A New Jersey woman has filed a lawsuit against Adventure Aquarium in Camden, claiming the bench she was sitting on collapsed, leaving her with permanent injuries.
The woman, who is from Camden, was eating lunch during a class trip to the aquarium two years ago when the bench gave way beneath her, according to her lawsuit.
The woman allegedly sustained serious injuries to her neck and spine in the collapse, according to the suit.
A spokesperson for Adventure Aquarium, headquartered in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
An attorney representing the aquarium said she could not comment on the case, citing pending litigation.
Adventure Aquarium is located on the Camden Waterfront, and is a premier destination for marine enthusiasts and families alike.
In her lawsuit, the woman says she was on a class field trip when she was injured while eating her afternoon meal on June 14, 2023.
The suit does not state the woman’s role on the trip, identifying her only as “a business invitee.” A call to her attorneys was not immediately returned.
The lawsuit was first filed on March 3 in Camden County Superior Court. Heather M. Eichenbaum, the aquarium’s attorney, said she filed a motion on Friday requesting the case be moved to federal court.
Eichenbaum said she filed the motion in part because the alleged damages exceed $75,000, but also because the parties live in different states.
The lawsuit claims the woman sustained severe neck and back injuries in the collapse.
Those injuries have allegedly required chiropractic therapy, “trigger point injections,” and other medical procedures. Her pain has persisted for nearly two years, according to the suit.
The woman also claims she has lost income as a result of her injuries because she’s been unable to work.
Stories by Anthony G. Attrino
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com.
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