Amusement Park Attorneys in Akron, OH

Amusement Park Attorneys in Akron, OH

Amusement Park Attorneys in Akron, OH

Every year, millions of people nationwide visit amusement parks to have fun with family and friends. Ohio in particular is home to some of the most prominent amusement parks in the entire country. Cedar Point, the country’s second oldest amusement park, Kings Island, and Stricker’s Grove are just a handful of parks in Ohio known for their large selection of roller coasters, water parks, games, and other attractions.

But amusement parks aren’t only fun and games. They’re also places where serious accidents sometimes happen. If you’re like most people, you’ve likely heard of at least one amusement park accident involving a roller coaster. Unfortunately, due to their high speed, height, and intricate mechanisms, roller coaster accidents often lead to serious injuries.

It’s not just roller coasters, though; other rides, attractions, and even crowded areas within the park can also pose risks. When accidents do happen, they can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more severe trauma and even wrongful death.

In some cases, these accidents can have long-lasting physical and emotional effects on the victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in an amusement park accident, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Seeking legal advice from experienced Amusement Park Attorneys in Akron, OH can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and related damages.

Examples of Amusement Park Accidents

• Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom Incident (2007): A teenage girl’s feet were severed while riding a Superman-themed roller coaster due to a cable snapping. The incident led to lawsuits against the amusement park.
• Cedar Point’s Shoot the Rapids Accident (2013): A boat on the Shoot the Rapids water ride at Cedar Point overturned, causing injuries to several riders. The ride was subsequently closed and modified.
• Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Incident (2003): A derailment on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride at Disneyland resulted in the death of one rider and injuries to several others. The incident prompted investigations and safety improvements.
• Alton Towers Smiler Crash (2015): A serious collision on the Smiler roller coaster at Alton Towers injured multiple passengers. The ride’s operation was suspended, and the incident led to a lengthy investigation and legal consequences.
• Ohio State Fair Ride Malfunction (2017): A catastrophic malfunction of a spinning ride at the Ohio State Fair resulted in one rider’s death and several injuries. Investigations revealed that excessive corrosion played a role in the accident.

What Causes Amusement Park Accidents?

• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions in ride components, such as brakes, safety restraints, or ride mechanisms, can lead to accidents. These failures can result from manufacturing defects, wear and tear, or inadequate maintenance.
• Operator Error: Inadequate training, distractions, or negligence on the part of ride operators can lead to accidents. Failure to follow safety procedures, secure restraints, or operate the ride correctly can put riders at risk.
• Ride Design Flaws: Poor ride design or engineering can result in instability, excessive forces, or other safety hazards. Design flaws may not become apparent until the ride is in operation.
• Mechanical Wear and Tear: Over time, amusement park rides experience wear and tear from constant use. If components are not regularly inspected and replaced, they can become unsafe and prone to failures.
• Inadequate Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to keep rides in safe operating conditions. Lack of proper maintenance, inspections, and repairs can lead to accidents.
• Guest Behavior: Rider behavior can contribute to accidents. Standing up, unbuckling restraints, or intentionally disregarding safety guidelines can result in injuries.
• Overloading: Exceeding ride capacity or weight limits can strain ride mechanisms and lead to accidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Amusement Park Accidents?

When determining liability in an amusement park accident, it’s imperative to determine the cause first, as there’s usually a specific person or entity that has caused the accident. For example, if the ride components weren’t properly inspected, maintained, or repaired, the ride operator or the amusement park (or both) will likely be held liable.

On the other hand, if there was a defect in the way the ride was designed, the manufacturers and designers of the ride may share liability. This could include flaws in structural design, materials, or safety features.

Determining liability in an amusement park accident is no easy feat. It requires a thorough investigation into the accident’s cause, including examining maintenance records, ride design specifications, staff training, and other relevant factors. It’s important to note that multiple parties could share liability depending on the circumstances of the accident.

As an injured accident victim, you likely don’t have the expertise or qualifications to get to the bottom of the issue on your own. Families who are dealing with an injury suffered at an amusement park in Akron often choose to pursue their personal injury claim with the guidance of skilled Amusement Park Attorneys in Akron, OH who can build a strong case on their behalf and help pursue fair compensation.

Contact Our Amusement Park Attorneys in Akron, OH

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at an amusement park, reach out to the Amusement Park Attorneys in Akron, OH at the Buckeye Law Group for dedicated legal representation. We are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.