Lawsuits filed, over 100 riders allege sustaining brain injuries from the Six Flags roller coaster known as X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. Dordick Law Corporation filed three lawsuits in September 2026 and represents more than 100 additional riders who claim traumatic brain injuries from the ride over the past two years. The ride has been closed since July 2026 pending a state safety investigation. Six Flags X2 Brain Injury Lawsuits: Over 100 Riders Allege Harm
What Happened: Lawsuits Filed, Over 100 Riders Allege Sustaining Brain Injuries From Six Flags Roller Coaster – Six Flags X2 Brain Injury Lawsuits: Over 100 Riders Allege Harm
On September 22-23, 2026, Dordick Law Corporation announced it had filed three lawsuits alleging catastrophic brain injuries tied to the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The firm said it represents more than 100 additional riders who claim traumatic brain injuries from the ride over the past two years, with more lawsuits expected in the coming weeks.
CNN reported in August 2026 that X2 has been linked through medical records, depositions, and legal filings to more than a dozen serious injuries and hospitalizations over nearly two decades. A follow-up report in late September noted that more than 100 people have now contacted attorneys alleging brain injuries from X2 in the last two years alone, many after seeing the earlier investigation.
The lawsuits describe injuries ranging from mild to severe, according to reporting by the Orange County Register. Plaintiffs include a 40-year-old woman from Hawaii and a 25-year-old woman from Los Angeles, both of whom underwent emergency brain surgery in July 2026 after riding X2 on separate days.
Which Six Flags Location Had the Brain Injury Incidents
All of the brain injury incidents involve X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain, located in Valencia, California. This park is one of the most well-known Six Flags properties and has long marketed itself as the “Thrill Capital of the World.”
X2 is a so-called “4th-dimension” roller coaster, meaning its seats rotate 360 degrees independently from the track. The ride reaches top speeds approaching 80 mph and creates high G-forces as trains accelerate, decelerate, and twist. Industry observers and safety experts describe X2 as one of the most extreme coasters ever built, arguing that its unique design may pose heightened risk compared with traditional layouts, especially if riders’ heads are not fully stabilized.
How Many People Were Injured in the Six Flags Roller Coaster Accident
More than 100 riders have come forward alleging brain injuries from X2 in the past two years, according to Dordick Law Corporation. CNN’s investigation linked the ride to more than a dozen serious injuries and hospitalizations over nearly two decades, and at least two deaths.
The 2022 death of 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died from a brain injury allegedly linked to the ride, prompted a wrongful-death suit naming Six Flags, the ride’s manufacturer, and park employees. That case was settled confidentially before trial, according to reporting in late August 2026.
Beyond the newest plaintiffs, earlier cases include a suit by Sheila Katerelos, who alleges she suffered a traumatic brain injury after riding X2 in 2020, and another by Lucy Alvarez, who says she sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2021 with ongoing physical and mental suffering. A judge has reportedly scheduled a 2027 trial date in one of these cases, which also names ride manufacturer S&S Worldwide alongside Six Flags.
What Symptoms Did Riders Experience and What Are the Early Signs of a Brain Injury From a Ride
Riders have reported a wide range of symptoms, from immediate loss of consciousness to long-term cognitive impairment. Several lawsuits allege riders suffered brain hemorrhages, subdural hematomas, and other traumatic brain injuries with lasting effects such as memory loss, cognitive impairment, and brain fog.
Pamela Guillen, a 40-year-old from Hawaii, allegedly struck her head repeatedly against the headrest while the coaster traveled at up to about 80 mph. Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, a 25-year-old from Los Angeles, reportedly lost consciousness after her ride and required immediate neurosurgery.
One plaintiff, attorney Michael Wilk, claims permanent disabilities including memory problems and mental fog after riding X2. He joined the group of over 100 riders represented by Dordick’s firm, according to KVIA’s reporting.
