When the weather begins to warm up, millions of Texans flock to popular amusement parks across the state for a day of fun that both adults and children can enjoy. With attractions like ferris wheels, roller coasters, water slides, and other fast, flying, fun rides, it’s no wonder so many people enjoy these types of escapes.
Are Fair and Carnival Rides Safe?
Unfortunately, with these beloved adventures and rides can come countless hazards, and risk for serious injuries. Over the years, visitors of amusement parks have sustained serious injuries ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, or worse, death.
It’s important that precautions are taken to keep every visitor safe, particularly with regard to dangerous machinery in order to prevent an amusement park injury. This responsibility also extends to zoos, water parks, and other popular vacation spots including:
- Six Flags over Texas
- Hurricane Harbor
- Great Wolf Lodge
- State Fair of Texas
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas
- SeaWorld San Antonio
- Joyland Amusement Park
- Wonderland Park
- Schlitterbahn
- Sandy Lake Amusement Park
Common Causes of Amusement Park Accidents
One case revealed a carnival ride manufacturer knew a defect in his ride would eventually cause corrosion and malfunction. The ride did just that and collapsed, killing an 18-year-old woman and leaving three others severely injured. While you can try your best to keep a close eye out for these potential hazards, the dangers aren’t always avoidable.
Although the idea of an amusement park injury brings to mind a disaster on a massive rollercoaster, many injuries take place when a patron is either on a smaller ride or not riding anything at all. For example, poor lighting and security create an unnecessary risk of robberies in a parking garage and/or unmarked construction areas could cause a patron a slip and fall accident. Park management and staff have a duty to provide a safe experience for their customers, and negligence on their part that causes injury is grounds to be held liable in court. Some of the most common cause of amusement park accidents include:
- Machinery that is not properly maintained and inspected
- Operators are not properly trained
- Failure of brakes, wiring, safety structures, or metal parts
- Lack of adequate instructions to patrons
- Negligent security that is inadequate to protect guests from assaults, robberies, or other crimes
- Medical care is not available or provided in the event of an emergency
- Unmarked hazards, such as spills, construction, or potential risks
After seeking medical attention and making sure everyone is safe, it is critical to get to the bottom of what caused the amusement park accident in the first place so that it doesn’t happen again. Was the injury caused by a product defect, an issue with the park premises, or the negligence of a manager or owner? While these are some of the most common causes of theme park mishaps, every case is different.
Common Injuries Sustained at Parks and Carnivals
Some of the most common injuries sustained at parks and carnivals include: Broken bones sustained from rough rides, falls, or slips. Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and head injuries caused by being whipped and jerked around on forceful rides. Whiplash and neck injuries suffered on fast, aggressive rides.
Contact Amusement Park Accident Lawyer Ted Liggett Today
With any major injury sustained at an amusement park, the injured party must prove fault and liability. The Amusement Park Accident Lawyers at Liggett Law Group have extensive experience successfully handling premises liability and wrongful death cases.
Our Lubbock personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you and your loved ones deserve. Amusement parks provide hours of fun for millions of people each year; however, sometimes tragedies occur due to lax safety standards. If you or someone you love was injured at a Texas amusement park, carnival or fair, call the experienced premises liability attorneys at Liggett Law Group today for a free consultation to discuss your case.