8-Year-Old Girl Injured in Frisco TX Zip Line Fall

FRISCO, TX (07/04/2014) — An eight-year-old child has been injured after falling 20 feet from a mobile zip line ride at the Children's Expo of Frisco Freedom Fest, held in Frisco Square.

The mobile zip line, operated by Texas Entertainment Group, stands 28 feet tall and runs 180 feet long. Few details have been reported, and it is not yet known if the child fell while riding the zip line or while ascending to the top. Texas Entertainment Group was said to be cooperating with the probe. The company did not respond to a request by WFAA for comment.
Medics from the Frisco Fire Department reportedly began treating the girl immediately after the fall. The victim was transported by paramedics to a nearby fire station for an initial evaluation, and was then taken by air ambulance (CareFlite) to a local hospital for further treatment. On Saturday, the child was reported to be in stable condition. According to reports, the child and her family were visiting relatives in North Texas at the time of the accident.
On the Texas Entertainment Group website, it is claimed that "Professional attendants are always includes [sic] with our zip line rentals pricing which guarantees a safe and thorough operation." In a promotional video found on the website, all zip line riders appear to be wearing a safety harness designed to prevent falls. It is unknown at this time if the victim of this accident was wearing a safety harness or not.
The Children's Expo section of the Frisco Freedom Fest's web page includes a disclaimer which says "All rides have an assumed risk of injury. The City of Frisco and its vendors may not be held liable for any accident or injury as a result of any incident either preventable or otherwise." Of course, such a general and broad disclaimer statement doesn't necessarily limit a company's actual liability. If the attraction has a manufacturing or design defect which contributed to the accident, the family would pursue what is called a "product liability" claim. If the professional attendant failed to properly secure the child, the family would also be able to pursue a personal injury claim.
It's important to realize that stated disclaimers are not always applicable. If they were, you'd see the disclaimer "not responsible for anything" on all products and premises. If you've been injured, it's always a good idea to at least discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible, and before making any legal decisions. Our law firm is available 24 hours a day for a free consultation at (214) 651-6100.