Common early signs of a brain injury from a ride include:
- Headaches that worsen over time
- Nausea or vomiting shortly after the ride
- Loss of consciousness or feeling dazed
- Confusion or memory problems
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Anyone experiencing these symptoms after riding a roller coaster should seek medical attention immediately, as some brain injuries can worsen rapidly without treatment.
What Causes Brain Injuries on Roller Coasters
Plaintiffs and medical experts cited in the CNN investigation describe the injuries as resulting from a “traumatic rapid acceleration-deceleration event” on X2. When a coaster accelerates, decelerates, and twists at high speeds, riders’ heads and brains experience violent forces. The brain can shift inside the skull, causing blood vessels to tear and bleed.
X2’s design amplifies these forces. The 360-degree rotating seats mean riders experience multidirectional movement that traditional coasters don’t produce. When riders’ heads move against restraints and headrests during these rotations, blunt-force impacts can occur even without a collision.
Some experts and plaintiff attorneys contend that Six Flags and manufacturers had years of warning from prior incidents and lawsuits about potential brain-injury risks yet allowed X2 to keep operating until the July 2026 shutdown. Others note that regulators had previously permitted the ride to operate under existing safety standards.
Is the Six Flags Roller Coaster Still Operating
No. Six Flags Magic Mountain closed X2 to the public on July 12, 2026, days after the July incidents, and the ride remains closed as of late September 2026.
California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, through its Amusement Ride and Tramway Unit, opened a formal inspection into X2 after a reported July 5, 2026 incident. State officials have stated that the inspection remains open, have not announced a completion date, and have not authorized any reopening of X2, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Company spokespeople have repeatedly stated that “the ride remains closed at this time.” Reports note that the coaster has stayed closed for more than a month while the state safety investigation continues, with no announced target date or plan for reopening.
How Much Are People Suing Six Flags For
Specific dollar amounts in the lawsuits have not been publicly disclosed. The three lawsuits filed in September 2026 allege catastrophic brain injuries, which typically involve substantial damages claims covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs.
The confidential settlement in the Christopher Hawley wrongful-death case also means that compensation figures for at least one fatality remain sealed. Legal experts note that brain injury cases involving permanent disability or death can result in settlements or verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of injuries and degree of corporate liability.
What Do I Do If I Was Injured on a Six Flags Ride
If you believe you suffered an injury on a roller coaster or any amusement park ride, take these steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Brain injuries can worsen rapidly, and prompt treatment is critical.
- Document everything. Keep medical records, photos, ride receipts, and any correspondence with park staff.
- Report the incident to the park. Request a copy of any incident report filed.
- Contact a personal injury attorney. Look for a firm experienced in amusement park litigation and traumatic brain injuries.
- Do not sign anything from the park or its insurers without consulting a lawyer first.
- Preserve evidence. Save clothing, and note the date, time, and conditions of your ride.
Multiple law firms are actively investigating claims related to X2 and other Six Flags rides. Dordick Law Corporation, which filed the September 2026 lawsuits, has indicated it is reviewing additional claims from riders who experienced injuries.
Similar Roller Coaster Injury Lawsuits at Other Theme Parks
While the X2 case has drawn significant attention, it is not the first time roller coasters have faced scrutiny over brain injury risks. Amusement park litigation has a long history in the United States, with various parks and ride manufacturers facing lawsuits over injuries linked to high-speed attractions.
The X2 case stands out because of the sheer number of plaintiffs, over 100 in two years, and the severity of the alleged injuries, including emergency brain surgery and death. The fact that multiple lawsuits spanning years were filed before the ride was finally closed raises questions about how theme parks and regulators respond to patterns of injury reports.
What Safety Regulations Apply to Roller Coasters
Roller coasters in the United States are regulated through a patchwork of state and federal oversight. California, where Six Flags Magic Mountain operates, has one of the more robust state-level inspection programs through its Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
Key regulatory elements include:
- State inspections: California’s Amusement Ride and Tramway Unit conducts inspections of permanent amusement rides. The current X2 inspection is being handled through this unit.
