Everyone loves visiting an amusement park. The delighted screams of families on rollercoasters, the cheery music of the carousel, the smell of corndogs and candyfloss filling the air as you try your luck on the games and stands. Whether you have a favorite amusement park that you like to visit, or you and your family eagerly anticipate the yearly arrival of a traveling carnival, theme parks are guaranteed fun and entertainment for everyone.
But, what happens when those fun days out turn into a tragedy? Each year, thousands of accidents are reported at local amusement parks and carnivals, ranging from minor injuries to life-changing accidents, and with children making up most of the casualties. Injuries and accidents can include:
- Being hit by moving vehicles in the parking lot or on-site – speak to a car accident lawyer based in Savannah if you’ve been injured in a vehicular accident that wasn’t your fault.
- Cuts and lacerations caused by sharp metals on poorly maintained rides
- Trips and falls either on rides or in the grounds of the park
- Falling from a rollercoaster due to human error or unsatisfactory safety measures
- Neck and head injuries caused by whiplash on dangerous rides
Knowing what to do in the event of a theme park accident could ensure you’re in the best position, possible. Protecting your rights is absolutely essential in events such as these. So, if you or a loved one has been injured in a theme park, here’s what you should do next.
Report the accident to a member of staff
Perhaps you’ve just cut your hand on a piece of jagged metal, or your child has tripped over an electric cable and sustained a head injury. Whatever the circumstances, you must report the incident to the park staff. Reporting the accident will (hopefully) ensure it doesn’t happen to anyone else, it also creates a record of the event, something which will help you prove liability. Any accident should be taken seriously and recorded by park staff, you should obtain a copy of this before you leave the site.
Gather evidence
Gathering evidence is vital in your fight for compensation. So, photograph whatever caused the accident, a faulty step, a loose cable or wire, jagged metal, poorly maintained walkways etc. If the accident occurred on a ride, get the name of the ride operator. Look around for anyone who may have witnessed the event and get their contact details. Their testimony could prove essential in your case.
Seek medical attention
Perhaps there is a medical station on-site, or you call the emergency services to you, either way, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Speaking with a medical professional who will assess your injuries and create a treatment plan for you will generate an accurate record of your injuries, something which is crucial when damages are being evaluated in your PI case.
Final thoughts…
If you’ve been injured in an accident at a theme park that wasn’t your fault speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
