Myrtle Beach, SC Amusement Park & Water Park Injury Lawyers Near Me

Myrtle Beach is a well-known vacation destination in South Carolina, and it’s not just because of its picturesque beaches. The city boasts a plethora of amusement and water parks that both residents and tourists love to visit. From roller coasters to lazy rivers, there’s something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy a day of thrills at the Family Kingdom Amusement Park or experience the ultimate water adventure at Wahoo Water Park. For those seeking a unique experience, there’s also Broadway Grand Prix, which offers go-kart racing and mini-golf. With so many options available, it’s no surprise that these parks have become a popular attraction for people of all ages. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a relaxing float down a lazy river, Myrtle Beach’s amusement and water parks have it all.

Amusement and water park accidents can be terrifying experiences due to the high speeds and force of the rides, which can lead to severe physical injuries, including head trauma, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries. Water park accidents also pose the risk of drowning, which can result in devastating consequences. In many cases, victims of amusement and water park accidents require extensive medical treatment and may even need ongoing care and rehabilitation for life-altering injuries.

Quick Links:

• What Amusement Park Ride Has The Most Accidents?
• What Is The Most Common Cause Of Amusement Park Ride Injuries?
• What Is Strict Liability Vs Fault-Based Liability?

What Amusement Park Ride Has The Most Accidents?

In 2019, there were 1,299 reported injuries from amusement and water park rides in the United States alone. While these statistics can be alarming, it’s important to remember that not all rides are created equal. Some rides, such as roller coasters and water slides, are inherently riskier than others due to their high speeds and sudden drops. Here are the types of amusement park rides that have the most accidents reported.

Steel Rollercoasters

Steel roller coasters are considered one of the most dangerous types of roller coasters due to the high number of incidents that occur on these rides. In fact, during one year, there were an estimated 449 roller coaster incidents reported in 2019, some of which resulted in serious injury or even death. The speed and height of steel roller coasters can create a thrilling experience for riders, but they can also increase the risk of accidents. Some steel rollercoaster rides are so powerful that they can exceed 100 mph. Additionally, the forces exerted on the body during a ride on a steel coaster can cause physical strain and discomfort, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions. The sudden stopping motions at the end of the ride can cause whiplash as well. It’s crucial for riders to pay close attention to safety guidelines and to avoid riding if they have any doubts about their ability to handle the ride’s intensity.

Water Slides

While water slides at water parks can provide a fun and refreshing experience, they also pose significant risks to riders. In the United States alone, an estimated 438 injury-related incidents occurred on water slides in one year, according to a report by The Daily Beast. The high speeds, sudden drops, twists, and turns of water slides can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and even decapitation. Additionally, riders may be at risk of drowning if they become trapped or disoriented in the water. It’s crucial for riders to follow all safety guidelines and to be aware of the potential risks before choosing to ride. Water park operators also have a responsibility to properly maintain and inspect their rides to ensure the safety of their visitors.

Boat Rides

While boat rides at amusement and water parks may seem like a refreshing way to cool off on a hot summer day, they can actually be quite dangerous. Unlike many other amusement park rides, boat rides often lack safety features such as safety bars or seat belts to keep riders secure. This means that riders may be more likely to fall out of the boat or be thrown around in the event of a sudden stop or turn. In fact, there were an estimated 93 incidents involving boat rides reported, indicating that these rides pose a significant risk to riders. Visitors to amusement and water parks should exercise caution when considering boat rides and should only ride if they feel confident in their ability to safely enjoy the experience.

Wooden Roller Coasters

Although wooden roller coasters may evoke a sense of nostalgia and traditional charm, they are considered one of the more dangerous types of amusement park rides. As designers strive to create more thrilling tracks and higher speeds, wooden coasters may pose significant risks to riders. Riders have experienced head, neck, and back injuries from G-forces or from hitting their head against stationary or detached objects, which can lead to traumatic brain injuries. Falling from the roller coaster can result in other types of serious injuries or even death. The intense forces and sudden movements on wooden coasters can also cause brain aneurysms, broken bones, and lacerations. Despite the allure of wooden coasters, it’s essential for riders to be aware of the risks and to follow all safety guidelines to minimize the chance of injury.

What Is The Most Common Cause Of Amusement Park Ride Injuries?

Amusement and water parks offer thrilling rides that take customers to extreme heights and speeds. However, these rides can quickly turn into tragedies when equipment malfunctions or safety procedures are not followed. Among the various factors that can cause an attraction or ride to be unsafe, the most common cause of amusement and water park accidents is owner or operator negligence. Negligence can take many forms, including:

• A lack of appropriate equipment maintenance
• Improper operation of machinery
• Failure to inform customers of potential hazards
• Inadequate ride operator training

When owners or operators fail to prioritize safety measures, it can result in catastrophic and life-changing injuries for customers. It is crucial for owners and operators to take responsibility and prioritize customer safety by ensuring equipment is well-maintained, employees are properly trained, and potential hazards are communicated clearly to customers.

What Is Strict Liability Vs Fault-Based Liability?

It’s common for people to not know the difference between strict and fault-based liability, but understanding the difference is crucial when it comes to obtaining compensation for injuries sustained in an amusement park or water park accident. The key difference between the two is intent. In fault-based liability, intent matters, meaning that the responsible party must have intended to cause harm or acted negligently.

On the other hand, in strict liability, intent does not matter. This means that if a dangerous activity was carried out for profit and caused harm to someone, the person responsible is strictly liable even if they had no intention to harm anyone or took proper precautions. In the case of fault-based liability, the responsible party must have known the risks associated with their actions and acted negligently, such as bringing a dangerous substance onto their property while engaging in a dangerous activity for profit. Understanding the difference between strict and fault-based liability can help those who have been injured in amusement or water park accidents navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation they deserve.

Contact A South Carolina Theme Park Attorney At The Lovely Law Firm Near You

To ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and damages, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced amusement park accident attorney or water park injury attorney, like the ones at The Lovely Law Firm. Our amusement park accident attorneys specialize in handling personal injury cases related to an amusement park and water park accidents and can investigate the incident, determine the cause, and build a strong case to hold the responsible parties accountable. If you or someone you know has been injured in an amusement or water park accident, seeking legal advice from an attorney as soon as possible is crucial. Our personal injury attorneys can help victims and their families recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Taking legal action not only helps victims hold the responsible parties accountable but also protects their rights in the process.