Articles Posted in Amusement Park Injury

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According to court filings, a Florida couple is suing Universal Studios for allegedly causing a “traumatic brain injury” that the wife sustained while riding one of the park’s rollercoasters.

According to the lawsuit, the couple from Broward County, were at the park on February 11, 2023 when the wife rode the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, which boasts speeds of 65 mph and reaches 167 feet in height.

The woman claims her head was repeatedly banged around in her headrest throughout the duration of the ride, resulting in a brain injury.

According to the lawsuit, the couple is suing Universal for negligence and loss of consortium damages totaling over $50,000.

In the past, technical problems with the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit have generated headlines and warranted passenger rescues.

In 2013, riders were stranded on the ride for over two hours, and in 2019, six riders became trapped in one of the coaster’s cars.

Last year, riders were left dangling on the track after the roller coaster came to a halt in the middle of the ride.

For thrill-seekers visiting one of Florida’s many theme parks, rollercoaster rides are a beloved past time because they offer an unparalleled surge of adrenaline. However, mishaps and injuries can happen, leaving riders with hefty financial, emotional, and physical tolls. It is imperative to obtain legal help in these situations from a law firm that has the experience necessary to take on these giant corporations.

When a rollercoaster accident happens, victims may face a lengthy and tough recovery. Physical injuries can vary in severity, ranging from minimal bruising to more serious fractures, brain trauma, or spinal cord damage. Furthermore, victims may suffer from depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder, which can create a huge emotional burden. The financial toll of all of this can be crippling, with ongoing rehabilitation costs, lost income, and other mounting medical bills. Our Orlando Roller Coaster Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton know the difficulties that injured riders encounter and remain committed to defending their legal rights. Continue reading

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Early estimates show that more than 500,000 people have attended the Florida State Fair so far, which started running on Feb. 8.

The State Fair features live music, sea lions, two circus shows, more than 200 vendors, and over 90 rides.

Today is the last day of the Florida State Fair in Tampa, FL and it is also Families and Kids Day where children get in free with the purchase of an adult admission.

How Common Are Carnival and Fair Injuries?

Last year at the State Fair, the Ferris wheel at the Florida State Fair in Tampa shut down as riders were left hanging upside down, being swung back and forth by the wind.

The latest U.S. Fixed Site Amusement Ride Injury Survey Report from the National Safety Council shows that in 2022, there were about 1,349 injuries on amusement park rides, with the vast majority being minor injuries.

According to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) told to CNN, there were 30,900 injuries sustained by patrons on amusement park attractions in 2016. Since 2010, the commission reported that they are aware of 22 deaths.

About 335 million people visit amusement parks in the US each year, yet only one in 16 of them are likely to suffer a serious injury there that requires an overnight hospital stay, according to the International Association for Amusement Parks.

What Are Potential Hazards at State Fair and Other Amusement Parks and Carnivals?

Despite the best efforts of event organizers, mistakes and mishaps are nearly inevitable due to the imperfection of human nature. Some potential reasons for injuries that may occur at fairs and festivals include the following:

  • Poor or no lighting in certain locations
  • Inadequately installed or inoperable security measures, such as surveillance cameras and metal detectors
  • Absence of obvious signage designating emergency exits and danger zones
  • A flagrant disregard for safety by some employees, especially event security
  • Equipment issues or breakdowns brought on by aging or inadequate maintenance
  • Exposed, broken, or vandalized electrical lines across high-traffic areas
  • Personnel with inadequate training

How Can You Stay Safe at the State Fair?

  • Check for cleanliness at the fair and take note of trash and how lines are run. Odds are if they are not keeping areas clean, then they are cutting corners on safety.
  • Look at the rides for signs of wear and tear, such as broken seat belts or guard rails. If things are not working properly, then the ride is not safe.
  • Check and see if the staff are paying attention to patrons and making sure they are seated correctly, strapped in accordingly, and that they are being helped on and off rides.
  • Watch the rides a few times before you get on so that you can make sure they are running soundly.
  • Trust your gut – if something seems off, then it probably is.

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According to news reports, a lamppost on Main Street USA collapsed last Monday morning Nov. 20 at Disneyland, injuring three park visitors.

The incident, which happened shortly before 8:30 a.m. and left an elderly woman hospitalized with a head injury, was attributed to wind gusts of up to 60 mph at the well-known California theme park in Anaheim, according to reports.

