Family Sues Knott's Berry Farm After They Allege Son Was Injured On Coast Rider

BUENA PARK (CBSLA.com) — A family is suing Knott's Berry Farm after they say their 10-year-old son was injured on one of the park's roller coasters.

The Burrei family says the terrifying accident on the Coast Rider unfolded when Carson's leg became trapped between the cart and the deck.

Carson was with his family from Utah when he says he stepped out on the platform of the entry level ride because he thought it was over.

"I thought it was done because the ride had stopped," he said. "And then when I went to hop out, it moved forward again."

The force of the motion, the family alleges, ripped the skin off his foot, fractured it and tore his tendons, causing significant nerve damage.

"When we started screaming, 'Stop the ride, Stop the ride' that's when they stopped," said Tara Burrei, Carson's mother, who explained that her son screamed in agony.

She claims the Knott's Berry Farm staff did nothing to help. In June of 2014, Carson spent four days in the hospital and three months in a wheelchair, the family says.

He underwent surgery, skin grafts and physical therapy, and according to his family still can't feel part of his foot almost two years later.

His mother says the medical bills are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The amusement park, she says, offered only a teddy bear.

"They haven't even apologized, 'I'm sorry you went through this, I'm sorry that you guys had to go through this trauma.' No apology. Almost as if they don't care," she said.

The Burrei family is now suing Knott's Berry Farm. According to their attorney, a similar injury happened two months earlier to another child.

A report by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found no fault, and that the ride was in working order.

Since Carson's accident, Brian Kabateck says Knott's has admitted to making major repairs to the ride.

"These major repairs apparently took care of the problem, so why didn't they think of that in the first place," he said.

In a statement released to CBS2/KCAL9, Knott's Berry Farm spokesman Jason Soyster said, "Knott's Berry Farm can't comment on legal matters, and our thoughts are with Carson for a full and speedy recovery. The safety of our guests and employees remains Knott's top priority."