Amusement parks are a place where families and thrill-seekers alike can enjoy a day of fun and excitement. However, along with the thrills of amusement park rides comes the potential for accidents and injuries. In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is injured on an amusement park ride, it is important to understand the legal liability that may come into play.
When it comes to amusement park ride legal liability, there are several key factors to consider. The first step in determining liability is to establish who is responsible for the accident. This can vary depending on the circumstances of the incident. For example, if the ride operator failed to properly secure a safety harness or if the ride was not properly maintained, the amusement park or ride operator may be held liable for any resulting injuries. Georgia has an entire code section governing the safety procedures that ride operators must stick to and they are the Rules and Regulations 120-3-27.
For example they contain requirements like:
“(3) No amusement ride, exclusive of water amusement rides, manufactured after January 1, 1986, shall be placed in service unless:
(a) It complies with ASTM Standard F698-83.
(b) The manufacturer supplies the owner with a manual containing the operation procedures established by ASTM Standard F770- 82.
(c) The manufacturer certifies that the ride has been tested to the standards established by aSTM Standard F846-83.
(d) The manufacturer supplies the owner with a maintenance procedures manual as established by ASTM Standard F853-85.
(e) At which time provisions are made for, and adopted by ASTM Standards pertaining to amusement rides, said standards shall be applicable to water amusement rides immediately upon adoption and approval of said standards.”
In addition to the amusement park or ride operator, other parties that may be held liable for an amusement park ride accident include the manufacturer of the ride and any third-party vendors that provided maintenance or inspection services. Determining liability in these cases can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility for the accident.
If you or a loved one is injured on an amusement park ride, it is important to take certain steps to protect your legal rights. First and foremost, seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident. Not only is this important for your health and well-being, but it also creates a record of your injuries that can be used as evidence in a potential legal claim.
Next, gather as much information as possible about the accident. This includes taking photos of the scene, obtaining contact information for any witnesses, and keeping any documentation provided by the amusement park or ride operator. This information can be crucial in proving liability and obtaining compensation for your injuries. Photographs are a critical part of the analysis so make sure to take as many as possible.
If you are considering pursuing a legal claim for an amusement park ride accident, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Ride operators have to keep maintenance records for a certain length of time and getting a lawyer involved early to demand records preservation is key.
An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence to support your claim, and negotiate with the responsible parties on your behalf. Additionally, an attorney can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries.
Amusement park ride legal liability is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of the circumstances surrounding the accident. By taking the appropriate steps to protect your legal rights and consulting with an experienced attorney, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries sustained in an amusement park ride accident.