Florida and amusement parks are associated with summertime. Millions of people of all ages enjoy rides on roller coasters, Ferris wheels, spinning and swinging rides each summer. Sadly, thousands of park visitors end up in hospitals with severe injuries, and some lives are lost each year. Victims seeking damage recovery have filed numerous premises liability cases against amusement parks.
Amusement rides in Florida with more than 1,000 employees must have safety inspectors as full-time personnel. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services inspect smaller parks statewide. Injuries could result from employee negligence in the safe operating of rides, distractions and other responsibilities in maintaining a reasonable standard of care. Routine safety inspections are crucial to identify and address defective lap bars, shoulder harnesses and other equipment.
Amusement and water park injuries could include any of the following:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke caused by damage to the carotid artery
- Brain aneurysms
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations
- Torn ligaments
- Paralysis
- Inflatable ride injuries
- Drowning
- Emotional injuries
Medical treatment
Depending on the severity of injuries, long-term medical treatment could be necessary. Physical therapy might form an essential part of the recovery process. Victims of catastrophic injuries would have to deal with limited mobility, limb amputation, TBI, paralysis, permanent disfigurement, scarring and other radical life changes. Furthermore, the mental trauma associated with such injuries could have long-term consequences.
Visitors to amusement parks, roller coasters and water parks in Florida who suffer injuries may be entitled to seek financial relief through the civil justice system. Proof of negligence could make a viable premises liability lawsuit. If successfully presented, a monetary judgment might cover current and future expenses.
