Maryland Amusement Park Injury Lawyer
Amusement parks in Maryland are national and international vacation destinations, especially for roller coaster and amusement park fans. the owners and operators of amusement parks throughout the country are responsible for not only ensuring that their patrons have a good time, but also for ensuring that the premises and rides are safe for guests and that all machinery is in good working order.
If you or a loved one was injured at an amusement park or on an amusement park ride at a fairgrounds or festival, contact the Maryland amusement park injury lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras today. Our attorneys represent injury victims and their families, and we work tirelessly to get our clients compensation for serious injuries or wrongful death caused by negligent amusement park operators. For your free legal consultation, call our attorneys today at (410) 694-7291.
Common Amusement Park Injuries
Amusement park operators are required to inspect rides and manage their property to ensure that guests are safe. Amusement park guests who suffer injuries on the premises at an amusement park or theme park may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the park for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to their injuries.
When you file a lawsuit for injuries at an amusement park, you must prove that the amusement park owners and operators or their staff were “negligent.” Proving negligence is easier than proving intentional harm or recklessness and merely requires showing that the amusement park operators owed you a duty that they failed to uphold through carelessness or incompetence.
Many of the duties amusement parks owe their guests are related to ride inspection and safety. There are local, state, and national requirements for ride inspections and operations. These rules are intended to keep riders safe, and if the amusement park does not follow these procedures and requirements, riders could get hurt because of dangerous rides. This commonly results in injuries from ride collapses, accidents, and malfunctions.
Many amusement park injuries are also caused by dangerous ride designs. the ride itself may have been designed by an outside company or purchased second-hand from an amusement dealer or another park. In many cases, you may be able to sue the designer for injuries, but you may also be able to sue the park for putting a ride into service that they should have known was dangerous.
Other injuries at amusement parks are unrelated to the rides. Amusement parks are large properties with many paths, walkways, and facilities for guests. the property itself must be kept safe and free of defects to help prevent injuries. Wet floors, slippery sidewalks, loose wires, tripping hazards, fire hazards, electrocution hazards, and hazards for falling debris or building collapse are incredibly unsafe. Property owners who allow these kinds of dangers to injure guests can be held liable for their injuries, whether they operate an amusement park or any other type of business.
Suing for Amusement Park Injuries in Maryland
If you or a loved one suffered injuries at an amusement park, the park will likely create an incident report and put you in touch with someone to contact about your injuries. This representative is usually authorized to issue free tickets or benefits with the goal of keeping you from suing for your injuries. Amusement park staff, lawyers, and insurance companies do not represent you or your interests, and you should seek your own legal counsel to protect your rights and avoid accidental settlements.
Any money that you accept on account of your injury could be considered a settlement that blocks you from taking your case to court. it is important not to sign any releases or accept any payments or gifts to avoid accidentally settling your case.
You should never accept a settlement for your injuries before speaking with an attorney. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand what your case might be worth and how to maximize the compensation you are entitled to. In many cases, this means taking the amusement park to court and filing a lawsuit for compensation.
Personal injury lawsuits rely on proving the park’s negligence and responsibility for the accident. To get compensation, you must also prove the injuries you faced and the damages you suffered because of them. This often includes damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Compensation for medical bills should cover any bills or expenses related to your treatment, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, follow-up visits, and physical therapy. Lost wage damages can include wages you missed during your recovery as well as compensation for any lost future wages you will face if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or keep you from working at full capacity. Pain and suffering damages can be substantial in many injury cases because these damages compensate you for your own personal experience of pain and mental/emotional suffering.
You typically prove your damages in court by presenting documentation of the expenses. Hospital bills, bank statements, pay stubs, and other financial records can prove many of the economic damages you face. However, the damages for pain and suffering usually rely on your testimony about your experience and how the injury affected your life. If a loved one was killed in an amusement park accident, you may also be entitled to substantial compensation for your loss.
Maryland Amusement Park Lawyers Offering Free Legal Consultations on Injury and Wrongful Death Cases
The injuries you face in an amusement park accident can often be incredibly severe. In many cases, the injuries a loved one sustained may be fatal, and you will be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to cover these injuries. the Maryland amusement park injury lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras may be able to help with your case. Call our law office today to learn more in a free legal consultation. Our number is (410) 694-7291.
