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  • Fairfax County Parents Sue Fun Land for More Than $1 Million
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Fairfax County Parents Sue Fun Land for More Than $1 Million

Ellen and Michael Smith allege a faulty go-kart caused an accident that severely injured their autistic daughter.

By Debbie Williams November 20, 2025 at 12:21 pm

Annandale residents Ellen and Michael Smith say a faulty go-kart caused severe injuries to their adult daughter, Chloe Elizabeth Smith. They have filed a $1 million personal injury lawsuit against Fun Land in Fairfax, The Independent reported. Chloe is autistic and is under the legal guardianship of her parents.

According to The Independent, the lawsuit states that, last February, Ellen and Chloe visited the Fun Land located at 5111 Westfields Blvd. in Centreville. It claims that a park attendant buckled Chloe into go-kart number 11, but “did not check or tighten the shoulder harness and lap belt to ensure adequate and safe restraint, and failed to verify that the seat was properly secured to the chassis.”

The complaint says: “Chloe complained that Go-Kart No. 11 was not moving very fast, despite the fact that Chloe had her foot depressing the accelerator all the way. Suddenly and without warning, Chloe’s Go-Kart No. 11 accelerated in an unsafe and rapid manner; and, thereafter, crashed head-on into a retaining wall.”

During the collision, Chloe allegedly slid out from underneath her seatbelt. She suffered injuries including hip and pelvic fractures.

In addition to the $1 million in damages, the lawsuit is also asking for prejudgment interest from the date of the accident, post-judgment interest, and court costs.

Feature photo by Mike Ramm

Debbie Williams

Debbie Williams

Senior Editor

Northern Virginia Magazine Senior Editor Debbie Williams is a George Mason University graduate and longtime NoVA resident. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for a variety of nonprofit, lifestyle, and government publications, including for AARP.org and USA TODAY magazines.

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