Amusement Parks and Serious Falls
A day at an amusement park should be one of fun and excitement, but a serious fall can have lifelong repercussions. When amusement park accidents are caused by negligence of park operators, injured parties may be able to recover compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Texas is home to many amusement parks and while most people enjoy these parks without injury, serious fall accidents are more common than many parks would like to admit. At Ramey Law Firm, attorney Hardin R. Ramey helps hold parks accountable when amusement parks and serious falls injure people in Dallas, TX, and surrounding areas.
Causes of Serious Falls at Amusement Parks
Serious falls are one of the most common sources of injuries at amusement parks in Dallas. While some falls are caused by park patrons' own actions, others are a result of the negligence of park operators and officials. Common causes of serious falls at amusement parks can include:
- Staircases: Staircases are a common feature of amusement parks with large roller coasters and other elevated attractions. Staircases are a common source of injuries, especially when not properly maintained or lacking adequate warnings. They may become slippery from water rides or steps or handrails may become loose, causing park-goers to fall and suffer significant injuries.
- Wet walkways: Parks with water rides may end up with wet walkways that can cause park patrons to slip and fall. Liquid spills, like another visitor's beverage or flooding from damaged plumbing, can also cause walkways to become wet. If park workers are aware of wet walkways but fail to warn patrons and clean up spills, the park may be held liable for negligence in the event of an accident.
- Faulty passenger restraints: Passenger restraints are essential to keeping people on amusement park rides safe, especially on rides that go upside down or travel at high speeds. When restraints fail, it can lead to catastrophic injuries or death.
- Poorly maintained rides: Similar to faulty passenger restraints, a poorly maintained ride can break down, fall apart, or otherwise malfunction, potentially causing riders to fall and suffer serious injuries or fatalities.
Injuries from Fall Accidents
When a serious fall happens at an amusement park, it can lead to severe injuries that may cause permanent disability or fatalities. Some possible injuries from fall accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Sprained arms or legs
- Cuts and bruises
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
Holding Amusement Parks Liable
Visitors to amusement parks have an expectation to be kept reasonably safe. When amusement park officials fail to address safety issues and warn park visitors of dangers, such as loose steps, loose handrails, or slippery pathways, they may be held liable in the event of an accident.
Those who have been injured in a serious fall at an amusement park due to the negligence of park officials may be able to recover damages for their injuries, lost wages, hospital bills, and pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can help.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. To discuss the details of your case, please call (972) 437-5577 to schedule a consultation with Dallas personal injury attorney Hardin Ramey.