Los Angeles Zoo Carousel Injury Settlement Approved
A judge has finalized a $20,000 settlement following a 2023 accident that injured a 12-year-old child.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Special Education
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Jerrold Abeles approved a $20,000 settlement on September 16, 2026, for a 12-year-old boy from Pasadena who suffered three leg breaks on the Los Angeles Zoo carousel. The case stemmed from an incident where the child's foot was trapped in the ride's base.
Why it matters
The ruling resolves a lawsuit alleging the city maintained a hazardous condition at the attraction, though the City Attorney's Office denied these claims and asserted immunity. The legal outcome determines the financial compensation for the family, with net proceeds reaching just under $11,000 after legal costs.
The settlement of $20,000 provides $11,000 in net proceeds to the child after fees. This follows a 2023 incident involving three leg breaks on the carousel.
The players
Jerrold Abeles
A Los Angeles Superior Court Judge who issued the final ruling on the settlement.
Los Angeles Zoo
The municipal facility where the carousel, featuring 64 wooden figures, is located.
City Attorney's Office
The municipal legal department that denied allegations and claimed immunity.
The details
The injury occurred when the child's foot became caught in the carousel base while he was stepping off the ride. The carousel reportedly stopped without warning during the incident. While the lawsuit claimed the city allowed a hazardous condition to exist, the City Attorney's Office officially denied the allegations and claimed immunity from liability.
Timeline
October 21, 2023: The boy was injured on the carousel.
February 2024: The lawsuit was filed against the city.
September 16, 2026: Judge Jerrold Abeles approved the settlement.
The Home Front
This settlement follows the established pattern of litigation involving public facility safety and municipal immunity claims in California. It highlights the complexities of holding municipal entities accountable for injuries occurring at public amusement attractions.
When visiting local amusement rides, always ensure children remain seated until the machine comes to a complete halt and wait for staff direction before exiting. It is a good practice to supervise children closely when they are mounting or dismounting mechanical attractions.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of exercising caution around moving amusement park machinery. Families should be aware that municipal facilities often maintain immunity defenses in injury cases, making safety diligence on the part of the rider essential.
Further reading
For more on managing accessibility and safety in local public spaces, visit the Special Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My News LA.
