Rachel Hawes, a 46-year-old woman from Michigan, filed a lawsuit against an amusement park in Ohio, following an accident in which she sustained a traumatic brain injury.

In August 2021, Hawes was struck in the head by a large metal bracket that fell off a rollercoaster at Cedar Point Park in Sandusky.

Injured Woman Seeks Millions in Damages from Cedar Point Park in Lawsuit

According to the lawsuit, Hawes suffered ‘serious, permanent, disabling personal injuries’ as a result of the accident, which included skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury.

She alleges that Cedar Point Park failed in its duty of reasonable care by neglecting to properly inspect and maintain the rollercoaster.

A Michigan woman struck in the head by a metal bracket that fell off a Cedar Point roller coaster is suing the amusement park. https://t.co/Xctu94o6dj

— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) July 13, 2023

An investigation was conducted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture after the incident, but the report did not find evidence of any illegal activity by the park or that the ride was unsafe.

At the time, a park spokesperson commented that ‘a small metal object fell from a train on the rollercoaster, as it was ending its run.’

The lawsuit filed by Hawes claims her medical expenses already exceeded $2 million, with expected future medical costs of over $10 million. ‘She will need assistance with activities of daily living for the remainder of her life,’ the lawsuit states.

Cedar Point Closes Top Thrill Dragster After Tragic Accident, Announces Permanent Retirement

Hawes is seeking a court ruling requiring Cedar Point to compensate her for damages, including the cost of medical services, lost wages, diminished earning potential, and physical pain.

The woman’s medical expenses have exceeded $2 million and are expected to reach more than $10 million because of additional treatments and surgery, according to the suit. https://t.co/ZfyUVfImGt

— FOX 2 Detroit (@FOX2News) July 13, 2023

John McDermott, a witness to the incident, described the horrifying scene as he waited in line for the rollercoaster. He saw the object falling from the ride’s structure and heard it strike the concrete, stating it was a sizable metal disc larger than the palm of his hand.

After the tragic accident involving Rachel Hawes, Cedar Point made the decision to close the rollercoaster, Top Thrill Dragster.

First opened in 2003, the ride that stands at 420 ft was operational for 19 seasons and accommodated around 18 million riders. The amusement park announced the ride’s permanent retirement in September 2022.

As for the ongoing lawsuit filed by Hawes, a spokesperson for Cedar Point stated due to company policy, they would not comment on pending litigation.