As a well-known vacation destination in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is renowned for its amazing beaches. The area is also home to many amusement and water parks that are frequented by locals and tourists alike. At these parks, you will find attractions that range from lazy rivers to roller coasters. There is something to appeal to everyone. Visitors can experience an unforgettable water adventure when they head to Wahoo Water Park. The Family Kingdom Amusement Park is set on 13 acres and features 37 different rides. The region is also home to popular go-kart parks like The Track that offer another option for an adrenaline rush. With all of these options, it is no surprise that the amusement parks of Myrtle Beach have become so popular with people of all ages. Whether you are looking for a thrill or a relaxing float, you are sure to be impressed with what is available in the area.
These various Myrtle Beach amusement parks offer plenty in the way of fun for the whole family. Though a trip to one of these attractions is meant to be enjoyable, the fun can quickly come to a halt when an accident occurs. With this point in mind, our Myrtle Beach amusement park accident lawyers here at Jebaily Law Firm want to tell you more about the common causes of accidents at area amusement parks as well as the rides that are most frequently associated with injuries to guests. We are the legal team to turn to if you have been injured at a Myrtle Beach area amusement park.
Which Amusement Park Rides Have the Most Accidents?
The United States saw a total of 1,204 amusement and water park ride injuries in 2011 alone. In 2019, this number rose to 1,299. Though these accidents can occur because a guest refused to follow ride safety instructions or deliberately violated park rules, negligence on the part of the park’s ownership/management/staff is often to blame for these situations. While these statistics are alarming, it is important to remember that some rides are more commonly associated with injuries than others. Due to their high speeds and sudden drops, rides like water slides and roller coasters have a higher risk factor than many other options. The amusement park rides that see the largest number of annually reported accident incidents each year include:
- Wooden roller coasters
- Steel roller coasters
- Boat rides
- Water slides
What are the Most Common Causes of Amusement Park Ride Injuries?
Though amusement and water parks are designed to make guests feel welcome, the fun atmosphere that they promote can end up obscuring issues with maintenance and oversight. It can also mask problems such as poorly trained ride operators. Some of the most common causes of accidents that are seen each year by our amusement park accident attorneys in Myrtle Beach include:
- Slips/falls
- Defective rides
- Mechanical failures
- Hazardous walkways
- Operator errors
- Instruction failures
- Improperly assembled rides
- Staff inexperience
- Insufficient lighting
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Sudden ride acceleration, deceleration, and stopping
- Rides that have not been adequately inspected
- Inadequate safety restraints
- A lack of warning signs in dangerous areas
These are just a few of the ways that a serious or fatal accident can occur at an amusement/water park. If you or someone that you love has been hurt while on an amusement park ride, it is time to seek help from our experienced amusement park accident attorneys in Myrtle Beach here at Jebaily Law Firm.
Strict Liability Vs Fault-Based Liability – What Is the Difference?
Many amusement park visitors do not understand the key difference between strict and fault-based liability cases. Knowing the difference between these two legal terms is essential when it comes to seeking and successfully obtaining compensation for injuries that have been sustained on an amusement/water park ride in the Myrtle Beach area. The main difference to note between the two is intent. In fault-based liability cases, intent matters. This means that the party responsible for the injury must have either acted negligently or intentionally caused harm.
In cases involving strict liability, intent does not matter. What this means is that if a dangerous activity was conducted/carried out to earn profit and harm was caused, the responsible party is strictly liable. This is true even if they took proper precautions and had no intention to cause injury to anyone. In fault-based liability cases, the responsible party must have been aware of the associated risks of their actions and then acted negligently anyway. This could include bringing dangerous substances onto their property while conducting unsafe activities with the goal of profit. Having a good understanding of strict versus fault-based liability will assist individuals involved in amusement/water park accidents to navigate the legal system. Speaking with our Myrtle Beach amusement park accident lawyers is always a good move when seeking compensation for injuries that occurred at these local attractions.
Contact Experienced Amusement Park Accident Attorneys in Myrtle Beach at Jebaily Law Firm
Our team at Jebaily Law Firm understand the serious toll that amusement park accidents can have on the lives of those who have experienced them. Though a day at a Myrtle Beach amusement park should be filled with fun and joy, this can quickly fade away when an injury occurs. These accidents can cause lasting harm as well as significant financial strain to those who suffer them. If you have been injured in an amusement park accident that was no fault of your own, our legal team can assist you in seeking the financial compensation you are due for the pain, suffering, and stress that you have been through.
Obtaining knowledgeable legal counsel is just a phone call away. Contact our Myrtle Beach amusement park accident lawyers today to take advantage of your free consultation where we will review your case and discuss your legal options. We are dedicated to ensuring that you are fairly compensated for the injuries and financial losses that you have sustained as a result of an amusement park injury here in the state of South Carolina.
