Visiting an amusement park is a popular way for families to enjoy a vacation or weekend getaway. However, unsafe rides, poorly maintained walkways, and other hazardous conditions can turn an exciting day into a serious accident. When an injury occurs because of negligence or a safety violation, injured visitors may have grounds to pursue compensation.
New Jersey is home to popular amusement attractions, including Six Flags Great Adventure and other family entertainment destinations. Understanding your legal rights after an amusement park accident can help you determine what steps to take.
Common Amusement Park Injuries
Accidents at amusement parks can occur on rides, in queues, on walkways, and throughout recreational areas. Common incidents include:
- Injuries caused by malfunctioning rides or defective safety restraints.
- Slip and fall accidents on wet or uneven surfaces.
- Falls on stairs, ramps, or queue platforms.
- Injuries involving improperly maintained equipment.
- Accidents involving go-karts or other recreational attractions.
- Injuries caused by falling objects or unsafe structures.
Depending on the circumstances, these incidents can result in broken bones, head injuries, neck and back injuries, or other serious medical conditions.
Who May Be Responsible for an Amusement Park Injury?
Under New Jersey law, amusement park operators generally must exercise reasonable care to maintain reasonably safe premises and address foreseeable hazards. Depending on the circumstances, liability may arise when an operator fails to correct a dangerous condition, properly maintain equipment, or provide appropriate warnings.
A claim may also involve a ride manufacturer, maintenance contractor, or another party whose negligence or defective product contributed to the accident.
New Jersey’s amusement ride safety requirements may also be relevant when investigating whether appropriate inspections and safety procedures were followed.
However, an accident does not automatically establish liability. The facts, applicable safety requirements, and evidence must be evaluated to determine whether a responsible party failed to meet its legal obligations.
What Should You Do After an Accident?
If you are injured at an amusement park, consider taking the following steps:
- Seek medical attention promptly.
- Report the incident to park management.
- Photograph the accident scene and any visible hazards.
- Obtain contact information from witnesses.
- Request information about the incident report.
- Preserve medical records, receipts, and other related expenses.
If a ride or piece of equipment was involved, documenting its condition and identifying witnesses may be especially important.
Compensation for Amusement Park Injuries
When another party is legally responsible, an injured visitor may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, and other legally recoverable losses.
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence system under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1 et seq. An injured person’s recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault, and recovery is generally barred if their negligence is greater than that of the party or parties against whom recovery is sought.
Many New Jersey personal injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, subject to applicable exceptions. Different requirements may apply depending on the parties involved and the circumstances of the accident.
Protecting Your Rights After an Amusement Park Accident
An amusement park injury can leave a family dealing with unexpected medical bills, missed work, and lasting physical consequences. Preserving evidence and understanding your legal options can help you determine whether compensation may be available.
If you or a loved one has been injured at an amusement park in New Jersey, consider consulting a personal injury attorney to evaluate the circumstances, identify potentially responsible parties, and determine which deadlines may apply.
