It’s summer time, and with the weather warming up, families are heading to the water to cool off. While some prefer lakes, rivers, and sandy beaches, others prefer the attractions found at water parks. Water parks tend to have activities for all ages, making them popular during the summer months. While they offer fun in the sun, they can also be dangerous, with more than 4,200 people taken to the emergency room every year due to water park accidents.
Multiple parties could be held liable for injuries that occur at water parks. If you or your child has suffered serious injuries due to a water park incident, determine your rights to compensation by contacting the Chicago premises liability lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 236-2900.
Types of Water Park Accidents
While most people assume that water park patrons are primarily injured by falling off defective water slides, there are other ways in which you could be injured.
- Falls. Wet surfaces can also contribute to slips and falls. A fall can cause head trauma, broken bones, and bruises.
- Poor maintenance. Water parks have a duty to keep attractions properly maintained. Lack of maintenance can cause safety issues, such as lose screws or water slides falling apart.
- Loss of control on slides. Some slides move very quickly, causing customers to twist or turn and injure themselves. If the customers cannot control the rides, they could fall off or hit their heads, causing trauma.
- Lack of enforcement. Height and weight regulations are in place to protect guests. If employees allow someone who doesn’t meet safety requirements to ride the attractions, there is a great chance of injury.
- Crowded areas. Some pool areas are too crowded, causing guests to bump into each other and cause injuries.
- Lack of lifeguards and training. Lifeguards are in place to prevent horseplay and keep guests from disobeying rules or drowning. If there are few lifeguards available or the ones on staff are not properly trained, accidents can occur.
Water Park Accident Liability Issues
If you are injured at a water park, who may be responsible for your injuries?
- You. It’s possible that you could be liable for your own injuries if you signed a liability waiver upon entering the park. These waivers may prevent you from suing the park for any injuries you suffer there.
- Water park owners. If a defective or poorly maintained ride causes an injury accident, the owners could be held liable for not providing a safe environment for its patrons. This rule extends to the walking surfaces and food and beverages sold there as well.
- Waterpark employees. Individual employees are rarely held liable for their actions unless they acted in a reckless or malicious nature, such as purposely punching or tripping you.
Injured at a Water Park? Contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. for Help.
While most water park injuries are minor, some can lead to serious injuries and even death. In these situations, it’s important to hold the party at fault liable for their actions and negligence.
Liability is not always clear-cut when it comes to injury accidents at water parks. Make sure you preserve your legal rights and learn about your rights to compensation by contacting the Chicago premises liability lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.. Schedule a free consultation by calling (312) 236-2900.
