According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 1,273 amusement parks in the United States. The highest concentration is in Florida, especially Orlando.
Every day, thousands of families walk through our gates expecting a fun and thrilling experience. Things don’t always go according to plan. Accidents still happen. people get sick. Fate intervenes and interrupts even the best laid plans. In some cases, these injuries are knee scrapes. It may be more serious.
Safety is a question
In September, a passenger was found unresponsive on a roller coaster at the newly opened Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. Kevin Rodriguez-Zavala died from multiple blunt force injuries.
After a lengthy investigation, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office ruled the 32-year-old man’s death an accident. A sworn statement from Zavala’s girlfriend alleges the ride’s lap bar was placed too low, sparking a flurry of social media posts questioning the safety and integrity of the theme park’s rides.
You can rest assured knowing that theme parks have the highest safety standards in place. Rider safety should not be taken lightly. The park undergoes rigorous daily inspections and must comply with industry standards (ASTM).
Theme park injuries are rare (occurring about 1 in 15.5 million rides), but they do happen. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the most common theme park injuries in the United States and their consequences.
whiplash
What’s the first ride you’re itching to ride? A roller coaster, right? That’s why most people visit amusement parks.
You may have woken up the next morning with stiff shoulders. Whiplash is the most frequently reported injury. Rapid accelerations, stops, and twists can take a toll on our heads, necks, and shoulders.
Of course, the risk of injury can be minimized by adhering to safety rules and height restrictions. Secure your belongings to your body and avoid the temptation to flap your arms or legs. Sure, the ride may be thrilling, but is it worth spending the rest of your day in the nearest ER?
fracture
A broken bone is not anyone’s theme park bingo card. Still, all it takes is a trip, fall, or slip to make all the difference.
Remember, your body is literally being thrown around like a rag doll. Sprains, strains, bruises, and fractures are common. The same applies to injuries caused by falling from a vehicle.
What happens if a ride breaks down?The Arkansas State Fair made headlines last year after a computer failure that left kids hanging upside down on X Drive for 15 minutes. No serious injuries were reported, but some children fainted, felt dizzy and had pain in their legs. Many of them were Little Rock residents.
One mother filed a complaint with the Arkansas State Fair, and her attorney said she plans to take legal action. In this case, she may have consulted a Little Rock personal injury attorney about how to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Injuries caused by the negligence of others can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help victims secure justice and fair compensation. Keith Law Group explains that claimants are entitled to compassionate legal representation from professionals who truly care about their recovery.
High risk area
The water slides get very crowded during the summer. Unfortunately, this is the time of year when many accidents and injuries occur.
Collisions with passengers are common. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts found itself at the center of a lawsuit earlier this year, most of which go unreported because they are minor. A Florida man allegedly suffered “permanently fatal injuries” after riding a water park slide in 2021.
Eugene Strickland is seeking $50,000 in damages from the theme park giant for physical and mental injuries, according to CBS News. The application names Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.
Action Park in New Jersey also had the reputation of being the “world’s most dangerous theme park” until it closed in 2016. Decades ago, a young man lost his life when the brakes on his toboggan cart failed on the Alpine Slide. The boy was thrown off the course and hit a rock, sustaining a fatal head injury.
Safety always comes first
Theme park personnel are responsible for your safety. However, there are other actions you can take to ensure an accident-free experience.
Always follow the rules, stay hydrated, wear supportive shoes (no flip-flops), and supervise younger children. If you have a pre-existing condition, know your limitations.
Finally, designate a meeting point in case you get separated and consider ID wristbands for your child.
