Amusement Park Injuries Are No Fun

Florida is known for its amusement and water parks. Most of the time, attendees’ worst injuries are bruises and sunburn. But there’s also a risk of more severe, potentially life-changing injuries. If you or a family member are in this situation, Jeff Davis can help. 

Amusement Park Injuries 

Slips and falls, ride malfunctions, food poisoning, equipment failure, negligence by park staff, and inadequate maintenance can cause some of the more severe injuries. 

• Slips and falls are particularly common, often caused by wet or uneven surfaces, loose flooring, or debris. These accidents can cause broken bones, head injuries, or back injuries. 
• Ride malfunctions, though rare, can cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. Mechanical failures, operator error, or insufficient maintenance can cause abrupt stops, or riders could be thrown from their ride, leading to serious injuries. 

Injuries may include whiplash, drowning, infections, lacerations, broken bones, and internal and traumatic brain injuries.  

The chances of a severe injury vary on many factors. Smaller traveling carnivals don’t have the same resources as Disney or Universal Studios, so their maintenance and safety budgets may be stretched. If you go at a peak time, staff may be overwhelmed by the crowds and not pay as much attention as they should. 

Amusement Park Operators’ Legal Responsibilities 

Amusement park operators have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their visitors. This duty includes: 

• Maintaining the premises in a safe condition 
• Properly inspecting and maintaining rides and equipment 
• Providing adequate warnings about potential hazards 
• Training staff members to operate the rides safely and effectively handle emergencies  

When an amusement park fails to meet these responsibilities, and you’re injured, they may be liable. We must establish liability (they had a duty to keep you safe, they failed in that obligation, and their actions or failures to act caused your injuries), or an amusement park operator (or their insurance carrier) has no obligation to compensate you for your injuries. That compensation can include payment for pain, suffering, medical bills, physical therapy, and lost wages. 

There literally may be many moving pieces to your case, especially if you’re injured on a ride, so a thorough investigation will be needed. No matter what transpired, our staff will investigate your accident to determine what happened, why, and who’s responsible. 

What You Should Do If You’re Injured at an Amusement Park 

What you do, or don’t do, right after the accident will impact recovery from your injury and your chances of obtaining compensation through an insurance claim or legal action. Here are some suggestions: 

• Seek Medical Attention: Promptly seek medical attention, even if your injuries initially appear minor. You may not feel some injuries immediately, and they can worsen over time 
• Document the Accident: Gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, noting any witness information, and preserve any relevant documents or receipts, like ticket stubs or medical records 
• Report the Accident: Notify the amusement park management about the accident and request that they document it in their records. Get a copy of their incident report for your records 
• Call Jeff Davis: Amusement park injury cases can be complex. He will protect your rights and interests 

Getting seriously injured at an amusement park, carnival, or waterpark may have been the last thing you expected. You must keep calm, think clearly, and focus on your health and protecting your ability to collect compensation for the harm done. 

Injured in an Accident? Jeff Davis Can Help  

Jeffrey R. Davis, P.A., is a Miami personal injury law firm that fights for justice for our clients. He has helped thousands of them obtain the compensation they deserve, including those injured at carnivals, waterparks, and amusement parks.  

Call us at (305) 577-3777 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation, where we’ll discuss what happened, how Florida law may apply in your case, and what you should do moving forward.