An amusement park ride is defined as any mechanical apparatus that transports or carries people along, around, or over a fixed or restricted course within a specific area in order to provide its passengers with fun and enjoyment. In California, visiting theme parks like Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, and others is a popular pastime for both young and old individuals. California attracts millions of tourists from around the world who flock mainly to ride the roller coasters at the state's theme parks.
The excitement of theme parks, carnivals, county fairs, and other events with rides and attractions is enjoyed by many. There is, however, a negative aspect. According to the Consumer Protection Safety Commission, there are now about 5,000 serious accidents at theme parks each year that require a visit to the emergency room.
If you or a loved one was injured at an Orange County amusement park, call the legal professionals at Barrios & Machado immediately at (714) 515-9696.
Common Accidents in Amusement Parks
When irresponsible park management, reckless behavior, and other factors are present, amusement parks can stop being enjoyable for the whole family, friends, celebrations, and weekend get-togethers and become potentially hazardous.
Remember that not all accidents at fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks happen on the rides. Outside of the rides, 46% of injuries occur, most commonly as a result of slip and fall accidents, car accidents in parking lots, and being struck by debris or loose components that have fallen. Other mishaps that only occur in theme parks include roller coaster crashes, getting hit by machinery, and falling off of rides. The number of legal categories involved in theme park cases, including premise responsibility, product liability, and personal injury, can look daunting.
The following are the most typical injuries sustained on roller coasters and other thrill rides:
- Traumatic head injuries
- Injuries to the head, neck, and back
- Bruises, lacerated skin, and torn ligaments
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
- Suffocation and drowning (Water Rides)
- Stroke resulting from neck ligament damage
- Amputation of limbs and dismemberment
Dangerous Rides at Amusement Parks
Orange County has a number of amusement parks with a variety of rides. Each adrenaline junkie has a preferred thrill ride, but each ride has a unique level of danger.
Here are some of Orange County, California's riskiest theme park rides.
Each ride type is linked to the number of injuries reported for that ride over the course of a single year:
Coasters (Steel): 495
Water Slides: 438
Boat Rides: 93
Coasters (Wooden): 87
Water Park recreation ground: 84
Car Rides: 72
Alpine Sliders: 72
Log Rides: 72
Slides: 69
Rafting Adventures: 60
Carousels: 60
Train Rides: 57
Rides Operating in the Dark: 54
Simulators: 51
Go-Karts: 51
Unsettling Amusement Park Figures
You should be more cautious when using an amusement park amenity after reading the following data.
Sadly, since 1998, the number of fatalities and serious injuries has been growing rapidly. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, accidents from amusement park rides have increased about 87 percent in the last five years.
Injuries at amusement parks resulted in 9,200 emergency room visits in 1998; 4,500 of these injuries included fixed rides, while 2,100 were estimated to have involved mobile rides.
The most vulnerable age group for injury was 10 to 14-year-old children, and women had a 1.5 times higher risk of injury than men.
Accidents in theme parks, amusement parks, and water parks are frequently caused by:
- customer activity
- operator misconduct
- mechanical breakdown
- flaws or restrictions in the design
- slick floor surfaces
- walkway obstructions in the form of machinery or other components
- unsecured entryways or gateways that can give way to danger
- badly maintained attractions or structures
- operating park rides while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs
In any amusement park scenario, customer safety should always come first and be the establishment's first priority. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and when owners or staff act carelessly or perform their work inattentively, people are injured.
Although it might look straightforward, Barrios & Machado lawyers are aware that amusement park ride injuries are much more complex than the rides themselves. Three distinct legal systems— premises liability law, product liability law, and negligence or tort law—are all involved in determining who is legally responsible for amusement park accidents and injuries. These rules demand the knowledge of a personal injury attorney with experience in managing cases involving amusement park accidents because they are highly complex. Attorneys at Barrios & Machado have a lot of expertise with accidents from amusement park rides.
Making a Claim for Personal Injury
You may be able to make a claim for negligence against the park owners, ride manufacturers, and ride operators if you or a loved one has been hurt while riding an amusement park ride. To discuss your options, speak with a knowledgeable Orange County personal injury attorney right away.
The skilled legal team at Barrios & Machado is dedicated to its clients and committed to achieving the best results in each and every case.
The best legal representation, however, comes at a cost in every personal injury case. With our adequate financial resources, we can afford to employ the top legal specialists without burdening our clients with added cost. Insurance companies, corporate wrongdoers, and their law firms fear us because we are aggressive, competent, and well-respected. In order to help our customers recover from their accidents, we successfully guide them through the legal and financial obstacles they face.
It is essential to document the injuries and the events leading up to the accident whenever there is an accident that leaves someone hurt, whether it be in a car, motorcycle, or amusement park ride.
- Make sure you notify the amusement park authorities of the injuries right away, and request that they compile a report and give you a copy.
- Any witnesses should have their names, phone numbers, and addresses noted.
- Get medical help as soon as you can. Even if you think your wounds are minor, they could eventually cause serious harm.
- Consult a knowledgeable amusement park accident lawyer right away.
- You should not discuss the accident with anybody other than your lawyer, and you should direct all questions to them.
Contact an Orange County amusement park accident attorney
If you or a loved one was injured at an amusement park, consult an Orange County amusement park accident attorney about your injury on someone else's property. Depending on the particulars of the incident and your individual circumstances, you might be entitled to compensation for medical costs and damages.
Call Barrios & Machado at (714) 515-9696 right now. We offer a completely free and private initial consultation.
