The American Dream Meadowlands megamall, which opened on October 25, 2019, is now facing legal issues following an injury incident involving a youth on the Jungle Jammer waterslide. The injured boy, Thomas Chrispin Carrera, claims serious injuries in a lawsuit filed on March 18, 2024, but specifics of the injury remain undisclosed. This case is among several lawsuits against the mall, including injuries from falling decor and motorized rides. Additionally, the mall faces tax payment disputes and violations of Bergen County’s Sunday closure laws. Experts note that injuries are common in theme parks, contributing to the mall’s legal challenges.
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American Dream is here: Drone video of the mega-mall
Aerial views showcasing the new American Dream Meadowlands megamall set to open on October 25, 2019.
Tariq Zehawi, Melanie Anzidei and Danielle Parhizkaran, NorthJersey.com
- The Jungle Jammer is the mall’s tallest waterslide, boasting a height of “14 stories,” where riders experience a thrilling free-fall from a capsule.
A youth from New York City reportedly suffered injuries on a waterslide at the indoor water park at American Dream in April 2024, prompting him and his father to pursue damages from the Meadowlands megamall.
In a two-count lawsuit filed on March 18 in Bergen County, Thomas Chrispin Carrera claims through his attorney that he was hurt on the large orange waterslide called Jungle Jammers. The lawsuit does not detail the specific nature of the injury.
The Jungle Jammer stands as the tallest waterslide in the mall, boasting a thrilling design of “14 stories high,” where riders are placed in a capsule and experience a free-fall down the slide.
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Carrera has reportedly suffered “serious and permanent personal injuries requiring medical treatment, hospitalization, and medication; conscious pain and suffering; loss of well-being; mental anguish; and has faced and will continue to face disruptions in his daily life and deprivation of regular pleasures,” according to the lawsuit.
The mall states that for safety reasons, riders must be at least 48 inches tall, weigh no more than 300 pounds, and “be able to independently support their neck.”
It remains unclear whether Carrera met all these criteria. His attorney, personal injury lawyer Paul LaSelle from Hasbrouck Heights, could not be reached for comments on Wednesday.
In the meantime, officials at American Dream declined to comment or address inquiries regarding any corrective measures taken in light of the allegations.
Increasing number of injuries reported at the mall
Four different patrons have initiated lawsuits against American Dream due to a decorative helicopter that fell from the ceiling at DreamWorks Water Park in February 2023, injuring multiple guests.
Additionally, three separate patrons have filed lawsuits against American Dream claiming they were struck and injured by one of the motorized stuffed animals that are available for riding around the mall, referred to as Dream Riders.
Moreover, an examination of public records reveals that American Dream faces litigation at a significantly higher rate compared to other malls in New Jersey.
DreamWorks Water Park and Nickelodeon Universe — the indoor theme park at American Dream— function as full-fledged theme parks.
Historically, since the establishment of theme parks, “injuries have occurred in amusement parks, leading to numerous lawsuits,” stated Solangel Maldonado, a professor at Seton Hall Law School.
Maldonado emphasized that injuries at a theme park, particularly one operating year-round, are not uncommon.
“Injuries are a regular aspect of amusement parks,” Maldonado noted.
Additional legal troubles for American Dream
A judge in Bergen County ruled earlier this month that American Dream is essentially “fully open,” which means it is liable for $13 million in property tax payments negotiated with its local municipality of East Rutherford.
The mall may also face potential millions in additional payments to nearby towns. Their mayors have indicated that the mall claims it is not obligated to pay since it is not 100% leased and thus not technically open to the public.
Mall not adhering to Sunday closure regulations
Additionally, the retail section of the mall has been operating on Sundays, despite Bergen County’s blue laws, which restrict the sale of certain retail items, including clothing, on Sundays.
Officials from Paramus, which is home to three malls, have indicated to NorthJersey.com that they are considering legal action after discovering that American Dream was not complying with county blue laws. As of now, no lawsuit has been filed.
Daniel Munoz covers business, consumer affairs, labor, and the economy for NorthJersey.com and The Record.
Email: [email protected]; Twitter:@danielmunoz100 and Facebook