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Liability in Washington, D.C. Amusement Park Accidents

With summer underway, crowds have begun to flock to the several large amusement parks surrounding the Washington, D.C. area. For most, these parks offer a break from the daily routine, and a chance to spend some quality time with the family. However, each year hundreds of people are injured in Washington, D.C. amusement park accidents.

There are many types of amusement park accidents, ranging from the minor to the catastrophic. A few examples of the more common types of accidents are:

  • neck and back injuries as a result of whiplash;
  • injuries related to slip-and-fall accidents;
  • heat stroke related injuries; and
  • cuts, bruises, and broken bones.

An amusement park will not be held liable for all accidents that occur within the park grounds. One reason for this is that many amusement park injuries are minor. Additionally, most parks provide a liability waiver (usually on the back of the ticket issued to each guest), and by entering the park and using the facilities, the park assumes guests agree to not hold them liable.

Every so often, however, a more serious accident occurs. In fact, earlier this month, a Florida roller coaster accident resulted in six people being hospitalized after one of the coaster’s cars derailed and fell to the ground below. According to a local news report, the accident involved the Sandblaster roller coaster which is located on a South Florida boardwalk.

Evidently, the coaster was carrying ten people on three separate cars when the lead car derailed and fell over 30 feet. The two remaining cars were left dangling from the track until emergency responders were able to rescue the occupants.

In all, six people were hospitalized, two in serious condition. One victim, who was riding in one of the rear cars, explained how traumatic the experience was, seeing her co-worker fall to the ground as she was suspended in the air. She recounted being in immense pain and fearing for her life. Ultimately, she was rescued and brought to safety, but suffered nine broken ribs and spinal injuries as a result of the derailment.

Authorities conducted an investigation into the cause of the accident, and the results are still pending. However, it was noted that the coaster had a history of maintenance problems and just last month the coaster was closed due to ongoing issues involving car damages and excessive corrosion.

Have You Been Injured in a Washington, D.C. Amusement Park Accident?

If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Washington, D.C. amusement park accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation through a Washington, D.C. personal injury lawsuit. At the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers we represent injury victims in cases across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. To learn more, and to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney about your case, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation today. Calling is free, and you will not be billed for our services unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

More Blog Posts:

Court Determines Employer Does Not Have a Duty to Protect Employee-Plaintiff Outside the Scope of Employment, Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog, June 18, 2018

Court Reverses Summary Judgment in Favor of Plaintiff in Recent Premises Liability Lawsuit, Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog, June 4, 2018

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