TL;DR: Six Flags permanently retired X2 after more than 100 reported brain injury claims. People injured on X2 or other amusement rides may have a personal injury claim if evidence links the ride, its operation, a defective component, or another dangerous condition to the injury. Medical records, ride evidence, witness accounts, and documented losses can all matter.
Six Flags Magic Mountain has permanently retired X2, its high-intensity 4D roller coaster with rotating seats, after more than 100 people reportedly alleged they suffered brain injuries connected to the ride. The closure followed reports of severe neurological injuries, a prior wrongful-death case, and an investigation by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Six Flags has maintained that X2 consistently passed safety testing.
Several news reports also raise broader personal injury questions for people who suffer brain injuries on roller coasters and other amusement rides. A successful claim generally depends on evidence showing what caused the injury, whether another party was legally responsible, and how the injury affected the person’s health and life.
Existing lawsuits do not determine whether another injured person has a valid claim. A potential claimant’s medical records, incident evidence, the ride’s condition and operation, and proof of resulting losses may be more important to evaluating their individual case.
Key Facts About X2 and California Brain Injury Claims
- Six Flags permanently retired X2. Six Flags said guest confidence in the ride had been affected while maintaining that X2 consistently passed safety testing.
- More than 100 people reportedly allege brain injuries. Reports describe more than 100 people making allegations related to injuries from X2. These reports do not establish liability in every case.
- California law may impose a heightened duty of care on roller coaster operators. Civil Code § 2100 requires carriers of persons for reward to use the utmost care and diligence for passengers’ safe carriage. Operators of roller coasters and similar amusement rides can qualify as carriers of persons for reward under this law.
- California generally gives two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 generally applies to brain injury claims arising from a roller coaster incident. Exceptions and tolling rules may affect the deadline.
- Evidence may become harder to obtain over time. Ride data, surveillance footage, maintenance records, electronic information, and witness recollections may become unavailable or harder to obtain before the lawsuit deadline expires.
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California State Bar #278654
Admitted 2011
California Personal Injury Attorney
- October 2026
What Happened With the X2 Roller Coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain?
Several reported brain injuries brought increased scrutiny to X2 in July 2026. CNN reported that two riders suffered severe brain injuries after riding the coaster six days apart. Those two incidents were not the only serious cases associated with the ride.
Earlier litigation also involved 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died in June 2022 after riding X2. A Patch news report, with reporting contributed by City News Service, said that Magic Mountain and the ride vehicle manufacturer later settled with his parents.
These reports explain the scrutiny around X2, but symptoms alone do not prove a traumatic brain injury or a valid claim. Neurological symptoms following a forceful event should be evaluated and documented by a healthcare professional. Medical records may later help show when symptoms began, what doctors found, what treatment was necessary, and whether the injury is consistent with the reported incident.
Reporting based on medical records, depositions, and legal filings has linked X2 to more than a dozen reports of serious injuries and hospitalizations over nearly two decades. Reported outcomes have included life-altering injuries, comas, and at least two deaths. Court filings have also cited internal park records describing numerous complaints involving head and neck injuries after rides on X2.
Symptoms involved in reported X2-related cases have included:
- Loss of consciousness.
- Migraines.
- Memory problems.
- Balance difficulties.
- Confusion.
- Vomiting.
- Severe brain bleeding.
- Significant neurological impairment.
Some reported injuries required emergency surgery.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), which regulates and inspects permanent amusement rides in the state, opened an investigation involving X2 after the reported incidents. Six Flags temporarily closed the ride before announcing its permanent retirement in September 2026.
Can I Sue Six Flags If I Suffered a Brain Injury After Riding the X2 Roller Coaster?
You may be able to sue Six Flags if a problem involving X2 caused or contributed to your brain injury and supports a legally recognized claim. Potential issues may include:
- Improper ride operation or safety procedures.
- Faulty restraints, seats, padding, or other components.
- Inadequate maintenance or inspections.
- A dangerous condition that Six Flags knew or should have known about.
- Excessive or unsafe ride forces that contributed to the injury.
- A defective ride design or component.
- Medical evidence connecting the ride to the brain injury.
