Are you an avid amusement park fan? If so, then you’ll be happy to know that amusement park accident injuries fell by 60% between 2004 and 2019. There is a catch, though.
Most of these improvements were the result of safety enhancements at major parks. Unless you’re going to one of the major amusement parks (Disney, Universal), your risk is still fair.
What’s more, injuries from an amusement park ride can be extreme.
We’re not here to discourage you from having fun, though. It’s our goal to make sure you’re informed and prepared. Read on to learn how to handle an accident if you ever experience an amusement park injury.
Are Amusement Park Injuries Common?
As we hinted at above, amusement park injuries are on the decline. The main reason why is because bigger parks invest millions in park safety.
This investment has proven effective, but parks are inherently dangerous. An average of 7,000 individuals will wind up in the ER after accidents at parks each year. It’s likely that even more suffer minor injuries that don’t lead to hospital visits.
The most common types of park accidents include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Operator error
- Getting struck by an object while on a ride
- A fall from amusement park ride apparatuses
- Derailed rollercoaster events
- Mechanical failures
- Lack of ride maintenance
- Failure to adhere to safety standards
Considering the speed of some rides, injuries can be very serious.
How to Cope with an Amusement Park Accident
If you get hurt at an amusement park, then it’s important to know what to do. Your next steps are crucial to ensure you maintain your rights.
First, do not refuse medical treatment. Go get help. If you feel that it’s necessary, then go to the hospital.
Next, make sure to ask for a copy of every bill you receive and any diagnosis you’re provided with.
What if you get approached by amusement park workers or insurance agents? If so, then remain tight lipped. Contact this personal injury lawyer before you give up any information.
Is Seeking Out a Claim Worth it?
The reason you’ll want to remain silent is because it might make sense to seek out a claim. If your injuries are serious, then you might suffer a windfall of losses.
From medical bills to missing work, those losses will add up fast.
If someone else’s negligence played a role in your accident, then you might have recourse. It makes the most sense to consult with a lawyer about your options.
Stay Safe in 2023 and Beyond
If we should’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s how to manage risks. A ride malfunction isn’t a common occurrence, but it’s still something you need to be aware of.
If you do wind up in an amusement park accident, then you might have legal recourse. It comes down to whether any ride operators were negligent or not.
When in doubt, contact a lawyer. Otherwise, happy park hopping!
Did you find this article helpful and informative? We hope so! If you’re interested in more awesome content, then be sure to click over to our lifestyle section now.
