When you hear about amusement parks, your mind often goes to entertainment and fun. But, there can be risks associated with amusement park rides. Though cases of fatal accidents are rare, there are often a large number of injuries sustained in amusement parks every year.
These injuries usually vary based on severity. And in most occasions, these injuries would result in an amusement park personal injury case. When amusement parks do not uphold their responsibilities for safety. The guest often ends up suffering the consequences.
If your child ends up injured at an amusement park, you might wonder what you can do about it. Read on to find out what you should do after your child gets injured at an amusement park.
Report the accident immediately
There are amusement park accidents that would be very obvious to people around. But, in some cases, you might have to bring the attention of the management of the park or staff to the accident.
For instance, if a slip and fall accident over a loose electrical wire occurs, then it might not be noticed unless you draw the attention of the management. You must report an accident.
When you report the accident you create a record of the accident that resulted in your child being injured. When you don’t do this, the park could easily deny knowledge of the accident. Having a formal report ensures that you get the monetary compensation you are entitled to.
Speak with your lawyer
You must be careful about what you say and who you speak to after an amusement park accident happens. Sometimes, the park management or an insurer might trick you into saying incriminating things.
In some parts of the United States, people who contribute to an accident could be liable for damages and injuries. It also includes those who are hurt in the same accident. You can still get your money even when the fault is shared.
But, it would be reduced to show your contribution to the accident. So, when more fault is given to you, you get less monetary compensation. That is why the only person you should speak to after an amusement park accident is your personal injury lawyer.
Your lawyer would ensure that you understand your rights and help you through the legal claim you decide to pursue.
Provide medical attention
When an amusement accident occurs, ensure that you immediately seek medical attention for your child. You have to decide to visit the hospital or an on-site medical facility. The most important thing is that your child gets an immediate medical assessment.
When you decide to file an insurance claim or lawsuit for benefits, you must prove that your child got harmed. This is because, a person — in this case, the amusement park management was negligent in their duties.
To show their negligence, you must prove that the accident caused your child’s injury. When you get a medical examination, the hospital will have a record of your injuries. It is better to allow less time to go by.
You shouldn’t wait for some days until you find out later that your child has a serious injury. This most times makes it harder to prove causation. And it would make it easier for the amusement park to argue against the case.
The argument would be that your child might have been hurt by something else during the past week between when it happened and when you sought help.
Ensure the accident scene is documented
Ensure that you start documenting the accident scene and your child’s injuries immediately after the accident. Take out your phone and document with pictures or video, the defective rides or equipment and also your child’s injury.
Also ask people around you to see if any person has a video of the accident or got part of it on video. While doing this, it would also be best that you gather the names of witnesses who saw the accident happen.
If you have the time, take some time to write down the sequence of events. And also what resulted in your child being hurt. This information is very vital, especially when you intend to file a personal injury lawsuit or an insurance claim.
Your lawyer would use this evidence that you gathered to launch their independent investigation.
Final Words
Going to visit an amusement park with fast rides, entertainment treats, and cotton candy should make it an exhilarating experience. No parent wants to see their injured, especially at an amusement park outing that was supposed to be fun.
But, it is vital that you learn what you should do when this unexpected situation occurs. If you find yourself in such a situation, then you should follow the steps mentioned above to ensure everything is resolved.
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