Most people think the average amusement park is relatively safe. They often believe the rides were designed by experienced engineers and maintained diligently by the park owners. However, this might not always be true. Here are 3 things you absolutely need to know about amusement park accidents before you plan your next family trip.
Accidents Are Often Caused by Negligence
Negligence accounts for most amusement park accidents, whether the carelessness was on the part of the guest or on the part of the park. If a person contributed to his or her own accident by doing something any reasonable person would avoid, he or she might not be eligible for much, if any, compensation from the owner of the amusement park. However, if ride operators or safety inspectors weren’t doing their jobs correctly, a person injured on a ride has the right to sue for damages.
Accidents Happen Often
According to The Consumer Safety Product Commission, around 9,000 people are injured on amusement park rides every year; this number only accounts for injuries requiring emergency room visits. Another 3,000 people are injured on inflatable rides at amusement parks, and another 3,000 are injured on water park slides. While deaths are rare, they can happen. From 1987 to 2000, more than 50 people were killed in amusement parks, including 16 fatalities on roller coasters.
You Must Prove Negligence to Sue
Before you can recover compensation for your injuries, you must be able to prove the owners or the park’s employees were negligent and their negligence led to your injury. Amusement parks often skirt liability issues by posting warnings on rides to prevent people with health problems from riding. If an amusement park failed to post a notice about the possibility of injury, they would be liable for any damages. Parks are also responsible for training their staff well in safety and ride operation.
If you or a loved one were harmed on an amusement park ride, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our skilled Dunedin premises liability attorney is dedicated to helping people recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let us see what we can do for you.
Contact us at (888) 352-7180 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation with us today.