The California Supreme Court has held that operators of roller coasters or similar amusement rides can qualify as carriers of persons for reward under Civil Code §§ 2100 and 2101. As a result, those operators may be subject to the heightened duty of care that those statutes impose on passenger carriers.
A brain injury alone does not establish Six Flags’ liability. The available evidence must connect the injury to an actionable problem involving the ride or its operation.
Who Else Could Be Liable for a Brain Injury After Riding X2?
Six Flags may not be the only potentially responsible party. Liability depends on what caused the injury and who controlled, maintained, manufactured, or inspected the equipment involved. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The Ride Manufacturer: A product liability claim may arise if evidence shows that a defective design, restraint, component, or other product condition caused or contributed to the injury.
- Maintenance Contractors: An outside contractor could be responsible if negligent repair or maintenance contributed to a dangerous condition.
- Inspection Contractors: An inspection company could be held accountable if negligent inspection work contributed to an unsafe condition.
- Other Businesses Responsible For Unsafe Property Conditions: Another business could share responsibility if its property, equipment, or services contributed to the injury.
Identifying the correct defendants may require access to maintenance records, inspection reports, ride-operation records, incident reports, and other evidence that an injured rider does not have. An investigation can help determine who controlled the ride and equipment and whether another party contributed to the injury.
How to Establish Liability for a Roller Coaster Brain Injury
To establish a negligence claim for a roller coaster brain injury, a claimant generally must prove the four elements of negligence below:
- Duty of Care: The defendant must owe you a legal duty. California Civil Code § 2100 imposes a heightened duty on carriers of passengers for compensation. California courts have applied that common carrier standard duty to roller coasters and similar amusement rides.
- Breach of Duty: You must also show that the responsible party failed to meet the required standard of care. Evidence may include:
- Ride operation and safety procedures
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Restraints and other ride equipment
- Safety warnings and instructions
- Prior reported problems or known hazards
- Causation: You must show that the ride or incident caused or contributed to your brain injury. Medical records, brain imaging, doctor findings, witness statements, and technical ride information may help prove the connection. A defendant may argue that another event or a preexisting condition caused the injury.
- Damages: You must show the losses caused by your brain injury. A serious traumatic brain injury may result in:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Limitations in daily activities
A separate product liability claim may apply if a defective ride design, manufacturing defect, or inadequate warning caused or contributed to the injury. Product liability claims have different elements from negligence and generally focus on the condition of the product and whether the alleged defect caused the injury, rather than on proving that the manufacturer acted negligently.
What Evidence Can Help Support a Roller Coaster Brain Injury Claim?
Several types of evidence can help show how the roller coaster incident caused the brain injury and how the injury affected the rider’s life.
- Medical Records: Emergency room and hospital records, brain scans, neurological evaluations, surgery records, and follow-up care can show the injury, symptoms, and treatment.
- Ride and Incident Records: Tickets, purchase records, incident reports, photographs, videos, and the ride date and time can help show what happened.
- Witness Information: Contact information for people who saw the incident or observed the rider’s condition afterward may help support the rider’s account.
- Ride Records: Maintenance records, inspection documents, restraint information, testing data, and operating records may help show whether a mechanical or operational problem contributed to the injury.
- Employment and Financial Records: Wage records, employment records, and other documents can help show lost income or reduced ability to work.
- Evidence of Ongoing Effects: Rehabilitation records and documentation of lasting symptoms or limits can help show how the brain injury continues to affect the rider’s daily life.
Does Passing a Safety Test Prevent an Injured Rider From Bringing a Claim?
Passing a safety test does not automatically prevent an injured rider from bringing a claim. CNN reported that Six Flags maintains X2 undergoes regular testing and that the ride’s physical forces are considered within safe limits for riders who use it as instructed.
A rider’s claim may still depend on what happened during the ride, including:
- The ride’s condition at the time of the injury.
- Whether the equipment worked properly.
- How employees operated the ride.
- The forces experienced during the ride.
- Whether the ride caused or contributed to the injury.
Safety testing is, therefore, only one part of the evidence used to evaluate an injury claim.
Does Assumption of Risk Prevent a Roller Coaster Brain Injury Claim?
