Case: Aldridge v. Carowinds, LLC

3:17-cv-00708 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina

Filed Date: Dec. 6, 2017

Closed Date: Aug. 24, 2018

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case about disability-based discrimination at an amusement park, preventing a family from full enjoyment of the facilities. On December 6, 2017, Plaintiffs sued under Title III of the ADA in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Charlotte Division, and this litigation resulted in a confidential settlement in their favor. The plaintiffs were represented by Disability Rights North Carolina.  The defendants, Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair L.P. , Cedar Fair Southw…

This is a case about disability-based discrimination at an amusement park, preventing a family from full enjoyment of the facilities. On December 6, 2017, Plaintiffs sued under Title III of the ADA in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Charlotte Division, and this litigation resulted in a confidential settlement in their favor.

The plaintiffs were represented by Disability Rights North Carolina.  The defendants, Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair L.P. , Cedar Fair Southwest Inc., were represented by Ragsdale Liggett PLLC. Chief Judge Frank D. Whitney presided over the case.

In 2016, Plaintiff Grady Aldridge and his wife purchased Carowinds season tickets for their family. Aldridge and his two children have lower leg amputations. During the family’s first visit, Carowinds denied them access to at least twelve rides. Despite no change in circumstances, on the family’s second visit, Carowinds denied them access to at least eight rides, and then later in the day, increased the number of prohibited rides to at least twenty-eight. Mr. Aldridge returned to Carowinds a third time and was again denied access to at least twenty-eight rides at Carowinds. 

Per the complaint, plaintiffs were denied access to the rides based on speculation, stereotypes, and generalizations and not because of legitimate safety requirements. They requested the following relief: 1) a declaration that Defendants’ acts violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2) That Defendants’ would be enjoined from continuing violations of the ADA, 3) Attorney fees and costs, 4) that the court afford them a trial by jury on all issues so triable.

Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on Jan 29, 2018. On July 6, 2018, mediation resulted in a complete settlement of the case. A confidential settlement was filed with the court on Aug. 24, 2018 and the case closed with a Stipulation of Dismissal Without Prejudice on that date.  

Summary Authors

NDRN (4/20/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6543499/parties/aldridge-v-carowinds-llc/


Judge(s)

Whitney, Frank DeArmon (North Carolina)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Stiles, Holly Anne (North Carolina)

Attorney for Defendant

Pollock, William Wayne (North Carolina)

Sivon, Amie C. (North Carolina)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

3:17-cv-00708

Complaint

Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago v. City of Chicago

Dec. 6, 2017

Dec. 6, 2017

Complaint
37

3:17-cv-00708

Joint Motion for Approval of Minor Settlement

Aug. 6, 2018

Aug. 6, 2018

Settlement Agreement
41

3:17-cv-00708

Stipulation of Voluntary Dismissal Without Prejudice

Aug. 24, 2018

Aug. 24, 2018

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6543499/aldridge-v-carowinds-llc/

Last updated July 8, 2025, 12:42 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair Southwest Inc., Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, MLP with Jury Demand ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number 0419-3533498), filed by Grady Matthew Aldridge, G. A., M. A.. (Attachments: # 1 Cover Sheet)(Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 12/06/2017)

1 Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Dec. 6, 2017

Dec. 6, 2017

Clearinghouse
2

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Grady Matthew Aldridge (Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 12/06/2017)

Dec. 6, 2017

Dec. 6, 2017

PACER
3

Corporate Disclosure Statement by G. A. (Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 12/06/2017)

Dec. 6, 2017

Dec. 6, 2017

PACER
4

Corporate Disclosure Statement by M. A. (Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 12/06/2017)

Dec. 6, 2017

Dec. 6, 2017

PACER
5

NOTICE of Appearance by Holly Anne Stiles on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 12/06/2017)

Dec. 6, 2017

Dec. 6, 2017

PACER

Case assigned to Chief Judge Frank D. Whitney and Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer. Notice: You must click this link to retrieve the Case Assignment Packet. This is your only notice - you will not receive a separate document.(brl)

