Florida is home to one of the world's largest, most popular, and most equipped theme parks. Major theme parks like Disney World, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, and several other smaller but equally entertaining theme parks offer all kinds of fun experiences. Visits to these places are always thrilling. However, visitors are often at risk of experiencing accidents and sustaining injuries.

Each year, amusement park rides result in hundreds of injuries, ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to more severe ones like head trauma and shattered bones. The most severe ride accidents at amusement parks may even be fatal.

People who get theme park injuries while riding an amusement park ride due to poor maintenance or amusement park negligence can file personal injury lawsuits against the theme park and its staff. In some cases, they may also be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the ride's manufacturer.

Below we'll discuss how often amusement park accidents happen, the different types of theme park injuries, and how an amusement park accident attorney can help you.

How Often Do Amusement Park Accidents Happen?

Amusement park accidents happen more often than patrons would like. Here are some interesting amusement park accident statistics

  • 30,000 theme park accidents happen yearly
  • In 2019, the United States recorded 1,299 injuries
  • Roller coasters contribute to 36% of the severe injuries suffered in theme parks
  • In the United States, roller coasters are involved in four deaths yearly
  • 60% of theme park ride injuries are caused by visitors' disregard for safety rules

Florida is one of the contributors to these statistics. Yearly, several fun seekers suffer injuries or die from ride-related accidents. For instance, in March 2022, a 14-year-old boy died after falling from an Orlando FreeFall drop tower ride at ICON park.

What Are the Causes of Amusement Park Accidents?

We have established how often theme park injuries happen. Now, let's take a look at another important question that critically affects an amusement park injury lawsuit, what are the causes of theme park injuries? 

Generally, the safety of theme park rides has reduced the risk of injury over the years. For instance, the rides now in use have fewer design defects. Notwithstanding, defective rides and lack of regular maintenance and/or training still put guests at risk.

Some actions that often lead to injuries include:

  • Insufficient warnings about the risks of a ride, especially for people with pre-existing conditions
  • Errors and distractions from ride operators
  • Dangerous conditions like defective or weak lap bars
  • Defective designs or parts of a ride
  • Allowing visitors who do not meet minimum height requirements on a ride
  • Poor inspection and maintenance by the park managers

What Are the Theme Park Safety Regulations in Florida?

Theme parks are not subject to any federal government restrictions in the United States. Theme parks in Florida are nevertheless bound by state regulations that require yearly permits, employee training, inspections, and other such regulations to ensure amusement park safety and prevent amusement park accidents.

The following is a list of the applicable criteria under the statute:

  • Safety-related ride components must all be in good operating order and under proper maintenance.
  • The ride's speed, stopping, and control mechanisms must all function properly.
  • Parts must be properly aligned and, where necessary, regularly lubricated; they cannot be bent or deformed.
  • The general public cannot use a ride until it has been installed or fastened with blocking, cribbing, outriggers, or other techniques to show it is stable under all operating circumstances.
  • The rides' machinery and dangerous areas must be walled off or barricaded.
  • When necessary, rides must feature a mechanism that restricts their top speed.
  • There cannot be any protruding studs, bolts, screws, or sharp edges or corners on any portion of a ride that riders may come into contact with.
  • Theme parks are required to post signs that outline age, size, and health restrictions, as well as any additional specific rules.

If you suffered an injury while at an Orlando amusement park or other Florida locations, hire an experienced amusement park accident attorney to assess the case to see if the park violated safety regulations. If negligence is found, your legal team can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.

What Are the Common Types of Amusement Park Injuries?

When a theme park owner fails to abide by the safety regulations in Florida, theme park injuries that cause pain and other losses to the visitors often happen. We have classified the injuries into five broad categories. 

Drowning 

The risk of drowning is higher in water parks and on attractions like water rides. Water park injuries may also be caused by unavailable safety equipment or mechanical failures. Small children who are unable to swim may be more likely to drown if they fall into the water, making it one of the top causes of child amusement park injuries.

Most theme parks, particularly the bigger ones like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, contain trams and trains for moving guests. Any of these vehicles may get into a crash, which can lead to severe or fatal injuries.

Food Poisoning 

Visitors who visit taverns, restaurants, and concession booths that do not follow food safety regulations risk contracting foodborne illness.

Slips, Trips, and Falls 

Accidents of this nature frequently occur as visitors walk a lot. They happen more frequently than any other kind of amusement park accident and result in more injuries. A person may slip and fall or trip and fall due to slippery surfaces, trash, and other debris in walking areas.

Ride Accidents 

Amusement park ride accidents like roller coaster accidents are caused mainly by the neglect of amusement park owners, mechanical issues, and ride operator errors. This type of amusement park accident includes falling off rides and getting hit by ride components, which may result in injuries.

Common amusement park ride injuries are:

  • Back injuries
  • Amputations
  • Burns
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Fractured or broken bones
  • Cuts and bruises

Florida Amusement Park Accidents in the News

Contact an Orlando Amusement Park Accident Attorney Today

We understand how severe the pain and emotional trauma from amusement park injuries are and how difficult it is to deal with medical bills and other resulting losses. Our law firm of experienced personal injury lawyers will make sure that you get your deserved financial compensation. Contact us today at VG Law Group for a free case review.

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