Assumption of risk does not automatically prevent a claim for a brain injury from a roller coaster. Riders generally accept risks inherent to the activity, but that does not necessarily include injuries caused by defective equipment, unsafe operation, or other dangerous conditions.
Common roller coaster risks include:
- High speeds.
- Drops and inversions.
- Rapid movement.
- Temporary dizziness or nausea.
A claim may still be possible when an injury results from something beyond the ride’s ordinary risks. Six Flags has raised assumption-of-risk and preexisting-condition arguments in X2 litigation. Whether those arguments apply depends on the facts, including how the ride operated, what warnings were provided, and how the injury occurred.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Serious Brain Injury?
A person who establishes a California personal injury claim may seek damages for losses caused by a serious brain injury. Depending on the evidence, damages may include:
- Medical and hospital expenses.
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs.
- Future medical care.
- Lost wages.
- Reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Costs of in-home care or assistance with daily activities.
- Other documented financial losses.
Serious brain injuries can create long-term costs and changes in daily life. A person may need ongoing treatment, therapy, medication, assistance at home, or changes to their living arrangements. The psychological effects of brain injuries can also affect mood, behavior, relationships, concentration, and a person’s ability to take part in everyday activities.
The amount of damages depends on the severity of injuries, treatment, losses, and expected future needs. Evidence such as medical records, treatment plans, employment records, and expert opinions may help show the extent of those losses.
What Should You Do After a Possible Brain Injury at Six Flags?
Seek medical care first if you develop serious symptoms after an amusement ride. After addressing immediate health needs, practical steps may help preserve information relevant to a future claim:
- Report the incident to park personnel.
- Ask for an incident report number and keep any report or related communication you receive.
- Keep your tickets and receipts.
- Write down the ride name, date, approximate time, seat location, and what happened.
- Preserve photos, videos, and other recordings from the incident.
- Collect contact information for witnesses when possible.
- Keep medical records, imaging results, bills, prescriptions, and treatment instructions.
- Keep a diary of symptoms and how the injury affects your daily activities or ability to work.
Preserving this information can help document what happened and the losses you experienced. You may also want to consult a California brain injury lawyer who can review the facts, explain your legal options, and help determine what evidence may be needed for your claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Brain Injury Lawsuit in California?
The deadline for a California lawsuit depends on the type of claim:
| Type of Case | General Deadline | How It Applies | Legal Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, including a brain injury claim from a roller coaster incident. | California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 |
| Property Damage | 3 years | A three-year deadline generally applies to claims for damage to personal property arising from the incident. | CCP § 338(c)(1) |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | Eligible survivors generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit when a roller coaster incident results in death. | CCP § 377.60 |
Missing the applicable deadline can prevent you from pursuing a lawsuit. Exceptions and tolling rules may change the deadline in some cases.
Evidence can become harder to obtain over time. Surveillance footage, ride records, maintenance documents, inspection records, and witness information may not remain available.
A brain injury attorney can help you understand the applicable deadline and identify evidence that may support your claim. They can also review the circumstances and explain your legal options.
How Can a California Lawyer Help With Your X2 Brain Injury Claim?
A brain injury lawyer in California can investigate your X2 incident and help determine whether you have a brain injury claim. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney can:
- Review your medical records and symptoms.
- Investigate how X2 was operating when you suffered an injury.
- Obtain ride, maintenance, inspection, and incident records.
- Identify whether Six Flags, the ride manufacturer, or another party may be responsible.
- Review evidence about the ride’s restraints, design, and operation.
- Work with medical or other experts when needed.
- Calculate medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
- Handle negotiations or file a lawsuit when appropriate.
Because X2 is permanently closed, an injury lawyer can also help identify and preserve records that may be important to your claim.
If you suffered a brain injury after riding a coaster, Arash Law can review your case for free and explain your legal options. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free, 24/7 consultation. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
FAQs About Six Flags X2 Brain Injury Claims in California
Does a Theme Park Ticket or Liability Waiver Prevent You From Suing After a Roller Coaster Injury?
