Knoebels Amusement Resort Faces a Six-Figure Demand After a Mother Holding Her Child Claims She Suffered a Gruesome Injury While Exiting a Ride
Safety hazard.
Knoebels Amusement Resort is facing a lawsuit demanding over $150,000 because a mother claims to have suffered a gruesome injury while exiting one of its rides with her child. According to PEOPLE, Elizabeth and Shane Burruss, a couple from California, filed a civil complaint on July 1 in a Pennsylvania District Court, alleging the incident occurred on July 28, 2024. This is when Elizabeth’s foot got caught on the loading platform of the park’s Giant Ferris wheel.
The complaint details a moment when Elizabeth, holding her child, attempted to step out of the ride’s passenger pod. According to the lawsuit, her foot became “stuck, caught and twisted on the surface of the angled loading platform,” allegedly causing her to fall and sustain severe injuries. The lawsuit argues that Knoebels was negligent in multiple ways, including failing to provide a level exit surface, not assisting guests holding small children, and not warning riders about the risks of the exit process.
Elizabeth’s injuries were extensive. The complaint lists damage to her left leg, knee, foot, and ankles, along with contusions, abrasions, and severe nerve damage. Her attorney, Jeffrey Schmidt, told PennLive that she broke both her tibia and fibula, requiring surgery to insert a metal rod and screws. Apparently, recovery was long and painful, with Elizabeth unable to put weight on her leg for two months and spending a total of eight months healing.
The financial stakes in this case are significant
Elizabeth is seeking damages exceeding $75,000, along with interest, court costs, and attorney fees. Shane Burruss is also pursuing a claim for loss of consortium, which compensates for the loss of companionship, comfort, and support that results from a spouse’s severe injury. His claim also seeks damages over $75,000, bringing the total potential payout to more than $150,000.
Knoebels Amusement Resort, a popular destination in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, has not responded to requests for comment from multiple outlets. The park is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and classic amusement park rides, but this incident may cast a shadow over its reputation for safety.
The Giant Wheel, the popular ride at the center of the lawsuit, is one of the park’s most iconic attractions. Standing 110 feet tall, it offers riders a panoramic view of the park and is often one of the first stops for visitors. However, the exit process has now come under scrutiny.
According to the lawsuit, the issue lies in the design of the loading platform
Riders must step up from the passenger pod, over a lip, and across a gap before stepping down onto an angled platform. The complaint argues that this design forces riders to extend their legs in an unsafe manner, particularly when they are holding a child or other distractions.
In Elizabeth’s case, this allegedly led to her foot getting caught, causing her to fall while still holding her child. The lawsuit claims that the park failed to account for the added difficulty of exiting the ride while carrying a child, which should have been a foreseeable risk.
Knoebels has a long history, having opened in 1926, and while it’s generally regarded as a well-maintained and family-oriented destination, accidents can happen anywhere. The Burruss family’s lawsuit highlights the potential dangers of even seemingly simple amusement park rides. Ferris wheels, in particular, are often seen as slow-paced, low-thrill attractions, but getting on and off can pose unexpected risks, especially for parents or guardians holding children.
The legal process for this case is still in its early stages
Since the Burrusses are each seeking damages exceeding $75,000, the case will proceed in federal court rather than through arbitration. This means the lawsuit could take months or even years to resolve, depending on how both sides choose to proceed. For now, Knoebels has remained silent on the matter, but the allegations raise important questions about ride safety and the responsibilities of amusement parks to protect their guests.
If you’ve ever ridden a Ferris wheel, you know the exit can sometimes feel awkward, especially if the platform isn’t level or if you’re carrying something. Most of the time, it’s a minor inconvenience, but in Elizabeth Burruss’ case, it led to a life-altering injury. The lawsuit underscores how quickly a fun day out can turn into a nightmare when safety measures fall short. For parents, the incident is a stark reminder to stay vigilant, even on rides that seem harmless.
Knoebels has built its reputation on being a safe, nostalgic escape for families, but this lawsuit could force the park to reevaluate its safety protocols. Whether that means redesigning the exit platforms, adding staff assistance for riders with children, or implementing clearer warning signs remains to be seen. For now, the Burruss family is focused on securing compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll the alleged incident has taken on their lives.
(Featured image: Pete Unseth)
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