Amusement Park Injuries

Many Washington families enjoy traveling to and enjoying amusement parks. These facilities boast attractions that may seem fun and safe, but could actually pose a dangerous risk to patrons. Poor maintenance, undertrained staff, and many other factors can contribute to serious amusement park injuries and deaths.

Victims of amusement park accidents can suffer from broken bones, internal bleeding, and other types of harm. If you or a family member were injured at one of these sites, you may qualify for legal action against the park.

How Common Are Amusement Park Accidents?

Amusement park injuries and accidents are more common than most people believe. In 2022, the National Safety Council (NSC) published a report for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) on the prevalence of fixed-site amusement ride injuries in North America. This report analyzed accidents that occurred at 484 facilities across the United States and Canada.

According to this report, an estimated total of 1,281 ride-related injuries occurred among participating fixed-site amusement parks. Many of these incidents require hospitalization, and some even result in devastating fatalities.

Common Types of Amusement Park Injuries

Amusement park rides can be very dangerous when they malfunction or an operator fails to manage the ride safely. Very serious injuries can occur aboard these attractions, including the following:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Amputated limbs
• Traumatic brain injury
• Organ damage and internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
• Drowning injuries, which occur on water rides
• Lacerations, scrapes, and bruises

Aside from ride malfunctions, there are many other ways that people can get hurt at amusement parks. For example, a person may slip and fall on slippery and uneven surfaces or get hurt by another hazard on the property. These accidents can also result in serious, painful injuries that require immediate medical care.

Legal Options for Amusement Park Injury Victims and Their Families

It is the responsibility of an amusement park owner to ensure that the premises are safe and free from hazards. These parks must inspect their rides regularly, perform maintenance, and fix any issues that arise. Additionally, the employees who work at these parks must receive proper training and adequately supervise rides and visitors.

If an amusement park company fails to uphold these responsibilities, it may be financially liable for any accidents that occur. In the event that you were injured at an amusement park, you could pursue a lawsuit against the facility and recover financial compensation for any damages that you suffered. 

By filing a personal injury lawsuit against an amusement park, you could recover a settlement to help pay for medical care, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, you will need to show that the park’s negligence caused your accident and injuries in order to recover compensation.

Injured in an Amusement Park Accident? Speak to an Attorney

Proving an amusement park injury lawsuit can be a challenge without a lawyer on your side. An injury attorney can help you prove your right to compensation and leverage several pieces of evidence to build a compelling case in your favor.

After your accident, seek medical care and save all records related to your accident. Then, contact a Seattle personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and plan your next steps.