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Families visit funfairs expecting a safe and enjoyable experience, but when safety measures fail, the consequences can be devastating. The recent settlement secured by the Personal Injury team at Duncan Lewis Solicitors in the Funderpark case highlights the serious impact of negligence and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

The Case: A Preventable Tragedy

In April 2018, a mother of eight suffered life-changing injuries after being ejected from the Xcelerator ride at the Funderpark funfair in Yiewsley, Hillingdon. A failure in the ride’s safety restraints resulted in multiple fractures to her back, hips, pelvis, ribs, and collarbones, along with internal bleeding and a severe head injury. She spent weeks in a coma and four months in hospital, facing a painful and prolonged recovery. She is now needs full time care.

Solicitor Ifrah Ahmed and director Rebecca Thomas, of our Personal Injury team pursued legal action to hold those responsible accountable. After years of legal proceedings, fairground designer/operators Perrin Stevens, Derek Hackett, and David Geardy admitted to breaching health and safety regulations, leading to fines and suspended prison sentences. In July 2024, Duncan Lewis secured a £1.43 million settlement to provide the victim with financial support for ongoing medical care and essential life adjustments.

The Wider Issue: Funfair & Theme Park Safety Failures

The Funderpark case is not an isolated incident. Every year, serious injuries occur at amusement parks and fairgrounds due to:

• Poorly maintained rides that fail to meet safety standards.
• Operator negligence leading to preventable accidents.
• Failures in safety restraints and emergency protocols.

These cases highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement of safety regulations and accountability for those responsible. Victims and their families often face lifelong challenges, including permanent disability, emotional trauma, and financial strain. Access to expert legal representation can make a crucial difference in ensuring they receive the care and support they need.

Why This Settlement Matters

While no amount of compensation can undo the harm suffered, this settlement ensures that the victim has the financial resources required for long-term medical care and rehabilitation. It also serves as an important reminder that those responsible for public safety must be held accountable.

Our Team

About the Author

Ifrah Ahmed is a solicitor within the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence departments at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, working under the supervision of Director Rebecca Thomas. Recommended in the 2024 Legal 500 for being “kind, considerate and extremely hardworking”, Ifrah has several years of experience providing legal representation in relation to claims for personal injuries on behalf of individuals who have sustained serious injuries arising from road traffic collisions, accidents at work and accidents in public places.

For advice or assistance, contact Ifrah via email at IfrahA@duncanlewis.com or via telephone on 02031141215.

At Duncan Lewis Solicitors, we remain dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by serious injuries. Our Personal Injury team has extensive experience in complex claims and continues to fight for justice on behalf of those impacted by negligence.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a fairground or theme park accident, contact our expert team today for legal support. Your safety should never be compromised.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an award-winning law firm, is renowned for its exceptional legal services and commitment to justice. The company employs a team of highly skilled solicitors offering top-tier representation in 25 fields of law, and ranked as top tier by the Chambers and the Legal 500 legal guides, and as one of the top 250 law firms in the country by the Times. Duncan Lewis was crowned Law Firm of the Year award at the Lexis Nexis awards 2024, further establishing its credentials as one of the leading law firms in the UK.