Dec. 6, 2017

Dec. 6, 2017

PACER

Clerk's Entry and Service of Initial Scheduling Order and Certificate of Initial Attorney FRCP 26(f) Conference Form pursuant to the Standing Order Governing Civil Case Management before the Honorable Frank D. Whitney (3:07-mc-47 (Doc. No. 2)). The parties are directed to click on the link above to retrieve the Order. (brl)

Dec. 7, 2017

Dec. 7, 2017

PACER

Initial Scheduling Order Entry - Judge Whitney

Dec. 7, 2017

Dec. 7, 2017

PACER

Case Assigned/Reassigned

Dec. 7, 2017

Dec. 7, 2017

PACER
6

Summons Issued Electronically as to Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, MLP, Cedar Fair Southwest Inc.. NOTICE: Counsel shall print the summons and serve with other case opening documents in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P.4 . (Attachments: # 1 Summons - Cedar Fair Southwest Inc., # 2 Summons - Cedar Fair Entertainment Company MLP)(brl) (Entered: 12/07/2017)

Dec. 7, 2017

Dec. 7, 2017

PACER
7

AFFIDAVIT of Service filed by Grady Matthew Aldridge, G. A., M. A.. Cedar Fair Southwest Inc. served on 12/11/2017, answer due 1/2/2018. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Domestic Return Receipt)(Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 12/15/2017)

Dec. 15, 2017

Dec. 15, 2017

PACER
8

AFFIDAVIT of Service filed by Grady Matthew Aldridge, G. A., M. A.. Carowinds LLC served on 12/11/2017, answer due 1/2/2018. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Domestic Return Receipt)(Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 12/15/2017)

Dec. 15, 2017

Dec. 15, 2017

PACER
9

NOTICE of Appearance by William Wayne Pollock on behalf of All Defendants (Pollock, William) (Entered: 12/21/2017)

Dec. 21, 2017

Dec. 21, 2017

PACER
10

NOTICE of Appearance by Amie C. Sivon on behalf of All Defendants (Sivon, Amie) (Entered: 12/21/2017)

Dec. 21, 2017

Dec. 21, 2017

PACER
11

MOTION for Extension of Time to Answer re: 1 Complaint, by Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair Southwest Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order Granting Extension)(Pollock, William). Motions referred to David S. Cayer. (Entered: 12/21/2017)

Dec. 21, 2017

Dec. 21, 2017

PACER
12

ORDER granting 11 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer re 1 Complaint. Carowinds LLC answer due 1/23/2018; Cedar Fair Southwest Inc. answer due 1/23/2018. Signed by Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer on 12/21/2017. (brl) (Entered: 12/22/2017)

Dec. 22, 2017

Dec. 22, 2017

PACER
13

AFFIDAVIT of Service filed by Grady Matthew Aldridge, G. A., M. A.. Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, MLP served on 1/3/2018, answer due 1/24/2018 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Acceptance of Service)(Stiles, Holly) Modified text to reflect service and answer date on 1/4/2018 (brl). (Entered: 01/03/2018)

Jan. 3, 2018

Jan. 3, 2018

PACER
14

ANSWER to 1 Complaint, with Jury Demand by Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair Southwest Inc..(Pollock, William) (Entered: 01/23/2018)

Jan. 23, 2018

Jan. 23, 2018

PACER
15

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Carowinds LLC (Pollock, William) (Entered: 01/23/2018)

Jan. 23, 2018

Jan. 23, 2018

PACER
16

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Cedar Fair Southwest Inc. (Pollock, William) (Entered: 01/23/2018)

Jan. 23, 2018

Jan. 23, 2018

PACER

NOTICE pursuant to Local Rule 16.1 you are required to conduct an Initial Attorney's Conference within 14 days. At the conference, the parties are required to discuss the issue of consent to jurisdiction of a magistrate judge in accordance with Local Rules 16.1(A) and 73.1(C). The Certificate of Initial Attorneys Conference, and if applicable, the Joint Stipulation of Consent to Exercise jurisdiction by a US Magistrate Judge, should be filed within 5 days of the conference. If appropriate, a party may file a Motion to Stay the Initial Attorney's Conference. CIAC Report due by 2/14/2018. (jaw)

