The Fantastic and Frightening World of Theme Parks
Theme parks are awesome. They provide many various types of entertainment for all ages, and can be a great destination for a family vacation creating lasting memories. Florida is the home to many enormous theme parks such as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Universal’s Island of Adventure, Universal Studios, SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove, Blizzard Beach, and Typhoon Lagoon. Although many resident Floridians and tourists visit the various theme parks of Florida seeking thrills, occasionally they leave bruised, battered, or worse. Injuries caused by amusement park rides can be devastatingly horrific. A study conducted by the National Safety Council Research and Statistical Services Group for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) revealed that amusement park rides are not as safe as you think.
Theme Park Injury Statistics
The IAAPA reported that injury rates resulting from amusement park rides decreased from 2,486 injuries in 2001-2002 to 1,204 injuries in 2011. Typically, you would think that injuries from theme park rides would be from major roller coasters. However, the report revealed that roughly 59% of the 2011 amusement park injuries occurred on “family and adult” rides compared to 54% in 2010. The most horrifying statistic is the number of injuries on children’s rides. The IAAPA reported that injuries on children’s rides increased from 122 in 2010 to 175 in 2011. In contrast, roller coasters accounted for 28.6% of the injuries in 2011, down from 35.9% in 2010.
What Legal Duty Does a Theme Park Owe Its Patrons?
When entering a theme park for your enjoyment, you are legally classified as a “business invitee.” A business invitee is a person who is invited to enter or remain on land for a purpose directly or indirectly connected with business dealings with the possessor of the land. The theme park owes specific duties to each patron. Those duties owed by the amusement park to a business invitee are as follows:
- To correct or warn of dangers that the owner knows or should know of by the use of reasonable care, and which the visitor cannot or should not know of by the use of reasonable care.
- To maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition including to guard against foreseeable third-party crime.
If You Are Injured, Call Boone & Davis, Attorneys at Law
If you or a loved one are injured by an amusement park ride, the first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention. If your medical bills are piling up, you require additional doctor visits, and possibly physical therapy due to the injuries you have sustained, then contact Michael Davis and David Boone by calling 954-566-9919. Alternatively, you can contact us through our website to schedule a consultation. At Boone & Davis, in Fort Lauderdale our experienced personal injury attorneys know the laws and will help you to understand the legal process during a difficult time. We will keep the lines of communication open to you and will be available to answer any questions you may have regarding your possible lawsuit. Don’t let the legal process be scary or daunting; contact us at 954-566-9919 today.
