Boardwalk Beast
GALVESTON - A Harris County family alleges they were seriously injured while riding the Boardwalk Beast at the Kemah Boardwalk.
In a lawsuit filed against Landry's Restaurants Inc., Jill Abel and Douglas Abel claim they sustained whiplash during the ride on the 70-foot open deck speedboat on July 14. Jill Abel, her son, daughter and step-daughter were thrown from their seats, the suit states.
The suit was filed Oct. 14 in Galveston County District Court. The three children join their parents as plaintiffs in the case.
According to court papers, a visibly pregnant Jill Abel and the children were seated on the Boardwalk Beast when the boat accelerated to very high speeds, and the captain began to cause it to thrust back and forth.
Jill Abel says she was ejected from her seat and into a railing as were the children, one of whom was knocked unconscious.
The four were rushed to St. Luke's Hospital for medical treatment after returning to shore.
"Among other injuries caused by this incident, Jill tore her pubic symphisis and has experienced complications during her pregnancy," the suit states.
"Among her children's physical injuries were a variety of sprains."
Consequently, the plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.
They are represented by Fibich, Hampton & Leebron LLP.
The case has been assigned to Galveston County 122nd District Court Judge John Ellisor.
Case No. 10-cv-3950