Jan. 26, 2018

Jan. 26, 2018

PACER

Notice to Conduct Initial Attorneys Conference

Jan. 26, 2018

Jan. 26, 2018

PACER
17

MOTION to Amend/Correct the Complaint by G. A., M. A., Grady Matthew Aldridge. Responses due by 2/9/2018 plus an additional 3 days if served by mail (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Amended Complaint, # 2 Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion)(Stiles, Holly). Motions referred to David S. Cayer. (Entered: 01/26/2018)

Jan. 26, 2018

Jan. 26, 2018

PACER
18

ORDER granting 17 Motion to Amend/Correct. Plaintiffs shall file their Amended Complaint within five days of this Order. Signed by Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer on 1/29/18. (tob) (Entered: 01/29/2018)

Jan. 29, 2018

Jan. 29, 2018

PACER
19

AMENDED COMPLAINT with Jury Demand against All Defendants, filed by Grady Matthew Aldridge, G. A., M. A..(Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 01/29/2018)

Jan. 29, 2018

Jan. 29, 2018

RECAP
20

AFFIDAVIT of Service filed by Grady Matthew Aldridge, G. A., M. A.. All Defendants. Served on 1/30/18. Cedar Fair L.P. answer due on 2/20/18 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Stiles, Holly) Modified on 2/2/2018 (brl). (Entered: 02/01/2018)

Feb. 1, 2018

Feb. 1, 2018

PACER
21

AFFIDAVIT of Service filed by Grady Matthew Aldridge, G. A., M. A.. All Defendants. (Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 02/06/2018)

Feb. 6, 2018

Feb. 6, 2018

PACER
22

CERTIFICATION of initial attorney conference and discovery plan (Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 02/08/2018)

Feb. 8, 2018

Feb. 8, 2018

PACER
23

Defendants ANSWER to 19 Amended Complaint by Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair L.P., Cedar Fair Southwest Inc..(Pollock, William) (Entered: 02/12/2018)

Feb. 12, 2018

Feb. 12, 2018

PACER
24

Pretrial Order and Case Management Plan : Estimated Trial Time: 5-10 days. Discovery due by 8/7/2018. Motions due by 9/4/2018. Mediation deadline set for 5/4/2018. Jury Trial set for 1/7/2019 09:01 AM in Courtroom 1-1, 401 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 before Chief Judge Frank D. Whitney.. Signed by Chief Judge Frank D. Whitney on 2/13/18. (clc) (Entered: 02/13/2018)

Feb. 13, 2018

Feb. 13, 2018

PACER
25

MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Discovery Requests by Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair L.P., Cedar Fair Southwest Inc.. Responses due by 3/30/2018 plus an additional 3 days if served by mail (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order Granting Extension)(Pollock, William). Motions referred to David S. Cayer. (Entered: 03/16/2018)

March 16, 2018

March 16, 2018

PACER
26

ORDER granting 25 Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Discovery Requests. Defendants to respond to Plaintiffs First Set of Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents on or before 4/26/18. Signed by Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer on 3/19/18. (tob) (Entered: 03/19/2018)

March 19, 2018

March 19, 2018

PACER
27

MOTION for Extension of Time of Scheduling Order Deadlines and to Respond to Discovery Requests (Interrogatories, etc) by G. A., M. A., Grady Matthew Aldridge. Responses due by 4/27/2018 plus an additional 3 days if served by mail (Stiles, Holly). Motions referred to David S. Cayer. (Entered: 04/13/2018)

April 13, 2018

April 13, 2018

PACER
28

ORDER granting 27 Motion for Extension of Time of Scheduling Order Deadlines. Plaintiffs to respond to each Defendants Interrogatories and Requests for the Production of Documents by 6/4/18. Mediation deadline set for 5/9/2018. Signed by Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer on 4/16/18. (tob) (Entered: 04/16/2018)

