IF YOU’VE BEEN HURT AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK, CONTACT ONE OF OUR NATIONWIDE ZINDA LAW GROUP INJURY LAWYERS TODAY AT (800) 863-5312 TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE
For many, going to an amusement park is a fun way to spend the day with family and friends. For some, however, the day ends with trauma or injury. Amusement park rides, such as roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides, can be dangerous, having the ability to cause a wide array of injuries to those who use them.
If you were injured while at an amusement or theme park, Zinda Law Group may be able to help; our experienced team has helped individuals nationwide gain compensation for their injuries. Zinda Law Group personal injury lawyers investigate cases, determine who is at fault, and fight on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (800) 863-5312 for your 100% free consultation; you will not be expected to pay us a thing unless we are successful in winning your case.
amusement park accident facts and statistics
Millions of people visit amusement and recreation theme parks each year to have fun and enjoy the day. Unfortunately, however, thousands of people are injured in the United States each year in accidents relating to amusement parks and the park rides. In 2017, for example, NBC News reported that seats had detached from a spinning pendulum ride called the “Fire Ball” at the Ohio State Fair, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to seven other individuals.
An investigation into other amusement parks show that injuries on rides occur with startling frequency. As further reported by the NBC News, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has estimated that 30,900 injuries were caused by amusement park attractions in 2016 alone. Since 2010, the U.S. CPSC has reported 22 fatalities caused by thrill rides.
Although inspections are routinely done on amusement park rides, it is not always enough to prevent accidents and injuries. For example, the Ohio State Fair’s “Fire Ball” was inspected three or four times before the fair opened. The ride was given passing marks before killing one individual and injuring seven more.
If you have been injured due to a faulty amusement park ride, it is important to contact an experienced amusement park injury attorney at Zinda Law Group today. Our team has the knowledge and resources necessary to interview witnesses, gather evidence, and accurately calculate the value of your case to get you maximum compensation for your injuries and related damages.
Types of Amusement Park Injuries
Injuries relating to amusement and theme parks can range from relatively minor to catastrophic. Common injuries related to amusement park accidents include:
- Head, neck, and back injuries resulting from bumper cars or from being whipped around on spinning rides and roller coasters
- Strokes from flashing lights and related events
- Traumatic brain injuries from detached objects hitting the victim’s head
- Lacerations, broken bones, and torn ligaments
- Drowning on water slides, lazy rivers, or other water rides
- Death from faulty machinery or being thrown from a ride
No matter your injury, contact a Zinda Law Group amusement park injury lawyer as soon as possible following your accident. Our team understands that you may be going through a difficult time and we are here for our clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get to work on getting you compensation for your loss, any physical injuries, or other damages.
amusement park claims of defense
It is unlikely that any individual, company, or entity will voluntarily admit to acting in a negligent manner or to otherwise causing your injuries; amusement parks are no exception. The victims of amusement park accidents are forced, therefore, to bring personal injury claims in order to receive compensation for their damages. Below are examples of defenses that an amusement park may raise in a personal injury lawsuit.
Assumption of the Risk
The first defense an amusement park may raise is referred to as “assumption of the risk.” This defense typically applies when a plaintiff has acknowledged that he or she was aware that the act or event was dangerous, but chose to participate in it anyway. For example, the Kings Island amusement park in Ohio may claim that you have acknowledged the risk of danger before getting on their ride “Son of Beast,” a roller coaster which boasts record-breaking height, length, drop height, and speed.
Assumption of the risk is not a blanket defense, however. While you may assume certain risks before getting on a roller coaster or water slide, it is unlikely you have assumed the risk of a loose screw, improper maintenance, or an improperly trained employee. Each state has their own laws regarding the assumption of risk defense, so it is important to contact a personal injury attorney in your state before bringing an amusement park accident claim.
Non-compliance with Safety Rules
If a rider fails to comply with the safety rules, the amusement park may raise a non-compliance defense. Many rides have a height requirement, for example; if a rider ignores the requirement and is injured due to their size, the amusement park may claim they are not responsible for the rider’s subsequent damages. The victim may argue, however, that the amusement park’s employees were improperly trained and should have noticed the rider’s small size and prevented him or her from boarding.
If you are visiting an amusement park, it is important to always follow the posted safety signs and rules. Disregarding these safety rules may result in injury to yourself or others, as well as allow the amusement park to raise a non-compliance defense.
Admission Ticket Disclaimers
When you buy a ticket to an amusement or theme park, you may notice a disclaimer on the admissions ticket. This disclaimer may include legal language absolving the amusement park of all liability once you enter the park. The amusement park may then use this disclaimer as a defense to any injury you have sustained once inside the park.
This defense is not always a slam-dunk, however. Many courts disfavor these kinds of disclaimers and may not enforce them. For example, the court may find the disclaimer to be overly broad or all-encompassing and find it to be unreasonable and, therefore, invalid. In addition, it is questionable whether a child or teenager can even understand or be held to the legality of any contract.
Zinda Law Group personal injury lawyers have ample experience in dealing with these kinds of defenses. We are nationwide, readily available to negotiate with the owners and operators of any recreation theme park—or their insurance company—who may seek to deny you compensation for the injury you sustained on the grounds of their business.
is there a personal injury attorney near me?
If you have been injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of another individual, company, or entity, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced attorney can help prepare your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and present a winning case for you in front of a judge if a favorable settlement cannot be made. You will be able to find Zinda Law Group amusement park injury attorneys near you, for we have offices nationwide, with the resources necessary to help guide you through each step of the legal process.
Zinda Law Group is a nationally recognized personal injury firm that serves clients across the United States. Originally founded in Austin, Texas, we now have offices across the country. Although this is not an extensive list, we are available in the following cities and surrounding areas:
- Dallas, Texas
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Waco, Texas
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Boulder, Colorado
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Denver, Colorado
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Miami, Florida
Our team has a large network of experts and resources available to gather the necessary evidence in your case and to uncover the truth. We are available to our clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are in need of a personal injury attorney, contact Zinda Law Group today; we have the ability to seek the maximum amount of compensation available in your unique case.
Contact an experienced zinda law group personal injury attorney today to discuss your amusement park injury case
Amusement park rides may cause a wide range of injury or damages to those who use them. No matter how big or small you believe your injuries are, it is important to always seek medical attention after an accident. Further, a medical professional may be able to diagnose injuries that you may be unaware of. After seeking medical care, contact a personal injury attorney with experience in handling amusement park injury cases.
If you have been injured while at an amusement park, contact Zinda Law firm; our nationwide team has the ability and resources necessary to fight for you through the entire legal process. Call us today at (800) 863-5312 and schedule your 100% free consultation. Further, you will not pay us a thing unless we are successful in winning compensation in your case; that is our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
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