Tragic Accidents At Theme Parks
When families go on vacation together, they want to know that they, their children, and all of their loved ones are safe as they create life-long memories. Sadly, that isn’t always the case when it comes to theme parks.
According to statistics, there were close to 1,300 injuries from amusement park accidents in the U.S. in 2019 alone. In these cases, negligence on the part of the parks and their employees can contribute to risks and hazards faced by attendees, who can get hurt at these parks for a number of reasons, such as getting struck, drowning, falling in a slip and fall accident, or even due to a ride malfunction or security failure. Some of those injured at these parks include the elderly or disabled, especially if there is a lack of reasonable ADA (Americans with Disability Act) accommodations and the park has become congested. Some of these cases have even unfortunately resulted in death if attendees suffer serious injuries and associated complications.
Premises Liability
A number of lawsuits are filed each year alleging that these parks negligently maintain their premises so as to allow such dangerous conditions as uneven sidewalks or wet walkways. Warning signs must be placed on any potential hazard that could be dangerous, but this basic diligence like this is often overlooked. There must be exits provided, sprinkler systems, and smoke detectors for certain attractions – netting, airbags, or more, for some others, depending upon the circumstances – in order to ensure everyone’s safety.
Yet premises liability goes above and beyond theme parks having to ensure there are no slip and fall hazards: Parks like these also need to provide adequate security, set safety rules, policies, and procedures regarding employees and visitors, and ensure that they do not contribute to actions that could place that safety in jeopardy, such as allowing for irresponsible consumption of alcohol on the premises.
Because a number of rides at theme parks have the ability to seriously harm or kill visitors if something malfunctions, it is especially important that the rides are properly maintained: emergency braking systems, electrical wiring, circuit breakers, checking for defects, tracks, coaster parts; and those operating them are not drunk or drugged. Visitors must not only be harnessed in for some rides, but those harnesses and safety belts should be double-checked by staff. Employees must ensure that only those who are suitable for the ride actually get on it, barring anyone who is too young, not tall enough, and/or who perhaps weighs too much, if that poses a safety risk to themselves or others. And park employers also have to ensure that their own employees are safe as well as they operate and maintain these premises.
Let Us Help You Today
Sometimes when these parks have the goal of building attractions that are the “tallest” or “biggest” in the world, they lose sight of what’s important: ensuring that it is safe for visitors.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a theme park, contact our Macon personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Buzzell, Welsh & Hill today for a free consultation.
Source:
businessinsider.com/disney-hit-wrongful-death-suit-jungle-cruise-fall-2023-1
