Accidents at California Theme Parks – Beware of These 5 Potential Hazards
Southern California is home to what many believe are some of the best theme parks in the country.
Theme Parks like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm in Orange County, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia and SeaWorld in San Diego are major travel destinations.
Over 12 million people visited Anaheim’s Disney parks in 2021.
While we often associate fun like rides and other attractions at theme parks, they are also no stranger to injuries.
Opening in 1970, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction at Disneyland has led to a few catastrophic accidents:
- In 1998, a 5-year old boy had all five of the toes on his left foot amputated after it became wedged in part of the train platform.
- In 2003, a 22-year old man died after fasteners on the left side wheel of the ride were not tightened and safely tied in accordance with specifications, causing the train car to derail and crush him.
There are multiple reasons why accidents at theme parks may occur, including, but not limited to:
- Employee negligence – Machines at theme parks may not be properly maintained by those in charge of keeping up with them. It could be due to carelessness, or even lack of knowledge about how to fix issues with the machine.
- Further employee negligence may involve incorrectly setting up ride goers in the machine, or allowing those who don’t meet height or age requirements onto a ride.
- Manufacturing defects – A loose bar or seat on a ride can pose a great danger for guests. This is more than likely not caused by employee negligence
- Ride elements – Certain attractions at theme parks could involve flashing lights, whipping, or fast speeds that may not be suitable for all park visitors.
It is imperative that theme parks warn all guests of potential hazards. Without providing proper caution, park owners run the risk of negligence.
Generally, theme park visitors waive their rights by agreeing to partake in a ride.
Guests at theme parks should also be aware of any pre-existing health concerns they have.
As previously mentioned, not every ride element is safe for all guests. For example, an extremely fast paced ride can have a greater impact on someone with a heart condition.
However, a situation where theme parks don’t alert park guests of certain hazards, like a broken elevator or other safety issue, is an example of park negligence.
Injuries at theme parks can even stem from non-ride related issues.
In July 2022, several fights broke out between large groups of teenagers at Knott’s Berry Farm. There were reports of gunshots, and the park had to enforce a “chaperone” rule on weekends.
The order stated that anyone under the age of 18 had to be accompanied by an adult 21 or older.
What if you were assaulted at a theme park, or got caught up in a brawl between others?
A personal injury case may not even be associated with only the brawl, but due to the park’s negligence. If they do not arrange for adequate security, they may be negligent for not providing you thorough safety.
If you were injured in an accident at a theme park, our Los Angeles attorneys at C&B Law Group are here to help. With decades of combined experience, we can help guide you through the process of your potential injury claim.
Common personal injuries that may occur at theme parks include:
- Head injuries
- Neck pain and injuries
- Back pain and injuries
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
If you choose C&B Law Group for your representation, the legal services for your case are 100% free until we win. So is your initial attorney consultation.
Contact an LA lawyer at C&B Law Group about your theme park injury today.
