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The suit filed in Mercer County Superior Court says Jia Li, a Millburn resident, was walking through the mall holding her baby when she was "suddenly and violently" struck from behind by a person operating a motorized version of a plush animal on Sunday, July 9, 2023.
The suit says the crash caused her to fall to the ground and sustain significant injuries.
Li's suit alleges that the American Dream Mall and Dream Riders, which rents the animal rides, were negligent, did not properly maintain the premises and did not provide walking conditions at the mall, according to the lawsuit. Li is seeking unspecified damages.
As a result of their carelessness, negligence and recklessness, Li suffered permanent injuries and also aggravated pre-existing medical conditions, costing her "large sums of money" in necessary medical treatment, according to the lawsuit.
Li also suffered from anxiety and mental anguish as a result of being struck by the motorized animal. Li's husband, Bo Hu, said he suffered the loss of his services and companionship of his wife as a result of the incident, according to the lawsuit.
A spokesperson for the American Dream Mall declined to comment. A representative of Dream Riders was not immediately available to comment when Daily Voice reached out Friday, Sept. 27.
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