New York City Amusement Park Accident Lawyer

New York City and amusement parks share a long history, including iconic parks such as Coney Island and Luna Park. New York City was the site of the world’s first roller coaster. Today, New York City residents and visitors alike continue to enjoy fun, family outings at amusement parks, but when a day out at a New York amusement park ends in a serious accident, the fun is over.

When you or a family member suffers preventable harm at an amusement park, reach out to a NYC premises liability lawyer at The Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel.

What Causes Amusement Park Accidents In New York City?

Amusement parks have inherent risks due to fast-speed, spinning rides at high altitudes, and foods prepared by inexperienced handlers with minimal regulation. However, amusement park owners and managers have a legal obligation to regularly inspect all aspects of the park, perform routine maintenance, and make prompt repairs to ensure the safety of parkgoers. Despite this legal duty of care, the most common causes of amusement park accidents and injuries include the following:

Mechanical failures
Ride malfunctions
Faulty or defective ride parts
Ride operator errors
Improperly assembled rides
Negligent food handling
Inadequate crowd-control
Wet surfaces
Exposed powerlines
Cracked or uneven surfaces
Inadequate lighting
Poorly maintained stairs, handrails, and platforms
Lack of adequate warning signage
Failure to implement height restrictions on rides
Negligent security

Some amusement parks require visitors to sign waivers to protect themselves from liability for accidents caused by a guest’s risky behaviors; however, these waivers do not protect against liability in cases of injuries caused by amusement park negligence.

Proving Liability In Amusement Park Accident Claims In New York City

When an amusement park guest suffers a serious injury, it takes an investigation into all aspects of the accident to determine the cause and pinpoint the negligence. Then, it’s necessary to accurately identify the liable party and the appropriate insurance. Common liable parties in New York City amusement park accidents include the following:

Property owners and managers
The park manager or administrator
Park inspectors
The park maintenance team
Ride assemblers
The manufacturer of a defective ride or part
Construction companies or contractors
Vendors
Park security

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, one or more of the above parties could be liable for an injury victims damages, or could share liability under New York’s contributory negligence laws.

What Types of Injuries Occur In New York City Amusement Park Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents, falls from heights, getting caught between moving parts, and food-borne illnesses are among the top causes of amusement park injuries in New York City and elsewhere. The most common amusement park injuries include:

Broken bones
Neck injuries
Back injuries
Soft-tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
Lacerations, abrasions, and contusions
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
Crush injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic amputations
Electrocution injuries
Internal organ injuries

Injuries range in severity from mild, fully recoverable injuries with a single emergency room bill to severe or catastrophic injuries with long-term or permanent harm.

What Damages Can I Recover In a New York Amusement Park Accident Claim?

Serious injuries are painful as well as potentially debilitating, sometimes permanently. A successful claim recovers common injury-related damages such as the following:

Past and future medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs
Past and future income loss
Reduced future earning capacity
Compensation for pain and suffering

If your injuries caused permanent harm, additional compensation could be available for catastrophic injuries like disability, loss of limb, permanent scarring, or the loss of one of the senses.

How Can a New York City Amusement Park Attorney Help My Case?

It takes a skilled investigation from a NYC slip and fall attorney, compelling evidence of liability, and a carefully calculated list of damages to recover the full value of your claim and a sense of justice for your physical pain and financial losses. Call The Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel for experienced legal representation throughout the process of your claim.