Southwest Florida Premises Liability Law Blog

Amusement parks can provide fun, entertainment and excitement for the entire family.  However, accidents may occur that cause injuries and sometimes even death.  Accidents that occur at amusement parks may be caused by malfunctions with electrical or mechanical parts.  Other accidents are caused by the riders themselves.

Rides at amusement parks are heavy, often complicated, machines that can provide threats to riders because of their size and weight alone.  It is important that riders take safety precautions stated by the parks very seriously.  Rides have quick drops or turns, accelerations and sudden stops that can cause neck or back injuries.  Most accidents that occur at parks are from impacts or body strains that are caused by the natural force of the rider rather than malfunction.

This is an important fact to keep in mind before we let our smaller children get on rides they may be too little for.  If your child has to tip toe to reach the height requirement, then they should not get on the ride.  It is important to make sure your child knows and understands what the ride is going to do ahead of time.  It is recommended that parents take the time to watch the rides with their children to make sure they feel confident about the upcoming experience.  If your child seems afraid of the ride, they should not be allowed to ride it.

Also, remember the obvious; world renowned theme parks should be a much safer environment than local fairs.  While accidents at these parks are more publicized, most accidents take place at smaller venues throughout our country.  Therefore, if you don't trust the guy who just handed you an elephant ear, be aware that he is probably the same guy who was responsible for securing the seat that your child could be sitting in.  

There are many websites available to consumers to get information about amusement parks around the country.  If you are involved in an accident while at an amusement park, make sure you know your rights.

After you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Once you have been examined by a medical professional ask for a copy of the medical report that documents your injuries.

In addition to the medical report, you should also document as much of the following as possible.  It is important that you continue to journal the following:

- How did the injury occur?

- Where did the injury occur?

- Date and time of accident

- How have your injuries affected your day to day activities? household duties? social activities?

- How have your injuries affected your sleep? relationships? emotional well being?

Be sure that you contact an attorney immediately so that the investigation can begin.  Many times the site of the accident is changed rapidly so you want to ensure that a site investigation happens as soon after the accident as possible to record what can be critical evidence for your case.  When you are injured on someone else's property, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and decline of your quality of life to name a few.  It is important that you contact an attorney who has experience with slip and fall injury cases.

It is that time of year when students are returning to campus.  As a parent you want to feel confident that your child is protected while they are away at school getting the education they are working hard for.  

If a student is attacked while on their school property they may have a negligence action against the school.  In the event that students are not being protected of their own safety due to insufficient security and protection from visitors and other students,  the college or university may be held liable in court.

Adequate campus security must be provided and individuals who are not supposed to be on campus should not be allowed to loiter and should be kept away.  When an attack occurs and a claim is filed, the court will gather information such as if similar attacks have occured in the same area.  Security will be investigated to find out what security measures have been taken to avoid loiterers and attacks as well as if they are deemed insufficient.

If your child or someone you know has been the victim of a campus attack it should be reported immediately and medical attention sought as soon as possible.

The most important thing you should do if you fall shopping is obtaining immediate and appropriate health care.  Many stores are trained not to call for fire rescue for injured customers as it might indicate that a more serious injury has been sustained.

Plaintiffs are questioned and criticized by the fact that fire rescue did not come or that immediate care was not their number one concern.  If you are unsure as to whether or not you are ok in any way, you should seek medical care immediately.  The best decision is to call an ambulance as to not risk any further harm to yourself.  You should not worry about the cost of your medical treatments or how long you will have to remain the waiting room and the hospital. 

Your health and well being are most important.  Be candid about your injuries and medical history.  Failure to do so can make you the subject of criticism in the courtroom.  Also be sure to ask for a copy of the surveillance camera when available to be provided in your slip and fall claim.