June 6, 2012 — An investigation led by the Orange County Register has found that Disneyland’s theme parks in Anaheim, CA have been the subject of 140 personal injury lawsuits since 2007. Approximately one-third of the injury cases occurred when visitors slipped, tripped, or fell inside the park. Most of the amusement park injury lawsuits were settled out of court or dismissed.
The Register listed a few examples of cases that settled out of court:
- A woman who slipped on eggs left on the floor of Goofy’s Kitchen at a Disneyland hotel
- A man who was injured after a Disneyland employee poured hot coffee on his arm
- A man who was injured at Knott’s Berry Farm after a bench rolled over when he sat on it, causing him to fall
- A man who was injured when a sheet of metal blew off a snack stand and hit him
It is very rare for theme park lawsuits to go to court, likely because the park does not want the negative publicity from a public trial. Most amusement park injury claims are settled quickly outside of court for undisclosed sums of money.
There are only a few examples of personal injury lawsuits against Disney that have gone to court. In one, Disney was forced to pay $500,000 to a woman who was hit in the head by a food-court umbrella and suffered a head injury and seizures. In another lawsuit, Knott’s was forced to pay $71,000 to a woman who fractured her ankle after tripping on a curb.
Given that around 25 million people visit theme parks every year, the number of personal injury lawsuits brought against amusement parks is actually very small. This is testament to the fact that the parks are generally safe, and they take great care to ensure that their visitors have a happy and safe visit.
However, in some cases, there are legitimate hazards to a theme park visitor’s health and safety. When an injury occurs, the theme park could be held at fault for not doing a good job of protecting the visitor’s safety. If you have been injured at a theme park, you are not alone.
Do I have an Amusement Park Injury Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting amusement park induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured at an amusement park, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Personal Injury Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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