The U.S. has approximately 1,273 amusement theme parks, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The biggest concentration is in Florida, specifically Orlando.
Every day, thousands of families walk through the gates, anticipating a fun, thrilling experience. Things don’t always go as planned. Accidents still happen. People get sick. Fate intervenes and interrupts even the best-laid plans. Sometimes these injuries are a scrape on the knee; other times they’re more severe.
Safety Called into Question
In September this year, a rider was discovered unresponsive on a roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s newly opened Epic Universe theme park. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died from multiple blunt force injuries.
Following a lengthy probe, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office ruled the 32-year-old’s death accidental. A sworn statement given by Zavala’s girlfriend claimed that the ride’s lap bar was placed too low, prompting a deluge of social media posts questioning the safety and integrity of theme park rides.
The comforting thing to know is that theme parks have the highest safety standards. Rider safety is not to be played with. Parks undergo strict daily inspections and must adhere to industry standards (ASTM).
While theme park injuries are rare (occurring in approximately one in 15.5 million rides), they do happen. Below, we’ll look at the most common theme park injuries in the U.S. and the consequences thereof.
Whiplash
What’s the first ride you’re itching to get onto? The rollercoaster, right? That’s the reason why most people visit an amusement park.
You’ve probably woken with a stiff neck the next morning. Whiplash is the most frequently reported injury. The rapid acceleration, stops, and twists play havoc with our heads, necks, and shoulders.
Of course, you can minimize your injury risks by complying with the safety rules and height restrictions. Keep your items properly secured on your person, and avoid the temptation to thrash your arms and legs around. Sure, it might be the thrill of the ride, but is it worth spending the rest of the day in the nearest ER?
Fractures
Broken bones are nobody’s theme park bingo card. And yet, a trip, a fall, or a slip can change things just like that.
Remember, your body is literally being thrown around like a rag doll. Sprains, strains, bruises, and broken bones are common. And so are injuries from falling off rides.
What happens if a ride malfunctions? The Arkansas State Fair made headline news last year following a computer fault that left children dangling upside down for 15 minutes on the X Drive. Although no serious injuries were reported, some kids passed out, experienced dizziness, and had leg pain. Many were Little Rock residents.
One mother filed a complaint with the Arkansas State Fair, and her lawyer noted that she would be taking legal action. In this case, she possibly consulted a Little Rock personal injury lawyer on how to file a personal injury lawsuit.
An injury caused by someone else’s negligence can bring significant physical, emotional, and financial strain. An experienced personal injury attorney helps victims secure justice and fair compensation. Keith Law Group explains that claimants deserve compassionate legal representation from professionals who genuinely care about their recovery.
High Risk Areas
Water slides are jam-packed during summer. Unfortunately, this time of year is when more accidents and injuries are bound to happen.
Colliding with fellow riders is common. Most aren’t reported because they’re minor, but Walt Disney Parks and Resorts found itself at the center of a lawsuit earlier this year. A Florida man allegedly sustained “permanent catastrophic injuries” after riding a water park slide in 2021.
CBS News reports that Eugene Strickland is seeking $50,000 in damages against the theme park giant, stemming from physical and mental injuries. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park was named in the filing.
New Jersey’s Action Park also gained a reputation for being the “world’s most dangerous theme park” before it was shut down in 2016. Decades earlier, a young man lost his life on the Alpine Slide when the brakes on his toboggan cart broke. The teen was thrown off the track, causing a fatal head injury after he struck a rock.
Safety First, Always
Theme park officials are responsible for your safety. However, there are further actions you can take to ensure you have an accident-free experience.
Always follow the rules, stay hydrated, wear supportive shoes (no flip-flops), and supervise younger kids. Know your limits if you have any pre-existing conditions.
Lastly, designate a meeting spot in case you get separated, and consider ID wristbands for the kids.
