Amusement parks provide fun and entertainment for people of all ages. Six Flags Over Texas, a park in the Dallas area, features a variety of extreme thrill rides and a nearby water park. Unfortunately, according to an article by MSNBC, a woman died a few years ago on a roller coaster at this particular park near Dallas. These parks are generally safe, but occasionally serious accidents do occur. The following describes some of the injuries that can happen at amusement parks, the common causes of these injuries, and what to do if you have been injured at an amusement park.
What Types of Injuries Can Occur?
Injuries received at amusement parks can include everything from minor cuts and bruises to serious head injuries and even death. Specifically, extreme nausea and dizziness can happen from riding fast or spinning rides. Broken bones, torn ligaments, and whiplash can take place after being spun or whipped around inside rides. More extreme types of injuries that can occur include brain trauma and strokes from extremely fast rides. Death can occur from drowning in water rides and being thrown from rides such as roller coasters.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Injuries?
One of the most common causes of injury that can happen at amusement parks includes mechanical failure. This could involve everything from a lap bar coming loose to a car from a roller coaster detaching during the ride. Improperly operating the ride is another way injuries often occur. The operator may start or stop the ride too quickly or not adequately check to make sure everyone is secured in their seats before the ride starts. Sometimes an amusement ride will cause injury even if it is mechanically sound and operated correctly. The inherent nature of these types of rides provides a certain amount of risk to riders.
What Are the Responsibilities of Amusement Parks and Their Guests?
Both amusement parks and those visiting them have certain responsibilities they should abide by. Guests are to abide by height and weight rules for various rides and should act responsibly in a ride. This means not standing up or leaning out of rides. Amusement parks have an obligation to make sure all rides are constructed correctly and that operators running the rides receive adequate training. Regular inspections and maintenance of all rides are to be kept up to state standards and guidelines.
What Legal Steps Should You Take If You’ve Been Injured?
If you or a loved one has been injured at an amusement park you need to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. You may not receive adequate compensation for the injuries received without effective representation. The lawyers at Branch and Dhillon, P.C. will provide you with support while building the strongest case possible. Contact Branch and Dhillon, P.C. today for a free consultation.