New York parents who take trips to amusements parks on summer break with their children might not be aware of the hazards posed by different rides. Scores of premises liability lawsuits are filed against negligent amusement park operators and owners each year. However, there are steps that parents can take that might significantly improve their chances of returning home uninjured.
Parents can observe a ride before letting their children get on. Anything that they see or hear that seems wrong can be reported to the operator or park management. All rides must undergo safety inspections by the state’s safety authorities, and parents can look for the sticker that indicates the date of the most recent inspection. Parents can also check that their children are adequately secured before the ride starts.
Riders must never throw an object or drop anything from the ride because the consequences could be severe if dropped articles become lodged in any of the moving parts of the machine. Although rocking and swinging the Ferris wheel car could make a tame ride more exciting, it could also lead to catastrophic injuries. Tinkering with pins and connectors that hold equipment together can be equally dangerous.
However, if injuries on a ride at a New York amusement park is not caused by the rider but by another negligent party, there might be grounds for a premises liability lawsuit. This could be challenging because the defendants will likely do what they can to blame the rider, or they may claim that the rider or parent signed a liability waiver. For these and other reasons, it might be a good idea to seek the support and guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney to pursue recovery of damages on behalf of the plaintiff.
