Google Screened
The Dangers of Amusement Park Accidents
June 6, 2022
Recently, a 14-year-old boy died after falling from a ride at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida. Unfortunately, he may not be the only fatality this year as amusement park season gets into full swing.
Research shows there are nearly 12,000 emergency room visits in an average year due to amusement and water park injuries and deaths. Injuries can range from lacerations, bruises, and broken bones to concussions, traumatic brain injury, and paralysis.
Park owners, employees, and operators must maintain safe conditions throughout the property and on the rides: safety must be a priority. They must adhere to state and local government regulations and codes. They should undergo regular safety inspections to ensure rides and attractions are safe.
What if a Loved One or I are Hurt in an Amusement Park Accident?
When someone is hurt or killed in an amusement park accident, it is essential to determine who is at fault for the accident. Knowing this can help the victim with insurance coverage for their injuries and potentially other compensation for their damages.
If the carelessness or inattention of the park owner, property manager, or an employee caused the accident, they could be found liable. For example, if they did not post clear warning signs regarding ride risks or failed to train ride operators thoroughly, they may be at fault for the accident.
Sometimes, a third party is responsible for injuries related to an amusement park ride or attraction. Some rides have inherent design flaws that lead to injuries. The company that designed the ride could be liable for injuries or deaths, which could possibly be the case in the Orlando accident.
Other times, a manufacturer can be found liable for a ride injury. If they took a shortcut, used inferior products, or veered from the original design, their manufacturing errors could be the reason for a ride failure and accident. The victim could have a valid product liability claim.
What are Common Causes of Amusement Park Accidents?
There can be many causes of an amusement park or water park ride failure, including:
- Design and Manufacturing Flaws
- Failure to Supervise Riders
- Inherent Dangers – Speed, Height, Twists, and Turns
- Mechanical Failures
- Neglectful Operator Behavior
- Poor or Missing Inspection and Maintenance
- Ride Structure Problems
- Safety Feature Malfunction
- Slips and Falls
- Untrained Operators
How Can I Stay Safe at an Amusement Park?
First, never assume the park owner/operator has followed all safety rules and regulations, particularly at mobile amusement parks such as state or county fairs, local carnivals, and similar attractions. Also, use common sense and trust your instincts. If you have a bad feeling about a ride or see something that does not look right, do not get on it or let your children ride it. In addition:
- Follow posted signs for height, age, weight, and health restrictions.
- Follow instructions for seating, loading, and unloading.
- Always wear safety restraints, seatbelts, safety bars, and other devices. Tell the ride operator if they are not in good working order and get off.
- If you do not think your child can follow the rules about safety or is too small or young to ride safely, do not let them ride.
- Avoid mall or supermarket rides that do not have child restraint or safety features.
- Do not engage in horseplay on a ride.
The Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyers at Galfand Berger Represent Amusement Park Injury Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured at an amusement park or water park, let our Philadelphia premises liability lawyers at Galfand Berger review your case for free. Please call us at 1-800-222-USWA (8792) or complete our short contact form. A member of our firm will contact you. With offices in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. There is no fee unless we recover for you.