Amusement Park Injuries
Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando in addition to many smaller amusement parks. A normal day at the theme park can be a fun and memorable trip for the family or your group of friends. However, according to CNN, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there were 30,900 injuries at amusement parks that required emergency room care in 2016. If you or a loved one was injured at an amusement park, your experience is one that will leave you with lasting medical bills and potentially emotional trauma too. While you planned to take time off work for vacation, you likely are prepared to be away from your job during your recovery too. To help you with these additional stressors, it is important you speak with a qualified Orlando personal injury attorney who can guide you through filing a personal injury claim.
Common Injuries at Amusement Parks
Common injuries for amusement parks include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries;
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Broken bones;
- Abrasions, bruises, lacerations;
- Drownings;
- Electrical shock;
- Injuries to soft tissue such as ligaments, tendons, or muscle;
- Spinal cord injuries; and
- Death.
Causes of Amusement Park Injuries
Some rides, particularly those thrill-seeking rides such as rollercoasters, have an inherent danger to them. Such rides often move at fast rates of speed, jerking passengers around corners or putting them upside down in the process. Those rides are more likely to cause neck injuries and should have appropriate warning signs for people who have high blood pressure, a heart condition, or who are pregnant. However, injuries can happen just by walking through a food court area of the amusement park. Common reasons for injuries include:
- Failure to adequately inspect and maintain rides;
- Poor signage for areas that are slipping or tripping hazards;
- Failure to train the theme park staff on the operation of rides;
- Defective parts or machinery; and
- More.
Theme park visitors do accept some risk when choosing to enjoy rides and other adventures on the premises of a park but it is the responsibility of the theme park to create a safe environment for its guests. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services inspects all amusement rides in Florida, except for those at large parks that have more than 1,000 employees and have full-time inspectors on staff. If the rides are not properly maintained, staffed, or signed with warnings, then the amusement park can be held liable for injuries that result.
Contact Payer Law Firm About Your Amusement Park Experience Today
Even a relatively minor injury, such as a broken bone, will disrupt your vacation and require medical attention, which can be expensive. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury while taking a vacation day at one of Orlando’s theme parks, it is worth considering filing a personal injury claim. Other injuries can be life-long and you should be compensated for the full impact it has made on your life. The Orlando personal injury attorneys at the Payer Law are here to help you assess who is liable for your injuries and will work hard on your behalf to determine your case’s worth and ensure that you are compensated accordingly. Contact our office at 407-307-2979 to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Fairs/Fair-Rides-Inspection#:~:text=Fair%20Rides%20Inspection,full%2Dtime%20inspectors%20on%20staff.
cnn.com/2017/07/28/health/amusement-park-safety-data-2016/index.html
/common-moped-and-motorcycle-collision-injuries/
