Theme park vacations should be the trip of a lifetime. However, if you get injured on your vacation, things quickly unravel. If the theme park could’ve prevented the accident, you may be able to file a suit against the theme park to recover compensation for your injuries. Florida law requires amusement attractions like permanent theme parks, fairs, go-kart tracks, waterparks, and zip lines to follow specific safety measures as stated in Florida Statute 616.242. Learn what you should know about being injured at a theme park below.
Common Causes of Theme Park Injuries
Millions of people visit Central Florida’s theme parks annually. While the number of theme park guests who suffer injuries is low, injuries are often severe and life-altering. Here are some reasons theme park injuries occur:
Improper Maintenance
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), temporary amusement park attractions must have a permit and be inspected each time they are moved to a new location. Permanent amusement rides must renew permits every year and be inspected semi-annually. Inspectors must be on-staff if a theme park has more than 1,000 employees. If inspections aren’t carried out according to state law or maintenance isn’t done correctly between them, accidents can occur.
Equipment Malfunctions
Defective or poorly maintained rides, roller coasters, and other attractions are a leading cause of injuries. Malfunctioning safety restraints, loose bolts, faulty electrical systems, or other mechanical failures can cause accidents at theme parks.
Unsafe Conditions
Ride operation in unsafe conditions is another common cause of theme park accidents. These include operating an outdoor ride during a thunderstorm or failing to check safety restraints. Unsafe conditions also occur when ride manufacturers fail to warn guests with certain medical conditions about potential ride risks.
Rider Error
Accidents may occur when guests fail to comply with safety regulations from ride operators. However, several reasons may inhibit someone’s ability to adhere to the ride operator’s guidelines, such as language barriers or hearing problems. Even if your actions partially caused the accident, you may still receive compensation due to the theme park’s negligence.
Florida Guidelines for Safe Theme Park Attractions
Florida recently signed the Tyre Sampson Act into law. The law is named after a 14-year-old teen who fatally fell from a ride at ICON Park on International Drive in Orlando. The bill tightens safety regulations for theme park rides, including:
- Stipulations to ban major ride modifications after it’s in operation.
- Standards for ride operator training.
- Posting height, weight, and age restrictions for rides.
- Unannounced regular ride inspections.
- Reporting accidents at attractions that require hospitalization or urgent care services to FDACS.
The law goes into effect July 1, 2023.
What to Do After You’ve Been Injured at a Theme Park
If you’ve been injured at a theme park, here are the steps you should take:
Seek Medical Attention
Notify the theme park staff or security about your injury and get medical help immediately.
Report
Then, report the incident to the theme park management. Share a detailed account of what happened. Request a copy of any reports or notes that are made.
Document
Collect as much information as possible about the incident and your injuries. Take photos of the ride and the offending hazard, if possible. Keep medical records, receipts for medical expenses, diagnoses, treatment plans, and any communication with the theme park on hand.
Contact a Theme Park Accident Attorney in Ocala, FL
If you believe the theme park may be partially to blame for your injury, contact an experienced theme park accident attorney, like our team at the King Law Firm. Our lawyers are dedicated to providing exceptional service and helping our clients receive adequate compensation for their injuries. Call us at 352-269-1814 or use our online form to contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