- Manufacturer standards: Ride manufacturers like S&S Worldwide must design rides to meet industry engineering standards.
- Park-level inspections: Six Flags has stated that its rides are subject to regular inspections and that guest safety is its “top priority.”
- Federal oversight: The Consumer Product Safety Commission has limited jurisdiction over fixed-site amusement rides, meaning most regulation falls to states.
Critics argue that this fragmented system allows dangerous rides to operate even when injury patterns emerge. The X2 situation, where injuries and lawsuits accumulated over years before the ride was closed, illustrates the gaps in current oversight.
How Long Do Brain Injury Lawsuits Take and Can You Get Permanent Damage From a Roller Coaster
Brain injury lawsuits can take anywhere from one to five years to resolve, depending on complexity. The earlier X2 cases from 2020 and 2021 are headed toward a 2027 trial date, meaning some plaintiffs will have waited six or more years for their day in court.
Yes, you can get permanent damage from a roller coaster. The X2 lawsuits allege injuries including permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and ongoing physical and mental suffering. Attorney Michael Wilk, one of the plaintiffs, claims permanent disabilities including memory problems and mental fog. Two riders required emergency brain surgery, and at least one rider died from injuries allegedly linked to the ride.
The Los Angeles Times reported that X2 was once celebrated as Magic Mountain’s most innovative coaster, but the accumulation of injury reports has shifted the conversation from thrill to accountability.
FAQ
What is the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags?
X2 is a “4th-dimension” roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. Its seats rotate 360 degrees independently from the track, and it reaches speeds approaching 80 mph.
How many people have alleged brain injuries from X2?
Over 100 riders have come forward in the past two years claiming brain injuries from X2, according to Dordick Law Corporation. CNN’s investigation linked the ride to more than a dozen serious injuries over nearly two decades.
Is X2 still open at Six Flags?
No. Six Flags Magic Mountain closed X2 on July 12, 2026. California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health has an open inspection, and no reopening date has been announced.
Have any deaths been linked to X2?
Yes. At least two deaths have been connected to X2, including 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died in 2022 from a brain injury allegedly linked to the ride. His family’s wrongful-death suit was settled confidentially.
What are the symptoms of a brain injury from a roller coaster?
Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, loss of consciousness, confusion, memory problems, dizziness, sensitivity to light or noise, and brain fog. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these after riding.
How much are the X2 lawsuits seeking?
Specific dollar amounts have not been publicly disclosed. Brain injury cases involving permanent disability or death can result in substantial settlements or verdicts.
Who is filing the X2 lawsuits?
Dordick Law Corporation filed three lawsuits in September 2026 and represents over 100 additional riders. Earlier lawsuits were filed by other plaintiffs, including cases from 2020 and 2021.
What should I do if I was injured on X2 or another ride?
Seek medical attention immediately, document everything, report the incident to the park, and contact a personal injury attorney experienced in amusement park litigation.
Conclusion
The lawsuits filed against Six Flags over X2 represent more than just a legal dispute over a roller coaster. They raise fundamental questions about corporate accountability, regulatory oversight, and the balance between thrill-seeking and public safety.
Over 100 riders allege they sustained brain injuries from a ride that operated for years despite accumulating injury reports and lawsuits. Two women needed emergency brain surgery. At least one person died. And it took a CNN investigation and a wave of public attention before the ride was finally closed.
Here is what readers can do with this information:
- If you or someone you know rode X2 and experienced symptoms, seek medical evaluation and consider contacting an attorney.
- Stay informed about the state investigation by following updates from California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
- Contact your state legislators to ask whether amusement ride regulations in your state are strong enough to catch patterns of injury before they become catastrophic.
- Share this information with friends and family who may have visited Six Flags Magic Mountain.
The Mohawk Valley may be far from Valencia, California, but the questions this case raises about corporate accountability and government transparency matter everywhere. When companies prioritize profits over safety, and regulators move too slowly to protect the public, ordinary people pay the price. That is a story worth paying attention to, no matter where you live.
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