Nearly 375 million people visit American amusement parks every year [1]. Florida theme parks, which include Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, are some of the most visited amusement parks in the world. The Magic Kingdom received 17.13 million visitors in 2022, with Universal Studios receiving 10.75 million [2].
Despite the fun that comes from a day at an amusement park, tragic theme park accidents still happen and, unfortunately, it can be difficult to receive compensation against giant amusement park corporations.
A qualified personal injury lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will go toe-to-toe with these multinational companies on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Causes of Amusement Park Injuries
There were 130 serious amusement park injuries at North American theme parks in 2021, which included fatalities and hospitalizations [3].
While severe injuries are rare, approximately 30,000 injuries occur annually at American amusement parks, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s last estimate in 2016 [4]. Unfortunately, data about accidents at amusement parks is difficult to gather due to the different reporting requirements across states.
Lack of Safety Measures and Instructions
Amusement park safety rules are in place to protect patrons and park employees from harm, but they may not always be rigorous enough to prevent serious injuries. Major safety hazards include inadequate restraints, particularly for young riders on roller coasters.
Carnival ride injury involving a 6-year-old girl who fell from the top of a slide at a local amusement park. The amusement operator failed to install protective equipment that would have prevented the fall.
Additionally, safety instructions provided by ride operators or signage posted on rides may be unclear, leading to guests injuring themselves. For example, a ride with low clearance may not allow riders to put their hands in the air. If this is not adequately explained to riders, they may suffer broken bones from hitting beams or other barriers.
Height and weight restrictions may also not be clearly defined for passengers, leading them to ride when they do not meet the requirements.
Defective Equipment
A 2019 study found that mechanical failures were to blame in 15 out of 182 accident events, causing 22 fatalities [5]. This can include lap belts that fail to fasten or a defective part causing the ride to fail.
In 2022, six people were injured when the “El Toro” ride at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey suffered a partial derailment [6]. This same roller coaster also derailed in 2021, suggesting design flaws could have been to blame.
Rides may also operate in unsafe conditions, either due to poor design or failure to maintain equipment. In 2021, a Michigan woman suffered a traumatic brain injury while waiting in line for the Top Thrill Dragster ride at the Ohio theme park Cedar Point [7]. A bracket the size of a human hand dislodged from the ride, striking her in the head.
It was later found numerous bolts were warped due to repetitive stress, and the park owners had ignored these serious infractions.
Human Element
Across all industries, human error accounts for between 70-90% of accidents, and theme park accidents are no different [8]. Theme park operators may fail to train their employees in all safety standards, including the weight and height limits for the attractions they operate.
In 2022, a 14-year-old boy died when he slipped out of the restraints on the world’s tallest drop tower, the Orlando FreeFall Tower, at Florida’s ICON Park. The boy was above the weight limits for the drop tower, so the ride operator manually adjusted the harness. This misadjustment overrode the ride’s electronic safety mechanisms and allowed the ride to operate despite the grave risks [9].
Amusement park visitors may also fail to obey posted signage, leading to injury or death. In June 2024, a man entered the restricted area of the Banshee ride at the Kings Island amusement park to retrieve his keys despite warnings from ride operators. He was struck by the roller coaster train at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour and later died in the hospital [10].
Slip and Falls
Slips and falls are common amusement park injuries, particularly at water parks or on water rides at larger theme parks. Guests may slip on wet surfaces near water slides, potentially leading to severe head or back injuries.
Guests may also fall on uneven paving, trip over signage, or fall from slippery stairs.
Common Injuries in Amusement Park Accidents
Amusement park injuries our attorneys see in personal injury claims include:
- Sprains, strains, and dislocations – Falling or tripping can lead to painful sprains.
- Abrasions and Contusions – Cuts, scrapes, and bruises occur when a falling object hits a guest or trips on uneven pavement.
- Whiplash – A high-speed attraction may cause a rider’s head to violently jolt against a seat back, leading to whiplash.
