Florida has some of the busiest and most popular amusement parks in the world.
Water parks abound throughout the state—especially in South Florida—and, of course, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens span Central Florida. While a day at the amusement park is supposed to be fun-filled, often with friends and loved ones, not all of these trips create good memories. Injuries at amusement parks can be serious and catastrophic. They occur more frequently than park operators want you to believe. You might be thinking, “How many people are injured at amusement parks?” Well, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 30,000 people went to the emergency room in 2016 with an injury associated with an amusement park nationwide, with a disproportionate number of them being from Florida. Since 2010, the commission is aware of 22 deaths associated with amusement attractions.
Amusement parks are not as regulated as you may believe.
The federal government used to regulate both mobile carnivals and “fixed-site” parks, such as Disney and Universal. In the 1980s, Congress revoked the authority of the commission to regulate fixed-site parks, and regulation now varies state by state. In Florida, the Florida Department of Agriculture regulates fixed-site amusement parks, but large parks are exempt from submitting accident reports or undergoing accident investigations.
Causes of amusement park injuries may include operational error, mechanical issues, poor ride design, ejections, structural defects, insufficient or non-existent safety restraints, or lax supervision.
Common amusement park injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones and torn ligaments
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Drowning
- Death
When you’re injured in an amusement park accident, you have rights. Finding a good amusement park accident attorney is key to recovering the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured at an amusement park, call our experienced attorneys today to find out if you can file an amusement park accident lawsuit.
Amusement parks are not the only danger; water parks can be dangerous as well. Slippery surfaces can result in falls with broken bones or sprains. Slides and pools—growing in complexity because of the competition across Florida to attract thrill seekers—can lead to disastrous accidents. Warning signs are often lacking, and poor supervision produces injuries and drowning. Chemicals, in the hands of the negligent, may be misapplied, leading to skin reactions, and illness can come from the water as well.
Electrocution may be the most treacherous hazard at water parks. In 2019, guests and lifeguards at Universal’s Volcano Bay said they felt “zaps” and “shocks” as they walked on the pavement, according to the Orlando Sentinel. At least one person complained of a metallic shock in their mouth while in a lazy river. Then, seven hours after that complaint, four employees went to the hospital.
Although Florida amusement park attractions are supposed to be fun and safe, they are more dangerous than the park operators would have you believe and severe injuries are common. If you or a loved one was seriously injured by an amusement park attraction in Miami, South Florida, or elsewhere in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation. Mase Mebane Seitz has successfully represented many others in Florida to recover what is deserved. Let us help you, too.
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