No, a ticket or liability waiver does not automatically prevent a claim. Its effect depends on the waiver’s language, the circumstances of the injury, and the legal theory involved. Assumption of risk may also apply to ordinary risks of a thrill ride, but does not necessarily cover every injury.
Why Did Six Flags Permanently Close X2 After Years of Reported Injury Claims?
Six Flags said it permanently retired X2 after guest confidence in the ride was affected, while maintaining that the coaster consistently passed safety testing. The closure followed reports of injuries, a 2022 wrongful-death case, severe brain injury allegations involving two riders in July 2026, claims from more than 100 people who allege brain injuries, and an inspection by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
Do I Still Have a Brain Injury Claim if I Never Hit My Head?
Potentially, yes. A brain injury can result from sudden movements or forces, even without a direct blow to the head. Medical records can help determine whether the ride caused or contributed to the injury.
What if My Brain Injury Symptoms Appeared After I Left the Park?
You may still have a brain injury claim. Brain injury symptoms may develop hours or days after an injury, so delayed symptoms do not by themselves rule out a connection to the ride. Medical records can document when symptoms appeared, what doctors found, and whether the injury is consistent with the incident.
Do I Still Have a Claim if X2 Is Permanently Closed?
Yes, the permanent closure of X2 does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a claim. You must still meet the legal requirements and applicable filing deadline. Evidence related to the ride may also become harder to obtain after its closure.
What Arash Law Has Recovered in Brain Injury-Related Cases
These case results involve clients who suffered brain injuries in accidents unrelated to roller coasters. However, they demonstrate our experience handling serious brain injury cases:
$5,000,000 — Traumatic Brain Injury: Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple orthopedic and internal injuries after falling through a skylight at work. A workers’ compensation judge approved the settlement, in addition to a separate third-party settlement secured by our firm.
$4,000,000 — Traumatic Brain Injury: Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after a distracted driver struck him while he was crossing the street. The case was resolved weeks before trial.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future results. Each case has different facts, injuries, circumstances, and available insurance coverage.
Discuss Your Coaster-Related Brain Injury Claim With Arash Law
Many brain injury victims may face medical appointments, missed work, and symptoms that may interfere with their everyday lives. The permanent closure of X2 has placed amusement ride brain injuries under increased scrutiny, but an injured person’s potential claim depends on their own evidence. Medical records, ride information, witness testimony, technical evidence, and documentation of resulting losses may all affect the case.
If you suffer a brain injury after riding X2 or on another California amusement ride, you may have legal options. Arash Law can review your situation, your medical evidence, and the circumstances surrounding your injury. Our team can also help identify potentially responsible parties, preserve relevant evidence, and explain the available legal options based on the facts of your case.
You can contact us 24/7 for a free case evaluation. There is no obligation to move forward after the initial consultation.
Call (888) 488-1391 to speak with our team.
Make ‘Em Pay, Call AK!
Sources
- CNN — Reporting on reported brain injuries, litigation, safety testing, and the permanent retirement of X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/09/29/us/six-flags-roller-coaster-x2-invs- CNN / Archived Copy — Reporting that Six Flags stated X2 undergoes regular testing and that the ride’s physical forces are considered within safe limits for riders who use it as instructed.
https://archive.li/1Y3xc- Patch / City News Service — Reporting on X2 injury claims, the ride’s permanent closure, and prior litigation involving the death of a rider.
https://patch.com/california/hollywood/s/ksi4r/six-flags-permanently-closes-rollercoaster-after-100-riders-claim-brain-injuries-report- California Civil Code § 2100 — Establishes the duty of a carrier of persons for reward to use the utmost care and diligence for passengers’ safe carriage.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=2100.&lawCode=CIV- California Civil Code § 2101 — Addresses the provision and use of safe vehicles and other equipment suitable for the carriage of passengers.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=2101.&lawCode=CIV- California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 — California statute establishing the general two-year limitations period for actions involving injury to, or death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=335.1.&lawCode=CCP- California Code of Civil Procedure § 338(c)(1) — California statute addressing certain three-year limitations periods, including actions involving injury to personal property.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=338.&lawCode=CCPDisclaimer
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different. The information on this page is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed California personal injury attorney if you sustain a brain injury. Arash Law: (888) 488-1391.
