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the staff of the Ridgewood blog
East Rutherford NJ, the American Dream Mall in the Meadowlands is facing yet another lawsuit—this time from a patron who claims she was injured after being struck by one of the mall’s motorized stuffed animal rides.
This is the fourth lawsuit of its kind, adding to the growing legal troubles for the nation’s second-largest shopping mall.
Another Injury, Another Lawsuit
The latest five-count lawsuit was filed on March 26 in Bergen County Superior Court by Roya Neissani, who alleges she was hit by a Dream Riders motorized animal while visiting the mall on November 11, 2024.
According to the complaint:
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The motorized animals were allowed to operate in public walkways with no clear boundaries separating them from pedestrians.
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No warnings were provided to patrons about the presence of these moving rides.
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A child was operating the ride without supervision, leading to the alleged accident.
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Neissani claims to have suffered serious injuries, requiring medical treatment and hospitalization.
The lawsuit seeks damages from both American Dream Mall and Dream Riders.
Is the Mall a Legal Minefield?
This latest lawsuit is just one of several currently plaguing the American Dream Mall, including:
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A lawsuit over a decorative helicopter falling from the ceiling, injuring visitors.
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Legal disputes over unpaid tax payments, including $13 million owed to East Rutherford and over $8 million owed to surrounding towns.
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Ongoing lawsuits over unpaid bills and violations of Bergen County’s blue laws, which prohibit certain retail operations on Sundays.
Are Motorized Stuffed Animals Safe?
American Dream’s Dream Riders website does outline safety restrictions, stating:
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Riders must be at least 4 feet tall or be accompanied by an adult.
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Adult supervision is required at all times.
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Riders must stay within designated zones and avoid bumping into people or other riders.
However, legal experts like Brian Sheppard, a law professor at Seton Hall University, question whether the concept itself is inherently dangerous.
“The idea of having vehicles that can travel that fast in a crowded mall space and being ridden by children is just a dangerous situation,” Sheppard said.
What’s Next?
As American Dream Mall continues to expand and evolve, its growing legal troubles could pose a serious threat to its reputation and operations. Meanwhile, Dream Riders and American Dream Mall have not yet commented on the lawsuit.
Do you think motorized stuffed animal rides belong in a crowded mall? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Very likely a nonsense case, trial lawyers live for this stuff – defendants with deep pockets.
You go get mowed by down by a wayward Dream Riders motorized animal at its top speed of 1.242 miles per hour and come back and tell us it’s all nonsense. If the collision doesn’t put you in a coma.
Don’t be fooled by their plushy exteriors. Beneath it, these Dream Riders motorized animals can’t be bargained with, can’t be reasoned with. They don’t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And they absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead.