Personal Injury Attorneys Win Compensation for Theme Park Accident Victims
Holding Central Florida amusement parks accountable for negligence
Orlando and its vicinity offer an abundance of fun-filled attractions, including Universal Studios, Disney World, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and multiple water parks. Unfortunately, an exciting trip to a theme park can result in a serious injury or illness that not only ruins your vacation but also can have a lasting, devastating impact. The attorneys at Largey Law Firm have experience dealing the legal aftermath of amusement-related accidents and the resources to hold even the largest parks responsible for their negligence. From our offices in Clermont, Inverness and Tavares, we serve Florida residents and visitors from elsewhere who have suffered harm at a Florida entertainment venue.
Theme park accident statistics
It may be hard to fathom that danger lurks within facilities devoted to fun and entertainment, but accidents and health hazards arise with surprising frequency. In 2018, there were 42 reported instances of guests at Central Florida theme parks suffering injuries or illnesses that required at least a 24-hour hospital stay, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Disney World accounted for 25 of the 42 injuries, Universal Studios 13, SeaWorld Orlando three and Busch Gardens one. One injury was fatal: a heart attack in a wave pool at Disney World’s Blizzard Beach.
Theme park injuries run the gamut of seriousness
Theme parks offer a wide variety of attractions — from thrill rides and water slides — that are physically or psychologically stressful. So you can expect the range of personal injuries to be just as diverse. In fact, negative health effects suffered by visitors range from minor illness to extreme bodily harm, such as:
- Motion sickness, including nausea and dizziness
- Cardiovascular injuries
- Lacerations
- Torn ligaments
- Whiplash
- Joint pain or injury
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Spinal injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
The worst-case scenarios involve deaths due to drowning, heart attacks or falls. Our attorneys understand how to document theme park injuries, their specific causes and the damages that result.
Common causes of theme park injuries
Though owners spend a lot of money to make their parks safe for thousands of daily visitors, an injury can happen in a moment and often in a most unexpected way. Some common causes of theme park injuries are:
- Mechanical issues — An attraction may stop functioning properly due to poor quality materials or lack of proper maintenance or replacement.
- Structural failures —Inferior materials or lack of proper maintenance, inspection or replacement can leave a structure vulnerable to failure.
- Operator error — Humans can make mistakes or fail to pay attention and may be improperly supervised or trained.
- Collisions —Park vehicles can collide, as can conveyances that are part of thrill rides.
- Ride ejections — Improperly latched, inadequate, damaged or defective safety restraints can cause a rider to be ejected.
- Poor design — Sometimes an attraction is improperly designed for its expected type of use, such as where a ride’s mounting is insufficient for its weight when filled with riders.
- Patron error — Riders may fail to follow instructions on a ride or other attraction, to heed safety warnings or to wear proper clothing or footwear.
Regardless of the cause of a theme park injury, the attorneys at Largey Law Firm will investigate and build the strongest case possible to maximize your recovery.
Who can be liable for theme park injuries
- Theme park owners — Ultimately, the theme park owner is responsible for what takes place on their property. They can be held liable in a personal injury action for defects, lack of training, failure to warn patrons, human error and other instances of negligence.
- Manufacturers — A third-party, such as the designer or manufacturer of a product, system or attraction, can be held accountable in a product liability lawsuit for any harm caused.
- Ride operators — The park owner is generally responsible for its employees’ behavior, but a ride operator could be held personally liable for intentional conduct that causes a visitor harm. This may include deliberately starting a ride before all passengers are secure in their seats.
Our lawyers are skilled at identifying and pursuing all potentially responsible parties and possible sources of recovery.
Why you need a theme park accident lawyer
Theme parks are owned by large companies and represented by teams of insurance lawyers. You need equally strong advocates on your side. At Largey Law, we help clients injured at amusement parks obtain the financial compensation they need and deserve. Talk to our attorneys today at 352.508.1485 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation at one of our office locations in Tavares, Inverness or Clermont. Se habla español.
