WATER PARK INJURIES: CAN I SUE?

POSTED BY SAM MUKERJI ON April 4, 2014

Water park injuries are becoming increasingly common, as operators are adding more and more thrill rides and other attractions in order to attract guests. In addition to more dangerous equipment, many of them also take safety shortcuts to maximize their profit margins. When children are injured, parents may be able to recover damages as a result.

Dangerous Conditions

A number of injuries at water parks could easily be prevented, as they are typically caused by:

  • Improper supervision
  • Malfunctioning or improperly maintained equipment
  • Collisions with foreign objects in the water
  • Water rides that have a faulty design
  • Dangerous water slides

At the first sign of an unsafe condition, park operators should take steps to rectify the situation. This sometimes means that certain rides or attractions would have to be placed off-limits during the interim. Doing so could deter guests from visiting the park, so some managers will continue to allow patrons to access certain features anyway.

Types of Injuries

Injuries sustained at a water park can be serious, as the National Institutes of Health reports that the majority of them involve spinal or head injuries. Other injuries that a child might suffer include:

  • loss of extremities
  • paralysis
  • brain damage from near drowning experiences
  • serious concussions

Inadequate Medical Attention

When water park injuries occur, it is imperative that children receive the proper medical attention right away. Unfortunately, the right type of help is not always available at water parks, which means that children must wait for an ambulance to arrive before getting the care they need. During these critical moments, permanent brain damage or paralysis can sometimes result due to the lack of adequate medical care.

Preventing Accidents

Parents of young children have a right to be concerned about the possibility of water park injuries. One way to prevent them is to have a look around the park ahead of time in order to check for any hazards that might be present. Talking to others who have recently visited the park can be helpful as well.

Taking a proactive stance is not always enough to prevent child injuries at a water park, as some unsafe conditions cannot be discovered until it is too late. When an injury occurs, the owners of the water park are normally liable for damages. Most have insurance coverage in the millions of dollars to ensure that accident victims are fully compensated. Unpaid claims sometimes require legal action in order to settle them.

Legal Action

Watching your child suffer unnecessary injuries is one of the most painful things you will have to do as a parent. Not only is the physical trauma difficult, but so is handling the resulting financial bills. Thankfully, you can get justice by speaking with a qualified injury lawyer. Call 713-222-1222 today to schedule a free case evaluation.

Child Safety