Amusement Park Accidents
Amusement Park Injury Lawyer in Gwinnett County
When most people think of a trip to the amusement park, they picture thrilling rides, sweet treats, and a carnival-like atmosphere. If you suffered injuries in an accident, however, your only thoughts may be of medical bills and pain and suffering. John Morrison is an amusement park injury lawyer in Gwinnett County who can help you get compensation to cover these and other damages.
How common are amusement park ride accidents?
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, a membership organization for amusement and theme parks, tracks the injury rates at more than 350 parks across the United States. In 2013, about 315.2 million guests visited these parks and took more than 1.38 billion rides.
Of these 315.2 million guests, an estimated 1,356 reported suffering ride-related injuries. This equates to 4.7 injuries per one million visitors. Almost seven percent of the injuries required hospitalization.
While they are rare, these serious injuries can include heart attacks, neck and back injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. Some accidents can even end in death.
Who is liable for an amusement park accident?
In Georgia, the law states that you assume the risks associated with riding an amusement park ride when you:
- Have been notified of any dangers
- Understood the risks
- Voluntarily decided to ride despite these risks
However, coaster designers, amusement park management, and ride operators must all exercise due care to keep riders safe. So you may be able to file a suit if you suffer injuries on a ride due to operator error, design flaw, or malfunction.
Investigators will evaluate the incident in order to determine the cause of the accident. If investigators find any of the following, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries:
Design flaws:
Design flaws in the ride that lead to injuries even when riders follow all safety instructions may leave the manufacturer liable.
Mechanical failure:
Often due to a manufacturing defect, a mechanical failure may include failure of important structural components or safety devices. The manufacturer may be liable.
Maintenance failure:
Similarly, poor maintenance can increase risk to riders. If amusement park workers improperly maintained the ride, the park may be liable for an accident.
Operator error:
If the ride operator does not follow safety protocols or operates the ride in an improper manner, the park may be liable.
Negligent park upkeep:
If you suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to recover compensation if you can prove the employee knew of the hazard and did nothing to remedy it.
Of course, you have an obligation to follow all rules while on a ride. If you failed to follow the ride operator’s safety instructions, investigators may find you at-fault or partially at-fault for your injuries. If investigators determine you were partially at-fault, you will only be able to recover a portion of your full damages.
Contact John Morrison for Help after an Amusement Park Acciden
If you suffered injuries in an amusement park accident in Gwinnett County, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The Law Offices of John Morrison can evaluate your case and help you determine the next steps. Contact us today at 770-951-8900 to set up a no-obligation consultation.