Visiting an amusement park in the North Myrtle Beach area is an exciting way to spend a day, but these parks can present serious safety hazards to visitors. The grounds and rides at an amusement park are not always well maintained, not all park staff members are focused on safety, and many of the rides are designed to put the human body through stress.
While some amusement park injuries are minor, many others can cause serious complications and lead to expensive medical bills.
If you have suffered a significant injury at an amusement park in North Myrtle Beach, the Jebaily Law Firm wants to help you hold the park accountable for your injuries and losses. Our team of South Carolina amusement park accident lawyers has more than 100 years of experience fighting for the rights of accident victims. We have recovered significant compensation on behalf of our clients, and we are prepared to go the extra mile for you.
Contact our office in North Myrtle Beach today for a free consultation.
How Common Are Amusement Park Accidents?
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), a trade group representing amusement parks throughout the world, reported 1,171 amusement park injuries across North America in a single recent year. The figures were based on attendance at the parks, whereas ride-based statistics show there were 1,035 injuries. Since not everyone who visits an amusement park goes on a ride, it is more likely that the attendance-based estimate is more accurate.
The IAAPA report says that there were 3.9 injuries for every 1 million people who visited an amusement park, while ride-based data show 0.6 injuries for every 1 million rides. Given how many people visit amusement parks every year, these injury rates add up to thousands of total injuries.
Top Causes of Amusement Park Accidents
Amusement park injuries typically fall under one of the following categories:
- Mechanical failure — A worn or defective part can lead to an accident if it causes the ride to derail or come to a sudden stop. A part may fly through the air and strike a guest. Some mechanical failures are caused by design or manufacturing defects, while others are due to a lack of proper ride maintenance.
- Negligent staff — Amusement park staff must ensure guests are securely locked into rides and follow park rules to keep everyone safe. If a park guest is not adequately secured when riding or puts other guests at risk, someone could be badly injured. Some amusement parks do not adequately train their staff, which can cause problems if staffers don’t know what to do in an emergency.
- Inherent elements of the ride — Many amusement park rides are inherently dangerous because of the physical stress they put on riders. For example, high-speed roller coasters can subject riders to sharp turns and intense g-forces. The physical stress from these rides can be enough to cause brain hemorrhages, concussions, neck and back injuries, loss of consciousness, and other serious problems. Water rides are also inherently dangerous because of the risk a guest might drown on the ride or fall into the water from another area. Inflatable bounce houses and similar attractions can send guests flying in unexpected directions, leading to an injury if they collide with another person or an object.
- Slip-and-trip hazards — Amusement parks are full of hazards that can cause someone to have a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident. Common risks include spilled drinks, puddles from water rides, loose electrical cords, narrow stairwells, large crowds, a lack of safety railings, and more. A slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident can cause brain trauma and other serious injuries.
- Other hazards — A lack of shade can cause dehydration and heatstroke, leading to severe injuries and possible death. If the park lacks sufficient security personnel, someone could get injured in a fight with another guest, especially when the park is busy. Not all parks make an effort to post park rules in languages besides English or have interpreters available. That can confuse guests who are not English speakers and cannot interpret warning signs.
What Are Your Rights If You’re Injured at an Amusement Park?
No matter what park staffers may say to you after an accident, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit if you have been injured at an amusement park due to someone else’s negligence. Amusement park owners and staff members are required by law to maintain reasonably safe premises, and they can be held liable if they fail to uphold this legal responsibility.
If you have been hurt at an amusement park, a personal injury attorney may be able to assist you in recovering compensation for:
- Lost income
- Medical bills
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Other losses
Tips for Amusement Park Safety
If you are worried about staying safe at an amusement park in North Myrtle Beach, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always follow all posted height, age, weight, and health restrictions for rides.
- Always use the safety equipment on a ride, such as seat belts, harnesses, safety bars, etc.
- Always follow instructions concerning where to sit and how to load or unload on a ride.
- If you have children, make sure they keep their hands and feet inside the ride at all times.
- If you do not trust your children to follow the rules of a ride, do not let your child on the ride.
- If you have safety concerns about a ride, follow your gut and stay off the ride.
Legal Help After an Amusement Park Injury
Successfully suing an amusement park after an injury requires the assistance of an experienced attorney. The North Myrtle Beach amusement park injury lawyers at the Jebaily Law Firm have the experience and resources to hold a negligent amusement park accountable. We are committed to seeking a fair settlement, and we value the care we provide for all our clients.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