- Head and Neck Injuries – Slamming into a restraint, falling on pavement, or being hit by an object can all cause head and neck trauma.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – It is sadly not uncommon for an amusement park accident to lead to lifelong disability. Roller coasters and other attractions have large bolts, plates, and other pieces that, should they fall on a guest, can cause serious head trauma.
- Back Injuries – Poorly designed seating or harnesses may violently jostle a rider, causing back injuries.
- Broken Bones – Hitting a post, high falls, and being struck by an unsecured piece of machinery may break bones.
- Amputations – Being struck by a large wire or having a limb crushed by heavy machinery may require amputation.
- Death – Falling from great heights or being hit by a heavy roller coaster car may sadly result in death.
Why You Need an Amusement Park Injury Attorney
A personal injury attorney specializing in amusement park accidents is a crucial ally after a theme park accident for several reasons, including our investigative skills, negotiation experience, and trial representation.
Investigation
Our personal injury attorneys will review surveillance footage, medical reports, eyewitness testimony, and amusement park safety records to understand how the accident happened and who may be liable.
Thanks to the complexity of theme park rides, an amusement park accident can be very complicated. These are multi-million dollar machines with thousands of moving parts. Understanding design flaws and mechanical failures takes special expertise, but we have access to experts in amusement park attractions who can provide their professional opinions.
Theme park accident litigation also requires understanding the differing rules around amusement park rides. For example, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission oversees traveling carnivals and movable rides, but fixed-site amusement parks are regulated by state laws.
Our legal team is familiar with the relevant statutes, such as the differences between California and Florida law, and can apply them accordingly.
Negotiation
Amusement park companies are billion-dollar corporations that carry liability insurance. They also have their own legal teams who will fight to prevent losses to the corporation.
Their insurance company will pressure the injured person to accept the lowest settlement possible, but our injury lawyers are familiar with what is typical in these cases and will ensure you get fair compensation. We’ll also consider any future medical care and push for an amount to cover all you need.
Representation in Court
Sometimes, it’s necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit because the company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement. Should this occur, we will provide top-notch legal expertise in a court of law, relying on the evidence we have meticulously gathered to prove the amusement park injury is the owner or operator’s responsibility.
Compensation Awarded in Amusement Park Accident Settlements
The compensation you can receive depends on the severity of your injuries and the financial burden this imposes. Those with an extended recovery time or lifelong disability will receive more, as will wrongful death suits. Compensation is separated into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages consider the financial impact of the accident, which includes:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Property death
- Burial expenses
Non-economic damages focus on how the injury has impacted your life, including:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
Protect Your Rights After an Amusement Park Accident
It’s critical to act fast after amusement park incidents to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.
Report the Injury
After an amusement park injury, inform the local authorities to establish an incident report. You should call the local police department, which can open an investigation and gather evidence. The park should also be informed so they can close the ride if it poses a risk to other guests.
Get Medical Attention
Go to the hospital immediately to ensure you are not seriously injured and to demonstrate the injury that occurred during your visit to the park.
Contact an Amusement Park Injury Attorney
You can call us 24/7 to schedule your free consultation. We can assist you with all aspects of an amusement park accident, including identifying local legislation and collecting evidence.
You Have Limited Time to File Claims Against Amusement Parks
The statute of limitations for personal injury varies by state, but it can be as short as one year in some jurisdictions. It’s crucial you contact an attorney as soon as you are injured so we can file a lawsuit, if necessary, within the appropriate timeframe.
Contact a Skilled Amusement Park Injury Lawyer Today!
Securing justice and rightful compensation following an auto accident is both necessary and challenging. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers prevents the legal process from adding to your stress, offering free consultations to evaluate your situation thoroughly without any financial risk.
To schedule your free case evaluation and learn if you have a personal injury claim, contact us online or call us 24/7 at (888) 424-5757.
Resources: [1] USA Today, [2] Statista, [3] USA Today, [4] CNN, [5] Safety Science, [6] People, [7] WHIO TV, [8] CED Technologies, [9] CNN, [10] CBS News,