Amusement Park Safety During a Pandemic
According to CNN, Disney World in Orlando, Florida will reopen in July after being shut down because of the coronavirus since mid-March. CNBC reported that Disney World is the largest theme park in the world, granting access to 20 million visitors in 2018. While the crowds will be much thinner this summer, what does opening mean for the safety of those who are planning to visit?
Risk of Contracting Coronavirus
The biggest conversation happening is about the risk of visitors contracting coronavirus when visiting Disney World or a similar theme park. Over 20,000 cast members who work for Disney World have signed an online petition asking that the theme park not open. While guests over the age of two are required to wear masks, there are restaurants where that policy will not be enforced. As people enter and exit rides, they are making contact with communal surfaces. People are likely to scream as their roller coaster ride drops, also increasing the chances of spreading germs through the air. It is not likely that a personal injury claim could be made against Disney World by someone who contracts coronavirus when they willingly took the risk to visit. However, protocols and staffing changes have been made as a result of coronavirus, which could also increase the risks to guests and Disney World does have a responsibility to ensure the safety of those who visit.
Other Amusement Park Risks That May Be Increased By Pandemic Protocols
Disney World was shut down for 116 days and the New York Times reported that 43,000 workers were furloughed earlier in the spring. The question becomes, has the staff kept up to date on the appropriate training to operate roller coasters and other theme park rides? Some staff will be reassigned to do temperature checks and more frequent cleaning, which may also reduce the number of employees who are maintaining ride safety. Furthermore, if coronavirus does spread throughout the park, staff are likely to get sick, which could reduce the number of trained employees there to assist if there is an emergency or ride malfunction. Staff members who are under additional stress may miss a critical safety check prior to the ride continuing.
If you or a loved one suffers an injury at the theme park that could have been prevented if the premises had been maintained, you may have a personal injury claim. Common injuries include falls, neck and spinal cord injuries, head trauma, lacerations, broken bones, food poisoning, and more.
Contact Payer Law If You Are Injured At An Amusement Park This Summer
Aside from the debate about whether or not opening theme parks could increase infection rates, any park that opens needs to be able to provide the same level of safety for those who chose to visit. Anyone who is injured because safety could not be maintained may have a personal injury case. An experienced Orlando amusement park accident attorney at Payer Law can help you determine if you can seek compensation for your injuries. Contact our office at 407-307-2979 to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
cnn.com/2020/07/09/media/disney-world-reopening/index.html
https://www.payerlawgroup.com/residential-pool-drownings-and-young-children/
