Theme parks, go-cart tracks, inflatable play areas, arcades, petting zoos, and carnivals draw in kids for the exciting rides and fun entertainment. But amidst all the fun of water parks, fairs, and amusement parks, these entertainment venues may pose potential dangers.
Amusement Park (and Similar Venue) Safety
According to a 2016 CNN report using information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), emergency rooms in the U.S. received over 30,000 injuries linked to amusement parks in 2016.[1] Additionally, the CPSC noted 22 deaths between 2010 and 2016 at amusement parks.
The CSPC oversees temporary amusement park safety. For permanent amusement parks such as Six Flags or Cedar Point, both inspections and oversight are in the hands of the state or local government. Several states don’t even regulate amusement parks. That means that there can be significant variation in the safety of parks in the United States. In the state of Florida, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is responsible for inspections.[2] For more information on FDACS and fairs, water parks, and other entertainment venue safety, click here.
Amusement Park Accidents
Common causes of carnival or amusement park injuries include equipment or mechanical malfunction, structural defects of the ride, park guests wandering into restricted areas, inadequate maintenance of the facilities, failure of ride operators to safely manage the ride, personal belongings getting caught in a ride, and slip and fall accidents.
Staying Safe at Amusement Parks (and Similar Venues)
How can you and your loved ones stay safe in these entertainment venues?
- Learn how amusement parks are inspected in your state and then decide if visiting the park is a good idea or not.
- Avoid rides with questionable safety features or reputations.
- Follow the guidelines for age, weight, height and health restrictions.
- Use safety bars, harnesses, belts as indicated.
- Pay careful attention to special instructions on signs or by operators.
- Keep hands and feet inside the ride.
- If your child is unlikely to follow the safety instructions, don’t let them on the ride.
- Avoid rides that lack belts or restraint systems for young children.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury at a state or local fair, amusement park, water park, or other entertainment venue, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether you believe the injury was caused by operator negligence, equipment defects, or poor maintenance, we may be able to help you. Contact the reputable attorneys at Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. today for a free consultation.
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[1] CNN https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/28/health/amusement-park-safety-data-2016/index.html
[2] Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Business-Services/Fairs/Fair-Rides-Inspection