Chicago Amusement Park Accident Lawyer

When you go to the amusement park, you expect to have a fun day enjoying amusement rides, eating sweet food, and basking in the sunshine. Unfortunately, all that can take a turn for the worse if you are involved in an accident.

At Conboy Law, we have experience representing clients of all backgrounds, and we can work with you if you have been involved in an accident at a local amusement park. What should you do following an accident at an amusement park? Look at a few key points below, and contact us to schedule a case consultation.

Chicago Laws Regarding the Safety of Amusement Park Rides

A variety of laws in Chicago apply to the safety of amusement parks. Some of the most important points to keep in mind include the following:

• All rides need to be inspected regularly. That way, regulators know that they abide by all relevant safety rules, minimizing the chances of an accident.
• Amusement parks must have insurance policies. Amusement parks also need adequate insurance policies to cover medical expenses and damages related to an accident involving a ride.
• Proper training. Everyone who operates rides at an amusement park has to be appropriately trained and know how to use them safely.

If any of these rules are violated, and an accident results at an amusement or theme park, multiple individuals and entities could be held responsible.

Amusement Park Accidents Statistics

Tens of thousands of people get hurt at amusement parks yearly, some of which are more serious than others. 

While deaths at amusement parks are unusual, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 30,000 injuries took place at amusement parks across the country in 2016 alone. This only includes the individuals who had to be transported to the emergency room for further medical care. Since 2010, the same entity has reported that 22 people were killed by thrill rides at amusement or theme parks. 

Common Types of Amusement Park Accidents

Several types of accidents could take place at amusement parks. Some of the most common types of accidents include the following:

• Slip and Fall: Slip and fall accidents can occur at an amusement park if a wet spot is not wiped up quickly. At a minimum, amusement parks need to mark all wet spots quickly to ensure attendees understand that there is a slip hazard.
• Struck by Falling Object: There are even situations where a falling object could strike someone. For example, if someone is walking underneath a roller coaster and someone on the ride drops something, an individual walking below could be hit by that object.
• Ride Fall Injury: This injury could be potentially catastrophic. If someone rides a roller coaster and falls off the ride, they could suffer serious injuries. In some cases, the accident could be fatal. 

Regardless of how someone is injured at an amusement park, seeking medical care as quickly as possible is important. Then, remember to reach out to us for a case consultation.

Causes of Amusement Park Accidents

Amusement parks are exciting and fun for people of all ages. However, sometimes things can go wrong, and accidents can happen. The causes of amusement park accidents can be complex and multifaceted, often involving a combination of mechanical failures, passenger errors, ride operator mistakes, design flaws, and park management failures.

Mechanical Ride Failures

Mechanical ride failures are among the most common causes of amusement park accidents. Various factors, such as poor maintenance, aging equipment, or defective parts, can cause these failures. When mechanical ride failures occur, passengers can be thrown off, colliding with others or structures.

Passenger Failures

Another cause of amusement park accidents is passenger failures. These failures can include things like not following ride instructions or not properly securing restraints. In some cases, passengers may intentionally try to get out of a ride, which can lead to serious injuries.

Ride Operator Failures

Ride operator failures can also contribute to amusement park accidents. Operators may not properly check restraints or may not be paying close enough attention to the ride. They may also not be adequately trained to handle emergencies, leading to delays in stopping the ride in the event of an accident.

Design, Maintenance, and Assembly Failures

Design flaws, maintenance issues, and assembly failures can cause amusement park accidents. Poorly designed rides can create hazards that may not be immediately apparent, while inadequate maintenance can lead to equipment malfunctions. In some cases, the rides may not have been properly assembled, leading to structural weaknesses that cause accidents.

Inherent Ride Characteristics

The inherent characteristics of a ride can also contribute to accidents. Some rides, such as roller coasters or spinning rides, are inherently more dangerous than others. Passengers may experience high G-forces or be thrown around more violently, increasing the risk of injury.

Park Management Failures

Finally, park management failures can also contribute to amusement park accidents. Park management may not have properly trained ride operators or may not have adequate safety protocols in place. They may also not properly monitor and maintain the rides or fail to respond to safety concerns raised by staff or patrons.

