Amusement Park Ride Accidents
When legal professionals come to us with a case involving an amusement park ride, they need more than just a technical expert—they need someone who can unravel a complex environment of mechanical systems, human behavior, operational procedures, and safety standards. CESI understands that in these cases, the stakes are high and the details are everything. That is exactly why attorneys turn to us. Our forensic expertise is built on decades of experience investigating possible ride malfunctions, patron injuries, and operational failures at amusement parks, carnivals, and attractions of all kinds.
One of the first questions we are asked is whether we have worked on similar incidents—and yes, we absolutely have. From roller coasters and water rides to spinning attractions and mechanical failures that may have occured during transport or setup, our team has seen a wide range of scenarios. We bring together specialists in mechanical engineering and industry-specific safety codes like ASTM F24 to offer a thorough, multi-angle analysis. We understand not only how these rides should function, but also how operator behavior, maintenance practices, and design flaws may or may not have contributed to an incident.
Legal professionals also want to know how we investigate these cases. We start by securing and documenting physical evidence—ride components, inspection records, maintenance logs, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts. We conduct detailed mechanical and structural evaluations, sometimes reconstructing the ride's operation at the time of the incident. In cases involving injuries, we coordinate closely with biomechanical experts to assess whether the forces and motions involved align with the injuries reported. Every step of our process is designed to produce results that are both technically sound and legally useful.
We also understand the importance of communication. Our job is not done until the facts are clearly presented—in reports, demonstratives, and, if needed, in the courtroom. We know how to explain complex mechanical systems in terms a jury can understand without losing the technical credibility that stands up under cross-examination. Whether we are supporting early-stage case strategy or delivering expert testimony at trial, our goal is the same: to bring clarity, confidence, and credibility to your case.
Forensic product liability involves the investigation and analysis of products to determine the cause of harm or injury, and evaluate if the incident was due to a defect, malfunction, failure or improper use. This may include examining design flaws, manufacturing defects, or improper labeling that may lead to accidents.
Forensic engineers investigate the technical aspects of a product to identify defects and determine their potential role in causing harm or injury. They may analyze materials, manufacturing processes, mechanical failures, improper use of the product, or design flaws that may lead to the product's malfunction.
The three primary types of product defects are:
- Design defects: Flaws in the product's design that make it unsafe even before it is manufactured
- Manufacturing defects: Errors or problems that occur during the production of a product that make it different from the intended design, resulting in hazards
- Marketing defects (or failure to warn): Insufficient labeling, inadequate instructions, or failure to warn consumers about potential dangers of using the product
Forensic experts use a combination of methods, such as product testing, accident reconstruction, and material analysis, to establish a link between the defect and the injury. We may also review the product's usage history, consumer complaints, and regulatory compliance to build a case.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Manufacturers: For defects in design, manufacturing, or labeling
- Distributors: If the defect was known or should have been known
- Retailers: If they sold a defective product or failed to follow safety guidelines
- Suppliers: For providing faulty raw materials or components
Evidence is collected through methods like:
- Product inspections and testing to identify defects
- Reviewing documentation such as design blueprints, manufacturing records, and quality control reports
- Analyzing accident reports, consumer complaints, and previous incidents involving the product
- Consulting expert witnesses to understand the product’s intended function and safety standards
The statute of limitations, or the time frame in which a product liability lawsuit must be filed, varies by jurisdiction. Typically, it ranges from 2 to 6 years from the date of the injury or from when the defect was discovered. In some cases, the statute of repose may also apply, limiting the time a claim can be brought after a product is sold.
In a product liability case, the plaintiff typically has the burden of proof, meaning they must demonstrate that the product was defectively designed, manufactured, or marketed, and that the defect directly caused their injury. Forensic experts also have to analyze how the user interacted with the product and if that interaction was foreseable and/or if the product was used in a way that was not intended by the manufacturer and caused or contributed to the incident. Expert testimony and physical evidence play a significant role in determining the outcome of the case.
A product recall is when a manufacturer or government agency pulls a product from the market due to safety concerns or defects. A recall may be triggered by the discovery of a defect that poses significant risks to consumers. While a recall doesn’t automatically prove liability, it can be used as evidence in a product liability case to show whether or not the manufacturer was aware of the defect.
P.E. — CEO
Paul K. Goldberg, P.E., has a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering with over fifty years of engineering experience. In 1980, he created a corporation that evolved into Consulting Engineers & Scientists, Inc. and today serves as its President and CEO.
Ph.D. — Vice President, Biomechanical & Biomedical Engineer
Andrés J. Calderón, Ph.D., has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Engineering. He has worked in the fields of biomechanical and biomedical engineering for over 16 years.
Mechanical Engineer
Paul D. Doyle is a Mechanical Engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Science in Management, and more than 30 years of engineering experience. He worked in the automotive industry designing, building…
CIH, CSP — Vice President, Industrial Hygiene & Safety Specialist
Michael E. Goldberg, CIH, CSP is a Board Certified Industrial Hygienist with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Occupational Environmental Health and Safety and a Masters of Science Degree in Environmental Health and Industrial Hygiene, with over 19 years…
