Millions of people visit Florida every year to hit hot tourist spots such as the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and more. While these amusement parks, theme parks, zoos, and water parks are filled with lots of attractions for visitors, they are also fraught with potential hazards. When people become hurt by these dangerous conditions, they also suffer some of the most severe injuries.
No one expects a day of fun to turn into one of disaster. After an accident, you will likely feel shocked and not know what to do. If you have been hurt, one of the first steps you should take is to contact a Fort Lauderdale theme park accident lawyer.
Our Fort Lauderdale Theme Park Accident Lawyer Can Advise on the Types of Accidents that Occur
While no one wants to think about it when they are headed out for a day of fun, there are many different types of accidents that can occur at theme parks. The three most common of these include:
- Drowning: Many of the theme parks in Florida also offer visitors water rides. These rides, while fun, can often cause very serious drowning accidents. Even if a person is not thrown into the water, water that comes inside a ride can be enough to cause drowning, even when it is only a small amount.
- Slip and fall accidents: Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common ways individuals are injured at theme parks. Amusement parks often have uneven pavement, wet paint, improper maintenance, uncovered holes, loose wiring, and more.
- Unsafe rides: Unfortunately, it is common for people to get more than just thrills from the rides at theme parks. These rides are dangerous by their very nature, which is why they are such a draw for visitors. However, if they are not operated properly, are improperly maintained, or riders are not given proper warning, a fun ride can soon turn into a nightmare.
Sadly, the above accidents are just a few of the most common types of accidents that occur in theme parks. A Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer can help determine what caused your injury and hold the park accountable.
Our Fort Lauderdale Theme Park Accident Lawyer Can Help After an Injury
Again, theme parks contain a lot of heavy machinery and rides that are somewhat dangerous. When an accident occurs, victims can suffer some of the worst injuries. Some of the most common are head injuries, back injuries, lacerations, broken bones, amputation injuries, and whiplash. Injuries sustained at theme parks are rarely minor. You need sound legal advice at this time, and a Fort Lauderdale theme park accident lawyer can provide it while helping you claim the maximum damages you deserve.
Visitor Age and Health Can Play a Part in Theme Park Injury Claims
Theme parks bring in guests of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. Some people have medical conditions, or mobility concerns, or simply need a little more support while they are on site. When parks overlook these factors, things can go wrong fast.
Children and Attraction Safety Requirements
Kids are naturally excited to ride anything that looks fast or fun. However, not every ride is built for little bodies, and not every employee stops to check if a child is really ready. We have seen injuries happen because someone waved a child through without checking restraints, height, or safety gear.
Elderly Guests and Those With Pre-Existing Conditions
Not every guest is walking in with perfect health. Older adults, or people recovering from illness or surgery, may be more sensitive to heat, long walks, or rough rides. Something as simple as a missing handrail or a sudden stop can lead to a serious fall or flare-up of an existing condition.
Design Flaws That Can Contribute to Theme Park Injuries
Not every injury at a theme park comes from a broken ride or a careless employee. Sometimes the problem starts with how the park itself is built. Here are some common design flaws that can put visitors at risk before anything mechanical goes wrong:
- Confusing or overcrowded signage at ride entrances
- Lack of shaded rest areas on long walkways
- Inadequate guardrails or barriers at elevated platforms
- Ramps with excessive slopes for wheelchair users
- Unmarked elevation changes in dark or enclosed attractions
- Lack of visual cues for step-downs or narrow ledge
Even when no ride breaks down, a poor design choice can still cause serious harm. Our firm works with safety experts to review how the park was laid out and whether it met safety and accessibility standards, as outlined under Florida Statutes § 558.001–§ 558.005. In many cases, responsibility may fall on both the park operator and the third-party designers or architects who helped plan the space.
Multi-Park Properties Can Complicate Theme Park Accident Claims
Many of the biggest parks in Florida are part of larger resort networks, with shared services, transportation, and staff. When something goes wrong, it can be hard to figure out exactly who was in charge at the time. These kinds of claims often involve closely reviewing contracts, agreements, and operations spread across different companies.
Accidents Near Shared Entryways or Transportation Zones
Some injuries happen before the guest even makes it into the park. Shuttles, tram platforms, and ticketing areas are often managed by one company, while the park is operated by another. If someone slips, falls, or is injured by a moving vehicle in that space, figuring out who had control of the area at the time is not always simple.
In many of these cases, security footage or staffing assignments are spread across different departments or vendors. When things are not clearly documented, responsibility gets passed back and forth.
Franchise and Subsidiary Ownership Confusion
Even once inside the park, the company running the ride is not always the same one that owns it. Some attractions, food courts, or hotel-linked experiences are operated by subsidiaries, franchisees, or third-party vendors. When something happens in one of those areas, a claim may need to go through that company instead of the parent park.
This is where it helps to have someone on your side who knows what questions to ask. We look closely at the contracts, permits, and operational structure to find out who had the final say on safety in that area. Once we have that, we build the claim directly against the party that had the responsibility to prevent the accident.
Call Our Theme Park Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Today
Theme park accidents are always serious. Our Fort Lauderdale theme park accident lawyer at Rosen Injury Law, P.A. knows this and is dedicated to helping victims claim the full compensation they deserve. After an accident, call us at 954-787-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.