Suffering an amusement Park (and theme park) injury is very common in Florida. This is, in part, because Orlando, Florida is the theme park capital of the world. Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and Legoland Florida. Additionally, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island (a water park) are located in Tampa.
As we approach the holiday season, we are nearing the peak times for Florida amusement parks. These parks offer attractions that promise thrills from roller coasters, water slides, 3D simulations, holiday themed shows, and more. Park owners, in an effort to get customers to spend as many dollars in their parks as possible, market these attractions as fun for the entire family.
However, if you are planning to attend an amusement park, you should be aware of the risk of injury to you and your family members. People are injured at amusement parks in a number of different ways. Often, these injuries can occur as a result of the negligence of someone else. When those injuries occur, the victim can seek compensation for their injuries.
If you, or someone you love, have suffered an injury at a central Florida amusement park, you should contact a Florida amusement park accident attorney. Proving liability in amusement park accident cases can be tricky. Only a qualified injury attorney can properly investigate and collect the necessary evidence to pursue your amusement park injury case.
Amusement Park Injury on a Ride
Many amusement park injuries occur on rides. There are many ways that an injury can occur on an amusement park ride. Here are some of the most common examples of negligence that can occur with an amusement park ride:
- Improper or inadequate training of staff.
- Ride operator distractions.
- Providing inadequate warnings of risks of getting on rides.
- Defective design of the ride (such as its brakes or electrical systems).
- Defective safety equipment, such as ride restraints or harnesses or lap bars.
- Negligently allowing patrons that are too small for certain rides to board.
- Inadequate inspection or maintenance.
- Failure to comply with Florida safety regulations.
While many injuries that occur on amusement park rides will be minor, they can be fatal. In the event that someone you know dies on an amusement park ride, you should consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney.
Other Types of Common Amusement Park Injuries
Many people closely associate roller coasters with amusement parks. However, as discussed above, there are numerous attractions at amusement and theme parks. And every different type of attraction presents its own potential dangers. Here are some other common ways that amusement park patrons are injured:
- Slip and falls on hazards in walkways or on water in water-themed amusement parks.
- Drownings caused by dangerous conditions or wave pools.
- Injuries caused (whether intentionally or not) by the actions of other park patrons.
- Motor-vehicle accidents involving park trams, buses, trolley, trains or cars
The Florida legislature has well-protected amusement park owners. So it is important for people that go to amusement parks to be very aware of their surroundings. If you are injured, you will need to know exactly how your injury took place. You’ll also need to gather as much evidence as possible in order to prove your claim.
Common Amusement Park Injuries
While amusement park injuries are typically premises liability cases, some involve automobile accidents. Regardless, injury victims suffer injuries similar to those of many premises liability cases.
However, due to the large crowds, the heavy and dangerous equipment, and the slippery surfaces of many of these parks, the injuries can often be more severe. Here is a list of injuries commonly associated with amusement park injuries:
- Broken bones
- Sprain/Strain injuries to the ankles, wrist, and joints
- Neck and back injuries
- Spine injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Wrongful Death
Call Knapp Accident & Injury Law
Knapp Accident & Injury Law offers free consultations to injury victims. An amusement park injury case can be complicated.
Amusement park owners will argue that patrons assumed the risk by virtue of being at the park. They will also argue that the patron shared negligence in causing their own injuries. If an injury victim’s injury occurred as the result of the actions of another patron, the owners will often argue that they have no liability for those injuries.
Without an experienced amusement park injury attorney, the park owner’s insurance company will likely only make a low-ball offer to you for your injuries. That is why you need an attorney that knows how to properly investigate and present your amusement park injury case.
Knapp Accident & Injury Law is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to help you get fair compensation for your amusement park injury case. If you or someone you love has been injured in an amusement park accident, call us today at (813) 568-3724.
