Visitor Hurt at Knott’s Wins in Court

An Orange County jury has awarded damages to a Los Angeles woman who blamed a faulty seat belt for injuries she received after falling from a ride at Knott’s Berry Farm in June 1996.

Camile Wagoner on Feb. 22 won $69,000 in damages to compensate her for medical treatment and mental and physical pain and suffering, according to her lawyer and a parks official.

Wagoner, then 36, suffered a fractured rib, three ripped-out toenails and bruises after being thrown into the water from the Big Foot Rapids Ride at the Buena Park amusement park. No punitive damages were awarded.

Both sides agree that Wagoner stood up as the raft carrying her and other riders reached a waterfall. Her lawyer argued that this was a natural reaction, and that she fell overboard because her seat belt came loose.

“If the seat belt worked, she wouldn’t have fallen in there,” said Pat Coffey, a Santa Ana attorney who represented her.

But Knott’s officials said Wagoner caused the accident by standing up despite warnings that riders must stay seated. Jess Rivera, a park vice president, also contended that Wagoner must have removed the seat belt.

“The situation was created by her getting up,” Rivera said.

Coffey said he hopes the suit will prompt Knott’s to improve safety procedures on the Big Foot and other park rides. But Knott’s officials do not plan any changes, Rivera said.