NBC 5 spoke with a local attorney, Frank Branson, who has handled numerous lawsuits regarding ride safety over the past decade, after a man died falling off a roller coaster at the Six Flags in Georgia on Monday. Branson represented Rosa Esparza’s family after the 52-year-old woman lost her lif e at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington more than 13 years ago. Their lawsuit alleged that Six Flags knew in for decades that safety bolts were needed after a separate fatal roller coaster accident. The case was resolved in November 2014, shortly before it was scheduled for trial. The coaster reopened with seat belts and redesigned lap-bar padding. “They did it again,” Branson said. “Unfortunately, people ride these rides wanting a cheap thrill, and we think it’s a nightmare when something goes wrong. The ride operator blames it on the manufacturer, manufacturer blames it on the operator.” In Texas, the state’s department of insurance handles amusement park compliance, but according to its website, the department does not perform inspections itself. Amusement rides must have insurance and an inspection certificate from their insurer. “People just need to understand this is not necessarily as safe as it appears on the outside,” Branson said. Six Flags told NBC News it temporarily closed nine similar rides at the company’s other parks after 42-year-old Hassand Jihad Kariem was ejected from the Goliath in the Georgia park. Six Flags announced Ride closures at Six Flags Over Georgia, Great America (IL), Magic Mountain, Great Adventure (NJ), Canada’s Wonderland, Carowinds (NC), and Kings Island (OH). The park in Arlington isn’t on the list of closures. Six Flags said the park in Arlington “does not have a similar attraction and has not closed any rides following the incident at a sister park.” Six Flags in Arlington was already set to be closed this week until Fright Fest on Friday. Last month, Six Flags was named in multiple lawsuits after riders said they suffered brain injuries on the X2 rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California. The president of that location later announced the ride was being retired. Branson recommends families involved in a ride safety incident seek medical attention, report the incident to park staff, ask for a copy of the report, take pictures of the ride and any visible injuries, and avoid social media posts. ...read more read less