A woman is killed in a fall from a Texas roller coaster. A six-year-old boy is killed in a ride accident at a Pennsylvania carnival. A three-year-old girl suffers fatal head injuries on a ride at an amusement park in Las Vegas. A 57-year-old woman is killed and a four-year-old girl is left paralyzed after a miniature train derails and overturns at an Indiana amusement park. A boy dies in a fall from a Ferris wheel in New Jersey.
These tragic events are just several examples of the many accidents that occur annually across the United States, with roughly 6,000-8,000 serious incidents happening each year.
Such accidents are often related to premises liability, where the amusement park fails to maintain a safe environment, or product liability, where defective machinery and equipment lead to injuries.
If you or someone you know has suffered a severe injury on an amusement ride, contact an experienced amusement park attorney for a free case evaluation. You may have grounds for an amusement park lawsuit based on premise or product liability.
When Amusement Park Accidents Lead to Lawsuits and Compensation
While most amusement park ride injuries are minor and result in little more than scrapes and bruises, too many are still very serious – around 11% in North America as of 2021.
Many are caused by negligence, including defective machinery or careless ride operators.
Many of the accidents result in amusement park lawsuits, with the park and ride owners eventually making substantial compensation to victims.
Common Causes of Amusement Park Injuries
Common causes of amusement park accidents include:
- Defective equipment, such as broken restraints or electrical issues.
- Careless or untrained operators who failed to follow safety protocols.
- Lack of regular inspections, leading to mechanical breakdowns.
- High speeds and extreme g-forces can cause injuries if riders aren’t properly secured.
- Poorly designed rides that lack basic safety features.
- Failure to enforce safety standards and train staff adequately.
- Wet walkways or uneven surfaces create slip and fall hazards.
What to Do After an Amusement Park Accident
It’s important to act quickly to protect your legal rights after an amusement park accident. Follow these steps to help build your case and increase your chances of securing fair compensation:
- Report the incident: Notify park staff and request a copy of the official accident report for your records.
- Document the scene and collect evidence: Take photos and videos of the area, equipment, and any hazardous conditions. Gather witness contact information and keep any damaged belongings.
- Be cautious about statements: Do not admit fault or discuss the incident with park staff, insurance reps, or on social media.
- Consult an attorney: Contact an amusement park injury lawyer at Kline & Specter to protect your rights and explore your legal options.
Why Choose Kline & Specter, PC?
Kline & Specter, PC is a leader in premise and product liability cases, including amusement park ride injury cases. Our firm, founded by Tom Kline and Shanin Specter in 1995, has grown from a small office to a major presence in Philadelphia. We employ over 50 attorneys, five of whom are also medical doctors. The firm has secured hundreds of multi-million-dollar verdicts and won high-profile cases that set records in the industry.
The amusement park accident attorneys at Kline & Specter have won major awards and settlemetns in a variety of premises and product liability lawsuits, many of them very involved and complex. In one case, Tom Kline won a settlement of nearly $2 million in a Pittsburgh case in which a woman was killed when a pavilion collapsed at Kennywood Park.
Kline & Specter has been recognized by leading publications like The Philadelphia Inquirer and The New York Times as a powerhouse in personal injury law. Our attorneys are frequently ranked among the best in Pennsylvania, and their victories have led to significant safety reforms at amusement parks and other venues. We will hold amusement parks accountable and fight for justice on behalf of those injured in serious ride accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for an Amusement Park Injury?
You may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects or disability caused by the accident.
Do I Need a Medical Report to File an Amusement Park Injury Lawsuit?
Yes, having a medical report is important. It provides evidence of your injury and links it to the accident, which can strengthen your case and help prove your claim.
Can I Sue If My Child Was Injured on an Amusement Park Ride?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit on behalf of your child if they were injured due to the park's negligence or a ride malfunction.
How Long Does It Take to Settle an Amusement Park Injury Case?
The timeline can vary. Some cases settle within a few months, while others may take longer, especially if they go to trial. Your attorney can give you a better idea based on the details of your case.
Get Justice for Your Amusement Park Accident With Kline & Specter
The amusement park attorneys at Kline & Specter have won major awards and settlements in a variety of premises and product liability lawsuits, many of them very involved and complex.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact an amusement ride or roller coaster lawyer today or call 800-243-1100 to discuss your legal options and begin building your case.
