HOUSTON – Two or three people each year are injured on rides at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, according to state records.
The amusement company for the rodeo has reported 11 serious injuries on rides at the annual event since 2011.
Ray Cammack Shows Inc., an Arizona-based company, is required to report all injuries that require medical attention to the Texas Department of Insurance.
Those injury reports include a highly publicized death in 2011, when a man fell from the seat of a car on the Hi-Miler roller coaster and plunged to his death.
The family of that man later sued and received a reported $2.7 million settlement from the rodeo and RCS Inc.
Attorneys for the family said the rodeo had been warned for two years leading up to the accident that there was a problem with the ride.
The Hi-Miler coaster is no longer part of the rodeo carnival, but other rides where serious injuries occurred are still on the midway.
In 2012, a 3-year-old girl was thrown from the Techno jump ride while riding with her brother. Although the toddler met the height requirements for the ride, the girl might have been better off riding with an adult.
"I think it's important that parents take an active role in determining which rides are best suited to their children," said Ben Pickett, vice president of RCS Inc.
Pickett said the rides are inspected by a third-party inspector before the rodeo begins, then again each day by the company before opening to the public.
He also noted that throughout each day, maintenance supervisors will do inspections and shut down rides if there is any concern.
Pickett stressed the importance of patrons following directions and paying attention to ride operators' instructions. Still, injuries happen every year.
On the Survival Island attraction, a children's area funhouse that includes a bounce house, a climbing net and a slide, a 4-year-old boy broke his leg last year.
In 2013, a 17-year-old girl was reported to have a laceration on her head after riding the Alien Abduction ride.
State records do not indicate the exact cause of the injuries.
View all the reports for the rodeo here.
Have a story idea for investigative reporter Jace Larson or a tip for him, email or text jlarson@kprc.com or 832-493-3951.
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