PHILADELPHIA - A church fair patron and her husband are suing an amusement ride provider and many of its employees, alleging she suffered injuries when a ride wasn't brought to a proper stop.
Vanya Burke and Thomas Burke of Levittown filed a lawsuit June 24 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Reithoffer Shows Inc. and John Doe 1-10 (unknown employees), citing negligence and recklessness.
According to the complaint, on July 5, 2013, Vanya Burke was attending a fair being held at St. Michael's Church in Tullytown. The suit states that while Vanya was aboard a carnival ride called Tornado, owned and operated by Reithoffer Shows, the ride came to a sudden stop that caused her to be forcefully thrown to the ground.
The plaintiffs allege the defendants failed to: Properly operate and control the carnival ride in a safe manner; properly stop the ride; give any warnings or instructions regarding the right way to exit the ride if such a situation as this one occurred; or give assistance to patrons when exiting rides.
Vanya claims she has endured severe injuries and damages, mental anguish, chronic pain, ongoing medical care and attention, and lost wages and earnings. Her husband Thomas says the carnival ride incident led him to lose society, companionship and conjugal affection of his wife.
The plaintiffs seek damages in excess of $150,000, plus attorney fees, court costs and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
They are represented by attorney Clifford D. Bidlingmaier III of Kardos, Rickles, Hand & Bidlingmaier in Newtown.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania case number 2:15-cv-03541-JHS.