According to Sgt. John McClintock, a spokesman for the Anaheim Fire Department, two more people were harmed from the lamp post falling and received treatment for minor injuries at the scene.

The lamppost, which was situated in a flower bed near the Disneyland flagpole, has served as the stage lighting for parades and other Main Street events.

The incident occurred close to Town Square and the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln opera house; guests were momentarily directed away from it, but the theme park remained open, according to reports.

https://www.floridapersonalinjurylawyersblog.com/files/2023/11/Untitled-design-2023-11-27T112940.440-200x300.pngDisneyland, Disney World, and amusement parks in general are spectacular locations to create magical memories. People of all ages regrettably sustain injuries at Disneyland and Disney World, as well as other Florida amusement parks, every year, prompting the need for a Florida Disney World and Theme Park Injury Lawyer.

If you or a member of your family has been hurt in an amusement park, there are some factors and details that you should be aware of. You will be in the best position to defend your rights and interests if you have a thorough awareness of these issues.

Even though Disneyland, Disney World, and other amusement parks are constructed with visitors’ pleasure and fun in mind, there may be unforeseen risks. There are several injury types that can occur in an amusement park that visitors should be aware of.

Slip and fall accidents are the most frequent kind of mishap that occurs in amusement parks. Owners and operators of amusement parks are aware of this fact, and it is their general responsibility to take reasonable precautions to keep their guests safe from potential slips, trips, and falls.

Food and drink products that have been contaminated and sold at an amusement park are another potential source of injury. A theme park has a responsibility to ensure that the food and drinks it serves are safe for consumption, just as it does to prevent customers from slipping and falling.

At amusement parks, non-catastrophic ride injuries do happen occasionally.

Some common scenarios include:

  • Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations from broken equipment or poorly set up buildings.
  • Whiplash from being thrown from side to side on certain rides.
  • Head, neck, and back injuries from bumper cars and roller coasters.
  • Broken bones, head injuries, sprains, or bruises from slip and fall accidents or objects falling.
  • Injuries from being pinched by or bumping their heads on ride safety restraints.

A major ride-related incident may cause fatalities or seriously injure people. An injured individual or the family of someone who was killed on a park attraction should be quick to obtain legal help to hold the park responsible for their negligent actions and secure full and fair financial compensation. Continue reading

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Two airboats collided at Wild Florida, a nature park that provides gator encounters, a safari, and Everglade airboat rides, on Monday around 12:15 p.m., injuring 13 people.

The nature park is in Kenansville, close to Orlando, on Lake Cypress.

The cause of the collision is unknown, and the US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit is leading the investigation. In response to the event, Wild Florida has halted all airboat operations until further notice.

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According to a Fun Spot statement on Friday, a roller coaster at the Fun Spot site in Kissimmee has been suspended awaiting an investigation after a child was discovered under the ride with injuries.

According to the statement, an “unfortunate incident” occurred on the Galaxy Spin Roller Coaster, resulting in an injury to a child.

The child, who’s age is unknown, was discovered under the tracks of the ride with serious injuries, according to Osceola County Fire Rescue.

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A young boy (10) suffered significant injuries Sunday after falling from a carnival ride at an Illinois festival, sparking an inquiry by municipal and state authorities.

The boy was riding the Moby Dick attraction at the Taste of Summer Festival in Antioch, Illinois on Sunday when he fell from the ride at approximately 2:40 p.m., according to reports.

Police reported that he had many facial and jaw fractures in addition to a serious leg injury. According to police, the injuries are significant but not life-threatening.

The child was airlifted to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge before being moved to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago, where he underwent surgery, according to reports.

Antioch is located on the Illinois-Wisconsin border, approximately 55 miles northwest of Chicago.

Officers promptly secured the ride “to ensure no tampering occurred,” according to the reports, and requested that an investigator from the Illinois Department of Labor arrive on the scene.

According to its website, the department’s Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Division oversees inspecting and approving applications for public rides throughout the state.

According to reports, the labor department issued a “Stop Order” for the Moby Dick ride, forbidding further operation until a thorough “bolt by bolt” check is performed.

Authorities in Antioch are apparently looking into whether any criminally careless or irresponsible behavior played a role in the tragedy.

