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Amusement Park and Carnival Ride Accidents

New York is famous for its amusement parks and carnivals with thrilling rides. Six Flags, Coney Island, Adventureland, and many others are popular tourist and family destinations. But if park management is negligent, a fun family time can turn into a tragedy. 

New York Amusement Park and Carnival Ride Accident Attorneys

If you are injured because of a faulty carnival ride or because of poorly maintained amusement park premises, you may have product liability and premises liability cases on your hands. You will need a good personal injury lawyer to help you recover the appropriate compensation for any injuries you may have suffered. 

Amusement park and carnival operators have deep pockets and can hire legal counsel to negotiate the case for them or try to get you to settle for as little as possible. Do not let yourself get short-changed. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a ride accident at an amusement park or carnival in New York, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Porter Law Group. We can help you recover compensation for your injuries and hold negligent park operators accountable. Call us at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com for a free consultation.

What are Amusement Park and Carnival Ride Accidents? 

While amusement parks and carnival rides are designed to provide thrills, they can be extremely dangerous when not properly designed, constructed, maintained, or operated. Common causes of accidents include:

  • Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance 
  • Design or manufacturing defects
  • Operator error or negligence
  • Improper inspection and safety testing
  • Failure of safety restraints or equipment

Even rides that initially pass inspection can later develop dangerous conditions that lead to accidents if not regularly checked and maintained. The New York Department of Labor conducts regular inspections and provides the necessary maintenance protocols for carnival and amusement park ride operators. Should they fail to comply with regulations, they may be held liable for the injuries you or your loved ones sustained. 

What Injuries Can Be Caused by Amusement Park and Carnival Ride Accidents?

Accidents on amusement park and carnival rides can lead to a wide range of serious and even life-threatening injuries, such as:

  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Whiplash and neck injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries and concussions  
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Amputations and loss of limbs
  • Internal organ damage and bleeding

What Type of Damages Can I Recover if I Was a Victim of an Amusement Park or Carnival Ride Accident in New York?

Victims who have suffered injuries may claim several types of damages such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Wrongful death
  • Trauma
  • Loss of earning capacity 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides numerous safety regulations for amusement rides. But fixed theme parks like the popular Six Flags Darien Lake near Buffalo and Rochester are covered by the State and local agencies. 

Our attorneys at the Porter Law Group have deep knowledge of regulations and impeccable research skills. If there is a violation, we will find it, and hold the negligent parties accountable. 

How are Amusement Park and Carnival Ride Accident Cases Decided in New York?

Proof of negligence is the key to establishing liability for personal injury cases in an amusement park and carnival ride accidents in New York. If you've been hurt due to negligence by an amusement park or carnival operator, you may be entitled to financial compensation. However, these cases can be complex, often involving multiple potentially liable parties.

Amusement park and carnival ride accidents fall under personal injury cases: 

  1. If you are injured because of a defective carnival ride or safety equipment, your claim may be for product liability
  2. If your injury was due to poor maintenance on the part of the park operator, your claim falls under premises liability.

The common defense for these business establishments is the assumption of risk. It is an established legal principle whereby a person who knowingly engages in a risky activity is not entitled to compensation, should they be injured due to the expected and foreseeable dangers that may arise. 

But If an injury occurs from an unusual or unsafe condition, such as a safety latch malfunctioning, the control panel breaking, or a ride stopping in mid-air, this defense cannot prosper. While these rides are expected to be thrilling and can even induce fear, they should not cause any injuries or death. 

For example, if the roller coaster manufacturer was negligent, resulting in safety gear being unlatched due to improper installation or substandard materials, they can be held liable for your injuries. And if in our investigations, it is found that the park was negligent in maintaining the integrity of their equipment, and in violation of laws and regulations for amusement ride safety, they may also be held liable. 

What to Do if You or a Loved One Have Been Injured in an Amusement Park or Carnival Ride in New York?

If you were injured in an amusement park or carnival ride accident, take the following steps:

  • Seek immediate medical attention
  • Document the accident site and take photos or videos
  • Inform the management immediately 
  • Ask potential witnesses for their contact information 
  • Get a skilled Personal Injury Lawyer 

A skilled personal injury lawyer will be able to thoroughly investigate your case and file a lawsuit on your behalf to recover compensation for physical injuries, wrongful death of a loved one, or any damages sustained. 

The lawyers at Porter Law Group have secured millions of dollars* for accident victims in personal injury cases in New York. Our attorneys have decades of experience among them and have deep knowledge of all relevant laws regarding carnival or amusement park injury accident litigation, as well as impeccable research skills. 

Contact a skilled Personal Injury Lawyer in New York 

The attorneys at The Porter Law Group have a proven track record of recovering compensation for New York accident victims and have successfully handled numerous personal injury cases all over the state. Focus on your recovery and leave the investigation, negotiation, and litigation to us. 

Contact a New York amusement park and carnival ride accident attorney today at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to discuss your case for free. We're ready to put our skills and resources to work for you and get you and your family the answers and the compensation you deserve. 

*Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes

Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Michael S. Porter
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