FAQs About Amusement Park Injuries

Every year, amusement parks from Disneyland to Adventure City attract millions of visitors. When such a large number of people come together in such a small space, accidental injuries are inevitable. However, in most cases, amusement park injuries, whether on rides or in crowds, aren’t “accidents.”

Under California law, most property owners must create and maintain safe and secure environments. These environments are free from injury hazards, such as a wet spot on a bathroom floor or a burned-out light in a parking lot. This duty of care also applies to rides. Health and safety must take priority over size and speed.

These injury cases are very complex, partially because out-of-state holding companies usually own amusement parks. So, these injury victims have lots of questions. A good Los Angeles personal injury lawyer answers these questions in language people clearly understand, instead of Legalese.

What is the most common cause of amusement park accidents?

Amusement parks can be risky, especially when corners are cut or rules aren’t followed. Some of the most common causes of injuries include:

• Faulty Rides and Equipment: Mechanical failures, design flaws, or improper assembly of rides can result in severe accidents. From sudden stops to parts breaking mid-ride, these issues often lead to serious injuries.
• Operator Negligence: Ride operators play a key role in ensuring safety. When operators are poorly trained, inattentive, or careless, they may fail to enforce rules or respond to emergencies properly, putting visitors at risk.
• Poor Maintenance: Regular inspections and timely repairs are crucial for maintaining safety, but some parks neglect these responsibilities. Worn-out equipment or unaddressed issues can lead to preventable accidents.
• Overcrowding: Amusement parks often attract large crowds, and when areas become too packed, slip-and-fall incidents, trampling, or other accidents can occur. Poor crowd management exacerbates the problem.

Any of these circumstances can lead to a life-altering accident that results in serious injuries for those involved.

Do I have a case?

To determine if you have a valid case, you need to evaluate the evidence available. In personal injury claims, the burden of proof lies with the victim. Evidence in premises liability claims often includes:

• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Background information, such as prior incidents at the same location

The legal standard is a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it must be more likely than not that negligence occurred. A skilled Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help gather and analyze evidence, sometimes with the help of independent experts, to build a strong case.

What is the most common injury caused by roller coasters?

Common Amusement Park Injuries Amusement park accidents can lead to many injuries, many of which can be severe or life-altering. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden ride movements, such as abrupt stops or jerks, can strain the neck and spine.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Falls from rides or uneven surfaces often result in broken bones, particularly in children.
• Head Injuries: Malfunctions, falls, or flying objects can cause concussions or other traumatic brain injuries.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Poorly maintained rides or sharp edges can lead to deep cuts that require medical attention.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruises are common when riders are jolted or fall unexpectedly.
• Heat-Related Illnesses: Overcrowding and lack of shaded areas can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.

If your family’s fun day turns into a nightmare due to any of these issues, it’s essential to consult a Fort Worth amusement park injury lawyer to determine your next steps.

What happened at Kings Island in 2024?

Kings Island is a popular Ohio amusement park. In June 2024, a man crossed into a restricted area around the Banshee, a high-speed roller coaster. The amusement ride hit him and killed him.

A “Keep Out” or other warning sign is not a magic wand that causes legal responsibility to vanish. Such signs simply make the assumption of the risk defense easier to prove. The sign is effective only if the victim saw the sign, could read the sign, and could understand what the sign meant.

This clip illustrates this principle. Patrick couldn’t read the sign, and presumably, couldn’t understand what it meant anyway. As a side note, who places a “Danger Cliff” sign at the precipice of a cliff?

How Much Money Can I Get for an Amusement Park Accident?

Victims are typically entitled to compensation for:

• Economic losses: Medical bills, lost wages, and other tangible costs
• Non-economic losses: Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Attorneys calculate reasonable non-economic damages by multiplying economic losses by a factor of two to four, depending on the case’s specifics. Settlements must also account for future medical needs, such as ongoing physical therapy for severe injuries.

Consult An Amusement Park Accident Lawyer Today!

Injury victims need and deserve substantial compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Los Angeles, contact the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we start working for you.

Credit: Photo by Midjourney