Amusement parks should be places of fun and excitement, but an accident can turn a joyful day into a stressful and potentially life-altering experience. Injuries caused by unsafe conditions or negligence can leave you or a loved one facing medical bills, lost income, and pain. If someone in your family suffered harm at an amusement park, you deserve guidance and support. Understanding your rights and pursuing compensation can help you recover and move forward after this unexpected event. Thankfully, you don’t have to handle this alone.
At Nagel Rice LLP, our premises liability attorneys know what it takes to represent victims injured at New York and New Jersey amusement parks and carnivals. Companies seeking to make more money by appealing to families who want a fun and exciting experience may cut corners on safety and security, putting you and your loved ones at risk.
Understanding Amusement Park Safety
Amusement parks have a legal and ethical responsibility to maintain safe conditions for visitors, which includes regular equipment inspections, staff training, and clear safety guidelines. While ride safety is a priority for parks, accidents can still occur, often due to rider behavior, mechanical failures, or improper maintenance. According to data from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, roughly 1,200 people suffered injuries at amusement parks in one recent year.
Children and teens are the most vulnerable to injuries in amusement parks, mainly because they frequently use rides designed for specific height or weight ranges. Injuries involving younger children often occur on slower-moving rides, while older children and adults might face risks on faster, more extreme attractions. Vigilant supervision and adherence to park rules can reduce risks significantly.
Injuries Caused by Amusement Park Accidents
Unsafe rides or park attractions cause most amusement park injuries. However, other unsafe conditions, slippery flooring, and other hazards can also lead to catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common injuries associated with amusement park accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations, especially fingers and toes
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Facial and dental injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations
- Abrasions
- Contusions
- Sprains
- Strains
These types of injuries can lead to life-long complications and extensive medical intervention. Amusement park injuries can also cause mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
Factors That Contribute to Amusement Park Accidents and Amusement Park Liability
Amusement park accidents and injuries are unique because so many factors can contribute to the cause of the incident, which also affects liability. Some of the most common factors that contribute to amusement park accidents include:
- Improper ride operation
- Improper staff training
- Improperly designed rides
- Failure to warn parkgoers about the inherent risks of a ride or attraction
- Unsafe park conditions
- Poor maintenance
- Missing safety equipment or features
- Mechanical failures or manufacturing defects
The cause of the accident significantly impacts liability and who is responsible for compensating amusement park victims for their injuries. In some situations, an amusement park accident can fall under premises liability. Premises liability is an area of the law that requires property owners to keep their property safe and free from hazards for guests and patrons. However, personal injury law and product liability may also come into play depending on the circumstances of the incident, making amusement park cases potentially complex and confusing.
With so many factors at play, these cases are complicated because more than one entity may be liable for compensating you for your medical expenses and other losses. Liable parties may include one or more of the following:
- Amusement park owner or operator
- Property owner
- Ride or parts manufacturer
- Ride operators
- Maintenance contractors
- Third-party vendors
Contact a New Jersey or New York attorney as soon as possible to understand and protect your legal rights following an amusement park accident. A premises liability attorney can provide valuable legal insight into your situation and how you can recover maximum compensation for your injuries and other financial losses.
Compensation for a New York or New Jersey Amusement Park Accident
The compensation you may recover for injuries sustained at an amusement park can vary. Every case is unique, and your compensation depends on the nature of the accident and the severity of your injuries, among other factors. Recovering the compensation you deserve means not settling for an insurance company’s lowball offer and instead letting an experienced attorney calculate your financial losses. An attorney can investigate the cause of the accident, evaluate your situation, and accurately calculate your medical expenses and other losses before aggressively negotiating on your behalf. While the value of each amusement park case varies, in general, most accident victims can pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
Reaching an agreement with an insurance provider without legal representation is rarely in your best interest. After an amusement park accident, seek help from an attorney with the knowledge and resources to offer you a comprehensive and strategic legal assessment of your situation.
Contact Our New Jersey Premises Liability Attorneys
Don’t wait to secure legal representation if you’ve been hurt at an amusement park. At Nagel Rice, our legal team understands the complexity and time sensitivity of New York and New Jersey amusement park injury cases. We work with you to understand your situation and find legal solutions to achieve the most favorable outcome possible. With a long track record of successful verdicts and settlement outcomes, we are confident we can help you navigate your amusement park accident case. Contact our offices in New Jersey and New York to get started with your free initial consultation.
Nagel Rice LLP helps its clients throughout New Jersey, including Roseland, Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Sussex County. We also represent clients in New York throughout Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.