Massachusetts amusement park accident
Every year, there are more amusement parks constructed and opened to the general public, drawing customers and spectators to the venue for fun and excitement. Nearly all parks in Massachusetts promote the latest and greatest adventures promising adrenaline rushes on daring thrill-seeking rides. The anticipation, enjoyment and enthusiasm of the recreational adventure often far surpass any thoughts of safety when the customer boards the ride. However, amusement park accidents happen all too often on daring rides including roller coasters and simple rides such as carousels and Ferris wheels.
Types of Amusement Park Accidents in Massachusetts
The most common types of amusement park accidents generate serious injuries and death that are caused by various factors. Some of these factors include rider negligence, ride operator negligence, lack of safety inspections or pre-existing medical conditions. Preexisting medical conditions could include high blood pressure, neck/ back injury, and heart illness. If you were injured in an amusement park mishap in Massachusetts then you must immediately retain a top roller coaster accident lawyer.
Amusement park accidents can be rare, but when they occur, they can lead to injuries or, in severe cases, fatalities. These accidents can be caused by various factors, including mechanical failures, human error, and even guest behavior. Here are some common types of amusement park accidents that can result in injury or death:
- Ride Malfunctions:
- Mechanical Failures: These can include issues with the ride’s structural components, safety restraints, or control systems.
- Component Breakage: The failure of a critical component, such as a bolt or cable, can lead to accidents.
- Ride Operators’ Errors: Mistakes by ride operators in starting, stopping, or controlling the ride can be dangerous.
- Slip and Fall Accidents:
- Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Spilled drinks, water rides, or wet weather can create slippery surfaces.
- Tripping Hazards: Uneven walkways, loose objects, or debris can lead to falls.
- Ride Rider Behavior:
- Not Following Safety Instructions: Failure to obey ride attendants’ instructions or tampering with safety restraints.
- Inappropriate Behavior: Riders standing, rocking the car, or otherwise behaving unsafely during the ride.
- Collisions:
- Between Riders: Passengers can collide with each other if they are not securely restrained.
- With Objects: Rides can sometimes collide with stationary objects or other rides.
- Overexertion:
- Some rides, such as roller coasters, can put physical stress on the body, leading to injuries like whiplash or strains.
- Health-Related Incidents:
- Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Individuals with undisclosed or undiagnosed medical conditions can experience health problems while on rides.
- Dehydration and Heat-Related Issues: Prolonged exposure to heat and sun can lead to heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
- Structural Failures:
- Collapse of Structures: Amusement park structures, like viewing platforms or walkways, can fail, leading to accidents.
- Electrical Failures:
- Malfunctions in electrical systems or wiring can cause electric shocks, fires, or other hazardous situations.
It’s important to note that amusement park operators take safety seriously and implement numerous safety measures to prevent accidents. These measures include regular maintenance, inspections, safety training for employees, and strict adherence to safety guidelines and regulations. However, accidents can still happen due to unforeseen circumstances or human error. Visitors to amusement parks should follow safety rules, stay aware of their surroundings, and report any unsafe conditions they observe.
Accident Statistics
The most recent statistics involving accidents reported in amusement parks have been accumulated by the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) in 2011. In those 12 months, more than 1200 individual suffered serious injuries in the United States in more than 5000 accidents across 400 amusement parks. The most common types of amusement park accidents that year involved:
• Accelerated roller coaster accidents
• Dive coaster accident
• Accidents involving bobsled roller coasters
• Carnival accidents including bumper cars and Ferris wheels
• Water park accidents including drowning, near drowning and injuries on slide equipment
• Go kart accidents
• Zip line injuries
• Climbing wall injuries and fatalities from falling
To date, no existing federal safety regulations exists to monitor, regulate and operate these parks. However, many local jurisdictions require parks to meet or exceed rigid safety code inspections before any customer is allowed to board the ride.
The Cause of Accidents
Many of the accidents that occur at these parks produce catastrophic injuries or fatal consequences to customers who trust the park and their operators. In fact, many of the injuries are devastating, and change the lives of the victims forever. Many of the issues that cause park accidents are recurring problems caused by a variety of reasons including:
• Brake failure
• Equipment malfunction
• Coming to a hard stop
• Failure to adequately and properly inspect the equipment daily
• Colliding into other riders
• Equipment structural failure
• Falling from the ride
• Equipment ejection
• Malfunctioning restraining system
• Improper supervision or lack of supervision
• Safety net failure or missing safety net
• Poor design
• Defective equipment, components and parts
• Rollovers
• Rider misconduct, neglect or error
• Inadequate maintenance of equipment
• Failure to conduct routine maintenance
• Right equipment, parts and components that fall onto bystanders and operators below
• Fuel fires
• Snapping cables
• Rider or operator becoming caught in the ride machinery
• Robberies, assaults and sexual assaults occurring on premises
Premises Liability Laws
Even when someone is seriously injured as a result of negligence or intent, the amusement park is usually only fined for the violation. Fortunately, injured victims have options to recover their financial damages and losses when seeking medical care. This is because amusement parks are legally obligated to customers to ensure that their premises and rides remain safe for every visitor. In fact, the park owners are duty bound to take reasonable action to protect customers and riders from undue harm. When that obligation is breached or violated, the park owners, business and management can be held legally liable to the victim.
Amusement park accident lawyer in Massachusetts
If you are the victim of a serious amusement park accident in Massachusetts and suffered injuries, you should seek medical help immediately. You likely have the right to file a claim or lawsuit for compensation. However, these types of cases are complex to handle to a successful conclusion. They often require the skills of an experienced attorney who can determine the best option to proceed and build the case to obtain the financial compensation you deserve. Your amusement park accident lawyer will gather evidence to support your injury claim and present proof of your injuries and the negligence of others in a logical manner to a claims adjuster or jury at a lawsuit trial.
