Judge Approves $20,000 Settlement For Pasadena Boy Hurt on LA Zoo Carousel

A judge has approved a $20,000 settlement for a 12- year-old Pasadena boy who was seriously injured when his foot got caught in the base of the Los Angeles Zoo carousel while he was stepping down at the end of the ride.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Jerrold Abeles issued his ruling on Sept. 16. When attorneys’ fees, medical costs and other expenses are deducted from the settlement, the net proceeds to the boy are just under $11,000, according to the petition.

In their previous court papers, the City Attorney’s Office denied the boy’s claims and stated that any damages he suffered were due to his own negligence.

The boy was injured at about 1:15 p.m. on Oct. 21, 2023, when he was riding the carousel and it stopped without warning, the lawsuit stated. The child’s foot became trapped under a surface and he fell, suffering three breaks in one leg, according to the suit, brought in February 2024.

The child received on-site medical care, but the suit alleged the city was negligent in allowing a hazardous condition to exist.

In their previous court papers, lawyers for the City Attorney’s Office denied the lawsuit’s allegations while also contending that the claims were barred by the statute of limitations, and further stated that the city was immune from liability.

The ride features 64 hand-carved wooden figures and a universally accessible standing chariot.