Fairs, festivals, carnivals, and other similar events offer guests exhilarating rides, magnificent landscapes, and a variety of other things. When you step foot on a smaller-scale operation, such as a state fair or carnivals, there should be no surprise about the dangers that could emerge from carelessness or negligence. Unfortunately, when ignorance and excitement combine, the outcome can be anything but pleasant, resulting in severe physical pain and even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been hurt at a fair, carnival, theme park, or another place due to negligence on the part of the owner or operator, our Florida Amusement Park Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are dedicated to supporting you.

@jasonmeltonesquire

Problems recently at the #floridastatefair in #Tampa at the #ferriswheel – State Fairs, #Carnival #ThemePark #AmusementPark no matter the venue, please keep an eye out for safety issues before getting on any #ride #SafetyTips #safetytiktok #ridesafety #floridainjurylawyer #floridalawyer #floridapersonalinjurylawyer #tampalawyer #orlandolawyer

♬ original sound – Jason Melton FL Injury Lawyer

When approaching any kind of ride at a festival or carnival, here are a few pointers:

  1. When you get at your destination, take a glance around and take note of any cleanliness issues. Do they collect trash? Do they have structured lines? The little things like these can reveal a lot about the type of business you are visiting; if they are skimping on these things, they are probably not fully committed to offering a secure atmosphere for guests.
  2. Examine the rides for any signs of deterioration. Inspect the metal for any signs of rusting or improper welding. Anything that lacks a professional appearance could not be secure.
  3. Before you ride, observe the ride in action a few times. Make sure everything appears to be operating as it should.
  4. Pay attention to the ride for any odd sounds – if you hear any weird rattling or clinking, then this could be a warning sign that the ride may be about to break down.
  5. Check to see if the staff running the rides are paying attention to the passengers. Are they ensuring that passengers are appropriately seated? Are they loading passengers onto the rides and monitoring their safety? Do they assist them in exiting the ride?

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On Monday, inspectors were visiting an amusement park in North Carolina to begin their investigation into a roller coaster that has been closed since Friday after a father noticed a split at the top of one of its steel support pillars.

The dad told CNN that while visiting the park with his family, he noticed an opening in the coaster’s framework and immediately realized something was amiss. He took out his phone, hit record, and zoomed in on the crack to capture the support pillar shifting slightly as the people sped by.

The dad told CNN that he reported the incident to the park’s guest services, but followed up with Charlotte fire, who then advised him that the ride was shut down, according to reports.

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Amusement parks provide visitors with thrilling rides, breathtaking scenery, and much more. There should be no element of surprise about the dangers that could result from carelessness or negligence when you set foot on a famous national theme park in Florida or a smaller-scale operation, like state fair or carnivals. Unfortunately, when negligence and excitement mix, the result can be anything but happy, leading to severe physical harm and even wrongful death. Our Florida Amusement Park Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are committed to helping you if you or a loved one has suffered harm at a fair, carnival, theme park, or other location as a result of carelessness on the part of the owner or operator.

In February of this year (2023), the Ferris wheel at the Florida State Fair in Tampa shut down as riders were suspended upside down, with some being flipped back and forth by the wind.

We wanted to provide a few tips when approaching any type of ride, whether you are at a larger theme park or even smaller carnivals, too.

@jasonmeltonesquire

Problems recently at the #floridastatefair in #Tampa at the #ferriswheel – State Fairs, #Carnival #ThemePark #AmusementPark no matter the venue, please keep an eye out for safety issues before getting on any #ride #SafetyTips #safetytiktok #ridesafety #floridainjurylawyer #floridalawyer #floridapersonalinjurylawyer #tampalawyer #orlandolawyer

♬ original sound – Jason Melton FL Injury Lawyer

  1. When you arrive at your destination, look around at your surroundings and take note of any cleanliness issues. Are they picking up trash? Are the lines in order? The little stuff like this can tell you a lot about the type of operation you are at – if they are cutting corners on this stuff then they are probably not 100% focused on providing a safe environment for visitors.
  2. Check out the rides for any signs of wear and tear. Look for rusting or any signs of metal that is not welded correctly. If anything does not look professional, then it might not be safe.
  3. Watch the ride work a few times before you ride. Make sure it looks like everything is working smoothly before you get on it.
  4. Listen to the ride for any weird noises. If you hear any strange sounds with the way the ride is moving, then this is a sign that the ride might be about to stop working.
  5. Look at the employees operating the rides to see if they are attentive to riders. Are they making sure riders are seated properly? Are they putting people on the rides and making sure they are secure? Are they helping them off the ride? Are they actively making sure all riders are okay?