April 16, 2018

April 16, 2018

PACER
29

Joint MOTION for Protective Order by Cedar Fair L.P.. Responses due by 5/8/2018 plus an additional 3 days if served by mail (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Sivon, Amie). Motions referred to David S. Cayer. (Entered: 04/24/2018)

April 24, 2018

April 24, 2018

PACER
30

STIPULATED PROTECTIVE ORDER PURSUANT TO FED.R.CIV.P 26(c) granting 29 Motion for Protective Order. Signed by Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer on 4/24/18. (tob) (Entered: 04/24/2018)

April 24, 2018

April 24, 2018

PACER
31

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time of Scheduling Order Deadlines for Mediation by G. A., M. A., Grady Matthew Aldridge. Responses due by 5/23/2018 plus an additional 3 days if served by mail (Stiles, Holly). Motions referred to David S. Cayer. (Entered: 05/09/2018)

May 9, 2018

May 9, 2018

PACER
32

ORDER granting 31 Motion for Extension of Time of Scheduling Order Deadlines. Mediation deadline set for 7/13/2018. Signed by Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer on 5/10/18. (tob) (Entered: 05/10/2018)

May 10, 2018

May 10, 2018

PACER
33

REPORT of Mediation. Outcome of Mediation: Completely Settled. (brl) (Entered: 07/06/2018)

July 6, 2018

July 6, 2018

PACER

Set Deadlines/Hearings: Case Settlement Deadline 8/6/2018. (brl)

July 6, 2018

July 6, 2018

PACER
34

Consent MOTION to Seal Document by Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair L.P., Cedar Fair Southwest Inc.. Responses due by 8/20/2018 plus an additional 3 days if served by mail (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Sivon, Amie). Motions referred to David S. Cayer. (Entered: 08/06/2018)

Aug. 6, 2018

Aug. 6, 2018

PACER
35

MEMORANDUM in Support re 34 Consent MOTION to Seal Document by Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair L.P., Cedar Fair Southwest Inc.. (Sivon, Amie) (Entered: 08/06/2018)

Aug. 6, 2018

Aug. 6, 2018

PACER
36

Sealed Document (Sealed - Attorney): Settlement Agreement re: 34 Consent MOTION to Seal Document (available to G. A., M. A., Grady Matthew Aldridge, Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair L.P., Cedar Fair Southwest Inc.) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Settlement Agreement)(Sivon, Amie) (Entered: 08/06/2018)

Aug. 6, 2018

Aug. 6, 2018

PACER
37

Consent MOTION for Settlement by Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair L.P., Cedar Fair Southwest Inc.. Responses due by 8/20/2018 plus an additional 3 days if served by mail (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Sivon, Amie) (Entered: 08/06/2018)

1 Proposed Order Proposed Order

View on PACER

Aug. 6, 2018

Aug. 6, 2018

Clearinghouse
38

MEMORANDUM in Support re 37 Consent MOTION for Settlement by Carowinds LLC, Cedar Fair L.P., Cedar Fair Southwest Inc.. (Sivon, Amie) (Entered: 08/06/2018)

Aug. 6, 2018

Aug. 6, 2018

PACER

TEXT-ONLY ORDER granting 34 Motion to Seal Document. Entered by Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer on August 8, 2018. (DSC)

Aug. 8, 2018

Aug. 8, 2018

PACER
39

ORDER granting/approving 37 Motion for Minor Settlement. Signed by Chief Judge Frank D. Whitney on 8/9/18. (clc) Modified on 8/15/2018 (rth). (Entered: 08/09/2018)

Aug. 9, 2018

Aug. 9, 2018

PACER
40

NOTICE of Voluntary Dismissal Without Prejudice by G. A., M. A., Grady Matthew Aldridge (Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 08/23/2018)

Aug. 23, 2018

Aug. 23, 2018

PACER
41

STIPULATION of Dismissal Without Prejudice by G. A., M. A., Grady Matthew Aldridge (Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 08/24/2018)

Aug. 24, 2018

Aug. 24, 2018

RECAP

Case Details