These are just a few examples of why someone could be injured at an amusement park. It is critical to contact an attorney who can review your case and see if you deserve compensation. 

Amusement Park Injuries Caused by Negligence

There are plenty of examples of injuries that someone could suffer if they are involved in an amusement park accident caused by negligence. Some of the most common examples include:

• Bone Fractures: If someone slips, falls, or falls off the ride, they could suffer serious bone fractures. This could include a broken arm, a broken leg, or even a broken hip. Some of these fractures could even require emergency surgery.
• Brain Injuries: Brain injuries can also result from an amusement park accident. For example, if a falling object strikes someone, they could suffer a bone fracture. Or, if someone falls off of a ride, they could suffer a brain bleed. Some brain injuries could require the emergency intervention of a neurosurgeon. 
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Depending on the nature of the accident, someone could even suffer a spinal cord injury. If someone falls from an amusement park ride, they could fracture some of the vertebrae in their spinal column, leading to a spinal cord injury.
• Penetrating Injuries: Various protruding objects are typically scattered throughout an amusement park, and some could result in penetrating injuries. If someone slips, falls, or falls from a ride, they could suffer internal organ damage from one of these penetrating objects.

If you are involved in an accident at an amusement park, you first need to seek emergency medical care. Then, reach out to us for a case consultation. 

Successfully Filing an Amusement Park Injury Lawsuit

If you are injured at an amusement park, you may have the right to file a lawsuit to seek compensation. To successfully file an amusement park injury lawsuit, you should understand the different legal issues that may apply.

Negligence

One significant factor that may apply to an amusement park injury lawsuit is negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to use reasonable care and causes injury to another person.

At an amusement park, negligence may occur if it fails to maintain its rides properly or provides adequate warnings about ride risks. We can prove that the amusement park was negligent and use this as a basis for compensation.

Premises Liability

The amusement park is required to take care of its property, and that is where a potential premises liability lawsuit could come into play. Premises liability holds property owners (including amusement park owners) responsible for injuries on their property.

When you visit an amusement park, premises liability may apply if the park fails to maintain safe premises or take reasonable steps to protect guests from known hazards. 

Product Liability

Professionals who manufacture products for purchase by the general public must ensure they are safe to use. Product liability holds manufacturers and sellers responsible for injuries caused by defective products.

During an amusement park visit, product liability may apply if a ride manufacturer creates a ride that is inherently dangerous or if the park fails to maintain a ride properly.

Wrongful Death

If a loved one is killed in an amusement park accident, the family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death lawsuits seek compensation for the loss of a loved one due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or entity. If someone you love is involved in an unfortunate accident at an amusement park and is killed, we may be able to help you file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Every case is different, so you need to contact us to schedule a case consultation as quickly as possible. We can see if any of the legal issues above apply to your case, and we may be able to seek compensation on your behalf. 

Liability for Injuries in Amusement Parks

Given the significant issues above, we can hold a variety of entities responsible for an injury suffered at an amusement park. If you are involved in an accident, some of the parties that we may be able to hold accountable include:

• The owner or operator of the amusement park;
• The company responsible for inspecting the rides;
• The company responsible for manufacturing the rides; or
• Another visitor or tourist at the park.

Because every case is different, you should contact us to schedule a case consultation. We can see if someone else should be held responsible for your injuries. 

What an Amusement Park Injury Attorney Can Do for You

You might feel overwhelmed if someone you love has been injured in an amusement park accident. You need to contact an amusement park injury attorney for help. Some of the ways that we may be able to help you include the following:

• Provide legal guidance. We can provide legal guidance, present your options, and help you decide what to do next.
• Conduct investigation. We can conduct a thorough investigation to ensure we have all the evidence to support your case.
• Negotiate. We can negotiate with the insurance company or the amusement park to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• Representation. We can represent you when we take the case to trial if you do not receive a fair settlement offer.

To start the process, contact us today for a case consultation. 

Speak to Our Amusement Park Injury Attorney at Conboy Law Today

At Conboy Law, we always put the needs of our clients first, and we can do the same for you. We would be proud to investigate your case to see if someone else should be responsible for your accident and injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.