Adrenaline junkies in Ohio are once again visiting amusement parks in droves. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of rollercoasters and related rides. But every year, thousands of people head to the emergency room after visiting an amusement park. While accidents can happen to anyone, it’s always wise to make sure your chosen amusement park has a stellar reputation for safety.
Here are some of the most common amusement park injuries. If you’re injured at an amusement park, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to find out if you can recover compensation.
Common Amusement Park Injuries
Cuts, bruises and scrapes are the most common way you might be injured because rides can jostle you around at high speeds. In some cases, these thrill rides may cause back, neck and head injuries, such as whiplash.
Some injuries are far more severe. People have experienced severe cuts, broken bones, and amputation as well as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and aneurysms. In rare cases, riders have died when thrown from a ride or drowning in water rides.
Children are the most likely to suffer these injuries, so make sure your kids understand that they need to follow the safety rules at all times—no matter how much fun they’re having. Rider non-compliance may mean that you are solely liable for your own injuries, and the expensive medical bills that come along with them.
Theories of Liability
If you or a loved one are injured at an amusement park, there are a few different theories of liability that may help you recover damages. Negligence may be a factor if the operators were careless or failed to ensure safety equipment was properly secured.
Products liability is another potential theory. If an investigation reveals that a ride was defective, the manufacturer may be responsible for the injuries it caused. Alternatively, the ride might be so inherently dangerous that even when operated perfectly, with all riders following safety protocol, it still causes injury.
Keep in mind that while the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates mobile amusement park rides (such as the type you see at carnivals and state fairs), they are not responsible for fixed-site rides, like what you’d find at Cedar Point. This means that depending on where you were injured, there are different safety and regulatory standards.
Ultimately, your attorney can help you evaluate whether you have a strong case and what you can expect to recover for your injuries.
Get Help from an Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Amusement parks are supposed to be fun—but when you’re injured due to dangerous rides, operator negligence or other causes, you might suffer lifetime damage. Let’s hold them responsible for your injuries. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877.944.4373 for a consultation.