Amusement Park Injuries Information Center
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Frequently Asked Questions about Amusement Parks
Q: When an injury occurs on an amusement park ride, what legal theories are usually used to help an injured person recover compensation?
A: Negligence and product liability are legal theories that may allow a person injured on an amusement park ride to recover compensation. The specific claims will depend on the circumstances.
Q: I was injured when I slipped and fell coming off a ride. Can I sue the amusement park to recover compensation?
A: Yes. When an individual is injured on property or premises owned or maintained by someone else, he or she can hold the owner or possessor of the property for the injury under a premises liability theory. In addition, if the amusement park failed to use reasonable and ordinary care to keep the walkway reasonably safe for visitors, the injured person can hold the amusement park liable under a negligence theory.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports a 95% increase in injuries at fixed-site amusement parks since 1999.
Amusement Park Injury Lawyers — Miami, Florida
Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A.
Rollercoaster accidents and ride malfunctions that result in serious injuries or deaths almost always receive significant news coverage. However, these events are relatively few and far between compared to the number of "ordinary accidents" that occur at the parks, county fairs and carnivals on a day-to-day basis.
Panter, Panter & Sampedro handles amusement park accident cases involving everything from slip and fall accidents to injuries caused by negligent security. As a firm, we have been dedicated to helping people injured by the negligence of others for more than 20 years, and we have never been afraid to stand up and protect our clients in the face of large product manufacturers and the huge corporations that own and operate these attractions.
For general information on amusement park accidents, defective products and premises liability — please review the following articles. To discuss a potential claim with one of our attorneys — contact us in Miami, Florida, today.
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Amusement Parks - An Overview
Amusement parks, theme parks and traveling carnivals entice millions of visitors each year with promises of safe thrills and family entertainment. Unfortunately, amusement park visitors, especially children, can be injured on rides, park premises and in parking lots. Injuries range from scrapes and fractures to more serious injuries such as limb loss, paralysis, brain hemorrhage and death. Forty-two states regulate amusement parks, but there are no federal rules establishing minimum safety standards for amusement parks. Generally speaking, the amusement park industry finds efforts to impose federal regulation over ride operation unnecessary and that federal oversight would not improve the industry's safety record. See Statement of IAAPA President Charles Bray Regarding the National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act (H.R.2320), available at www.iaapa.org/pressroom/ statement_national_amusement_ride_safety_act.asp.
If you have been injured at an amusement or theme park, the law of the state where you live or where the injury took place will likely control any lawsuit you may bring. A personal injury attorney at Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. in Miami, Florida, can help you explore your options for obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled.
Injuries to Children
Injury statistics from state regulatory agencies and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission show that beyond the promised thrills and chills of amusement park rides, serious dangers await kids at America's amusement parks. By understanding the factors that put kids at risk at amusement parks you may help keep your children safe. If your child has already been injured in an accident at an amusement park, contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
Duties Amusement Parks Owe To Visitors
Under the common law, and still today in many states, property owners and possessors owe different degrees of responsibility, or duties, to people who come onto their property, depending on how such people are categorized. The law recognizes three main categories of entrants: invitees, licensees and trespassers. In states that still distinguish among these categories of people, the legal duty owed to each group is different. Talk to an attorney about whether these categories and standards of care apply in your state.
The Hidden Dangers of Roller Coasters
Heart rates are not the only thing soaring at America's amusement parks. Injuries occurring on and around amusement park rides have risen as well, and roller coasters and other thrill rides account for a large portion of this increase and the sometimes-severe injuries that riders experience. If you have been injured on a roller coaster, an attorney can evaluate your situation and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Product Liability and Amusement Parks
Product liability law governs defective or dangerously designed products and in some instances may apply to amusement park rides, especially as extreme thrill rides continue to up the G-force pressure on the bodies of thrill riders. If a defective part on an amusement park ride, such as faulty breaks or loose tracks on a roller coaster caused your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation from the manufacturer of those parts. An experienced product liability lawyer can evaluate your situation and explain your legal options.
Amusement Parks Resource Links
Safer Parks
Comprehensive site with information on amusement park safety, industry trends and relevant research information started by a family whose child was injured at Disneyland.
Ride Accidents
Comprehensive site with up-to-date reports of amusement park accident information and detailed industry links.
Theme Park Insider
Portal site for all theme and amusement park information including database of current safety information.
Council for Amusement and Recreational Equipment Safety (CARES)
A voluntary group of regulatory agencies from the United States and Canada that provides standardized record keeping and Internet linkage for member agencies.
National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials
A professional association of ride inspectors and regulatory officials.
Miami, FL 33156-1584