Hot Springs, AR Amusement Park Accident Attorney
Amusement parks are a staple of American culture. Every summer and fall people visit amusement parks in droves to ride rollercoasters, ferris wheels, and several other attractions. Many patrons do not expect to be injured because the operators of a park did not properly maintain the property and the attractions within it. Unfortunately, poorly serviced amusement parks can cause patrons to suffer various types of serious injuries. If you or a family member was injured while attending an amusement park, you should consult with an experienced Hot Springs amusement park accident attorney.
Personal injury attorney Ken Kieklak possesses several years of experience litigating a variety of injury claims, and he would be proud to use this knowledge to represent you. The Kieklak Law Firm recognizes how a serious injury can affect your personal and professional life, and we are here to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your injury claim, contact the Kieklak Law Firm at (479) 279-2115.
4 Common Causes of Amusement Park Accidents
Hundreds of people are injured in amusement park accidents every year. These accidents can be the result of many different circumstances. For example, a visitor could be injured if they are not sufficiently warned about the dangers of off-limit areas of the park or if there is no signage to indicate the area is dangerous. This is just one scenario where a park visitor can be injured. The following is a list of common causes of amusement park accidents.
Poor Safety Measures
Amusement parks must have a series of safety measures to ensure patrons are not injured while they are enjoying an attraction. One of the most important safety measures for a rollercoaster is a working seatbelt. The average rollercoaster can reach speeds of up to 80 miles per hour in mere seconds. One of the fastest rollercoasters can travel at a rate of 128 mph in a few seconds. If a visitor suffers a seatbelt malfunction on a rollercoaster, they will likely suffer a permanent or fatal injury.
It is also the responsibility of amusement park workers to ensure that safety measures are working correctly before starting a ride. Failure to ensure the safety of passengers can lead to liability for their injuries.
Many amusement park attractions will have minimum and maximum requirements for riders. These requirements may demand that a rider is at least a certain height or that they weigh at least a certain number of pounds. However, some parks fail to check whether a rider meets the criteria for a ride. This can lead to a serious injury because the safety measures were not designed for people who do not meet the riding requirements.
Defective Attractions
A defective amusement park attraction is a danger to every person who uses the ride. A defect can include several types of issues. For example, if a rollercoaster cannot properly stop because of an issue with the brakes, this is a serious defect. A defective attraction can be discovered if the owner of a park performs routine maintenance of all the attractions in their park. However, some park owners may avoid performing maintenance in order to earn more profits from the park. Unfortunately, the safety of the park patrons is the tradeoff for this negligence.
Operator Error
Every attraction at an amusement park should have an employee that operates it. These employees should be well trained to handle any problems that may arise during the operation of an attraction. If an employee did not receive adequate training, they are more likely to use a ride incorrectly. This can result in a rollercoaster moving too fast for the riders or even result in riders becoming stuck several feet in the air.
If the actions of a ride operator cause a rider an injury, the park will be liable for the actions of that negligent operator.
Incorrectly Assembled Attractions
Many amusement parks or carnivals contain movable attractions so that the park can travel to another location once they are open for a period of time. That means that some attractions must be disassembled and reassembled consistently. Unfortunately, these attractions are not always assembled properly. A poorly assembled ride can cause a person a severe injury if it falls apart while it is in use.
To learn more about amusement park accidents and to sue for an amusement park accident, you should speak with an experienced Arkansas personal injury lawyer.
When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against an Amusement Park
If you were injured at an amusement park, you should not delay in filing your personal injury lawsuit. Every personal injury claim in Arkansas has a three-year filing deadline. The reason for this is the statute of limitations that dictate the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a case.
If the case is not filed within three years, the court may bar your claim. If your claim is barred, you will not be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Additionally, the three-year statute of limitations also applies to wrongful death lawsuits. While you may have a reasonable amount of time to file a lawsuit, you should file your case as soon as possible. This will make it easier for your lawyer to gather information for your case and also provide them with time to develop a legal strategy.
Work with Our Hot Springs, AR Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a family member suffered a severe injury due to an amusement park accident, you should contact an experienced Hot Springs personal injury lawyer today. The Kieklak Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for an injury caused by the negligent operators of an amusement park. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential case, call the Kieklak Law Firm at (479) 279-2115.