A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has approved a $20,000 settlement for a Pasadena boy who suffered a broken leg last year while riding the carousel at the Los Angeles Zoo. The ruling, issued by Judge Jerrold Abeles on September 16, brings a resolution to a legal dispute that began earlier this year.
The incident, which led to the 12-year-old’s injury, occurred around 1:15 p.m. on October 21, 2023. According to the lawsuit, which was formally brought in February 2024, the boy’s experience on the zoo attraction took a sudden turn. The suit stated that the carousel stopped without warning as he was in the process of stepping down at the end of the ride. His foot then became trapped under a surface, causing him to fall. This fall resulted in serious injuries, specifically three breaks in one leg. Following the incident, the child received on-site medical care from zoo personnel.
The lawsuit alleged that the city, which oversees the operations of the Los Angeles Zoo, was negligent by allowing a hazardous condition to exist on the ride. This claim formed the basis of the legal action against the municipality.
In response to the allegations, lawyers for the City Attorney’s Office took a firm stance in their previous court papers. They denied the lawsuit’s claims outright, asserting that any damages the boy suffered were due to his own negligence. Beyond fault, the city’s attorneys also argued that the claims were legally barred by the statute of limitations. Further, they stated that the city was immune from liability.
Despite the city’s defense, the settlement was approved, with the total sum set at $20,000. Once attorneys’ fees, medical costs, and other associated expenses are deducted from this amount, the net proceeds to the boy are calculated to be just under $11,000, according to the petition. This financial resolution aims to cover the costs and impact of the injury.
The carousel at the Los Angeles Zoo includes 64 hand-carved wooden figures and a universally accessible standing chariot. The resolution of this lawsuit closes the legal proceedings related to the boy's injury at this public institution.