Amusement parks are entertainment destinations that can bring people from multiple states away or other countries in the pursuit of excitement and adventure. For example, thousands of people every week come to visit Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.
There are numerous other amusement parks around Ohio and the Midwest that boast unique attractions and provide entertaining opportunities for adventure seekers and families. While the vast majority of people who visit amusement parks have fun but uneventful trips, some people end up injured. Those dealing with the aftermath of an incident at an amusement park need to know certain facts about amusement park injuries.
Minor incidents don’t make the news
People often presume that amusement parks are safer than they actually are due to the way media outlets cover amusement park incidents. Stories involving moderate injuries often do not make the news. Only catastrophic falls from roller coasters and fatal incidents tend to draw much media attention. Injuries at amusement parks are more common than people realize.
Catastrophic failures are rare but happen
In theory, there are inspection protocols in place to help ensure that roller coasters and similar attractions at amusement parks are safe. In reality, the regular operation of those rides combined with long gaps between inspections can sometimes mean that things go massively wrong even though a ride has previously passed inspections.
Small staff mistakes can lead to serious injuries
Workers at amusement parks are often young. They may have minimal training and may not make very competitive wages. Therefore, they may not always adhere strictly to the safety rules put in place by their employers. Unfortunately, a mistake as minor as letting a child an inch too small on a ride could have tragic consequences.
Injuries may not be obvious at first
Certain types of injuries, including broken bones and amputations, are readily apparent as soon as they occur. Other injuries may have delayed symptom onset. Brain injuries, internal bleeding, stable fractures and soft tissue injuries may not have symptoms right away after someone gets hurt. It might be a day or two later when they develop pain and other concerning symptoms.
Amusement parks are often liable
Even if an incident was the result of a worker’s mistake or the misconduct of another patron at the amusement park, the company that operates the park may be liable for the injuries of visitors. Patrons at amusement parks who believe they may have gotten hurt typically need to report the incident that occurred before they leave the park. They may want to maintain their own records of the incident too, possibly by using their mobile phones to record videos and capture key details.
Attempting to obtain compensation when a trip to an amusement park leads to injury can be a frustrating and complicated process. Those who know their rights and have proper support can seek the compensation they deserve.
