms after riding roller coasters, you need medical and legal guidance to protect your health and rights. Omaha brain injury lawyer Matthew A. Lathrop helps victims understand how roller coasters and other amusement park rides can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) even without direct head trauma.

Roller Coasters Produce Dangerous G-Forces

Modern roller coasters subject riders to intense acceleration and abrupt direction changes. These thrilling features also expose the brain to potentially damaging g-forces:

• Positive vertical g-forces. As the coaster races down steep inclines, riders experience a rapid downward acceleration. This intensifies the force of gravity, which can cause the brain to push against the bottom of the skull. Roller coasters can produce positive vertical g-forces up to 6 gs.
• Negative vertical g-forces. As the coaster navigates over hills and around tight curves, riders may experience a lifting sensation. The brain may pull away from the base of the skull and push against the top of the skull. Roller coasters can produce negative vertical g-forces up to -2 g.
• Lateral g-forces. Spiral rolls and sharp horizontal turns create lateral g-forces that can push the brain from side to side within the skull. While the head may remain facing forward, the brain can twist and experience rotational forces.
• Transverse g-forces. Sudden accelerations and decelerations, like when the coaster launches from a standstill or comes to an abrupt stop, can create transverse g-forces. These forces push the brain forward and backward within the skull, similar to the motion experienced in a rear-end car accident.

Intense g-forces can cause the delicate neural connections within the brain to stretch, tear, and become damaged. Even though no direct impact occurs, the effects can be similar to the brain trauma experienced in serious motor vehicle accidents.

Scientific studies show that short-term exposure to these g-forces is unlikely to cause brain injuries. However, amusement parks must ensure their rides meet design standards and safety guidelines to prevent injuries.

Symptoms of Roller Coaster Brain Injuries

Coaster-induced brain injury symptoms may develop slowly and can easily be dismissed in the excitement of an amusement park visit. However, riders and their families should watch for these warning signs in the hours and days following a park visit:

• Physical symptoms. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and sensitivity to light or sound can all indicate a potential brain injury. Blurred vision and ringing in the ears are also concerning symptoms.
• Cognitive changes. Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, slow mental processing, and a feeling of mental fogginess can point to traumatic brain injury. Roller coaster riders may have trouble following conversations or feel unusually confused.
• Emotional instability. Irritability, anxiety, sudden mood swings, and a sense of emotional detachment are all red flags for brain trauma. Emotional symptoms can be particularly frightening for families who are used to their loved one's typical temperament.

Seek medical attention if you notice any symptoms after riding a high-speed or high-intensity roller coaster. Explain to your doctor that you've recently been to an amusement park and request a thorough neurological evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can be crucial for preventing long-term complications from coaster-induced brain injuries.

Amusement Park Liability for Roller Coaster Brain Injuries

While no amusement park can eliminate all risks associated with thrill rides, they have a legal duty to take reasonable measures to protect rider safety. This includes both preventing direct impact injuries and mitigating the risks of brain trauma from intense g-forces. Examples of necessary safety measures include:

• Proper restraints. Roller coaster cars must have appropriate restraint systems to prevent excessive head movements during the ride. Over-the-shoulder restraints, in particular, should be positioned to avoid whiplash-like head motions.
• Adequate warnings. Parks should post clear warnings about the risks of brain injury associated with high-speed rides. These warnings should be visible both in line and at the point of boarding, not just buried in fine print on the back of a ticket.
• Height and health restrictions. Manufacturers establish minimum height requirements and health restrictions for each ride. Parks must enforce these consistently to ensure rider safety. Employees should be trained to identify and redirect riders who don't meet the guidelines.
• Regular maintenance. Ride systems must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure proper functioning. Worn or malfunctioning components can lead to excessive g-forces and increase the risk of brain injury.

If an amusement park fails in these legal duties and a rider suffers a traumatic brain injury as a result, the park can be held liable through a personal injury claim. You’ll need an Omaha brain injury lawyer who understands amusement park accident cases and has access to experts who can calculate the g-forces involved in a particular ride.

What to Do if You Suspect a Roller Coaster Brain Injury

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury after an amusement park visit, it's essential to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Here are the key steps to take:

1. Seek prompt medical attention. Get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible. Follow all treatment recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments. Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical expenses, and how the injury has impacted your daily life.
2. Report the injury to the park. Notify the amusement park of your injury as soon as possible. Request a copy of any incident reports or witness statements. Be cautious about signing waivers or accepting settlement offers without consulting a brain injury lawyer first.
3. Document everything. Gather all evidence related to your park visit and injury. This might include photos or videos from the day, receipts, ticket stubs, and any correspondence with the park. Keep a journal documenting your recovery process and any challenges you face.
4. Consult an experienced brain injury lawyer. Look for an Omaha brain injury lawyer with experience handling amusement park accident cases. Your attorney can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with the park's insurance company, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, we understand the devastating impact a roller coaster brain injury can have on victims and their families. We're here to provide compassionate guidance and aggressive legal representation to help you hold negligent amusement parks accountable.