PHILADELPHIA — A girl's mother is seeking more than $150,000 in a lawsuit against an amusement park that held a Halloween event that allegedly scared the girl and caused her to fall.
Shannon Sacco, individually and as parent and natural guardian of M.S., a minor, filed a complaint on Jan. 14 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Cedar Fair LP, doing business as Dorney Park, alleging the defendants operated a Halloween attraction without regard for the safety of its customers.
Dorney Park is located in Allentown and promotes a Halloween Haunt.
According to the complaint, on Sept. 15, 2017, the girl, with two of her friends, entered the park when costumed employees approached her despite her insisting they stop, as she did not want to be scared by them.
As the girl began to walk forward, one of the employees allegedly ran up from behind and yelled loudly into minor's ear, intentionally startling her. As a result, she allegedly lunged forward and fell forcefully to the ground, causing injuries that aren't specified in the complaint.
Her mom claims they were never made aware of an option to wear a "No Boo" necklace that notifies park employees to not spook them. The suit says the girl was a season pass holder.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment in an amount in excess of $150,000 exclusive of interest, costs and such further relief as the court may deem appropriate. She is represented by Diane Sodano and Richard Godshall of Ostroff Injury Law in Blue Bell.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case No. is 5:19-cv-00235-MAK.