Many children and adults love going to amusement parks to ride the roller coasters, bumper cars, spinning rides, and other rides they offer. While this can be a fun outing for many guests, thousands of people and children suffer injuries in tragic accidents on rides or in slip and fall accidents. Under Virginia law, injured victims are entitled to compensation for their injuries if the owner’s or staff’s negligence caused the incident.
Common Causes of Theme Park Ride Accidents
Amusement park owners and their employees have a duty to maintain the rides in a safe condition. Major reasons that accidents happen include:
- Mechanical failures. Owners have a duty to regularly inspect the rides, perform routine maintenance, and make necessary repairs. When they fail to do so, lap bars can detach, the car can derail, or a structural component can fail while guests are on the ride. This can lead to a catastrophic accident causing victims to suffer life-altering injuries or death.
- Improper operation. Rides at a theme park are complicated machinery. Owners must properly train their employees on how to operate the rides and what defects to look for when inspecting the ride components. When they breach this duty, an accident is likely if the staff does not properly operate the ride or recognize when it should be closed down due to mechanical problems.
- Failure to post warnings. Owners must post clear warnings of the dangers of the ride, and instructions and safety precautions that riders should follow. When this is not done, the owner can be found liable for compensating a guest for his injuries in an accident.
Why Slip and Fall Accidents Occur at Amusement Parks
Not all injuries occur on the rides at theme parks. Many people also suffer injuries in slip and fall accidents. The causes of these accidents are similar to those at other businesses and include:
- Spills of food and drink
- Leaks, uneven flooring, debris, and liquid spills in public restrooms at the park
- Uneven and broken pavement and potholes in the parking lot, sidewalks, and paths throughout the park
- Inadequate lighting
- Failure to post warning signs of hazardous conditions
If you or a family member suffered injuries in an amusement park accident, our experienced premises liability attorneys can help you prove the owner’s negligence in causing it and fight for the settlement you deserve. To learn more, call our Norfolk office to schedule your free consultation today.
|
Related Links: |