Trust your instincts when you are approaching these rides. Regardless of the venue, keep your eyes and ears open for any safety issues before you get on a ride. Continue reading

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Three people were arrested on misdemeanor battery charges and one person was treated for minor injuries at the hospital in Orlando Wednesday evening following a Disney World brawl outside of the Magic Kingdom.

The brawl at Disney World involved two families, according to a report from the blog Walt Disney World News Today.

Apparently, one family was in line for Mickey’s PhilharMagic Concert when a woman in the party left the line to get her cell phone that she left behind in her electric conveyance vehicle. She attempted to rejoin her family in line, but a separate family would not let her back in line and allegedly pushed her back. Once the show concluded, a confrontation happened between the two families outside.

Florida-Disney-World-Injury-Attorneys-Whittel-Melton-1-200x300Fights may not be frequently reported at theme parks, but they definitely do happen, even at magical places of adventure like Disney World.

In fact, just this week, a California-based amusement park called Knott’s Berry Farm had to close its doors early due to “multiple” teen fights happening. This prompted a new “chaperone policy” on Fridays and Saturdays where guests under the age of 17 have to be accompanied by chaperones over the age of 21 at all times. If anyone is found to be violating the theme park’s new “Code of Conduct,” then they will be promptly removed from the park.

Last year, A Las Vegas man was sentenced to six months in jail for a 2019 family fight that happened in Disneyland’s Toontown. A video taken by a bystander at the park showed a man spitting on a woman and then physically assaulting her. Multiple parties joined in the fight, which ultimately injured an elderly woman in a wheelchair.

Another brawl happened in 2019 at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri, involving “unruly teenagers.”

If you have been involved in a brawl at Disney World or any other Florida theme park, then our Florida Disney World Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton encourage you to preserve all evidence. Keep any photos or videos taken while you were on the property as well as any receipts from purchases you made. You might not think that these things are useful, but they can provide crucial details that can help show what happened, including whether or not you were consuming alcohol (which could affect your credibility), help refresh your memory of what you were doing at the time, and any other relevant details of your day that could help depict a clear picture of what happened. Continue reading

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Around 11 p.m. on Thursday, a teen boy (14) fell to his death while on the Free Fall ride at ICON Park in Orlando, according to reports from police at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

The teen was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital, where he passed away from his injuries suffered on the ride.

Reports indicate that on Thursday night, some ride passengers had discussed issues with the seat restraints on the Free Fall ride. Later that evening, the ride was creeping up the tower when the teen fell from the ride.

What is the Free Fall ride at ICON Park? The ride boasts that it is the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower that stands 430-feet tall and reaches speeds of about 75 miles per hour. Free Fall can hold up to 30 passengers and rotates riders around the tower and tilts towards the ground before it free falls.

According to reports, the Slingshot Group operates the ride and is cooperating with investigators as they look into what went wrong Thursday night. Free Fall and an adjacent ride called Sling Shot will now be closed indefinitely.

This is not the first incident at ICON Park. In September 2020, an employee of the theme park died after falling about 50-60 feet from the StarFlyer attraction. The StarFlyer attraction is a 450-foot-tall swing ride attraction that spins double-seated passengers at 45 miles per hour.

Untitled-design-300x251If you incur injuries or lose a loved one from an amusement or theme park ride, you need to know your rights. Our Orlando Roller Coaster Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Amusement and theme parks, such as ICON Park, have a duty to its guests and visitors to keep its attractions and premises safe for everyone. However, accidents can and do happen, but who is to blame?

Amusement parks have a team of lawyers fighting on their side to defend them against any liability when someone is injured or killed at their park. This is to help them escape any responsibility from claims of negligence or product liability, and their most common line of defense is called assumption of risk. This is the concept defined as engaging in risky activity (riding a rollercoaster or other type of ride) even though a person knows the activity is inherently dangerous. However, this is not a blanket defense and sometimes does not fit. If a ride passenger gets on the Free Fall ride, they are likely not anticipating that their seat belt restraints will fail, resulting in personal injury or wrongful death. When something like this is the case, assumption of risk will likely not be applicable. After all, who would think that a safety restraint system would fail on a vastly popular and widely-used attraction? Continue reading

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