Few things feel more like summer than a trip to the amusement park. As schools let out all over the state of Georgia in a few weeks, thousands will flock to Six Flags, White Water or other amusement parks throughout the state, or country, for some summertime fun. And while accidents on rides at amusement parks are rare, they are not unheard of. The safety of the rides at amusement parks around the country was called into question recently when two crash test dummies flew off their seats on a roller coaster and landed several feet away.
The two dummies were being tested to check the safety of the GaleForce roller coaster at Playland’s Castaway Cove in New Jersey. The ride was putting the dummies though a routine safety check, when the dummies, that were supposed to be securely restrained in their seats, flew off the ride midway and crashed into the roof of a nearby hotel. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported to the people at the hotel, although there was significant damage to the roof of the building.
According to amusement park officials, the fact that the crash test dummies flew off the ride is no cause for alarm. They insist that the ride is safe, and has been safe ever since it was launched. They say that there was no failure of operation or machinery, and that this incident was a result of the dummies not being used properly on the ride.
The incident has been widely reported in the media, and not surprisingly, has raised questions about safety not just at this park, but amusement parks in Georgia and nationwide. Some amusement parks have a reputation for injuries, and even deaths. New Jersey is also home to the infamous Action Park, which offered thrill-seekers great rides, but had a terrible safety record. Accidents on the rides were common at the park, which operated from 1978 till 1996. Several injuries were also reported at the park, and at least 6 people died on rides at the park. These deaths included electrocutions from live wire, as well as drowning accidents in the tidal wave pool at the facility.
When an accident or an injury occurs in an amusement park in Georgia, victims or their loved ones may be eligible to file a claim for damages under Georgia law. These laws require property owners to take reasonable precautions to ensure that their property is safe for use. The rides at these parks will be operated several dozen times a day, and will be used by thousands of people on a daily basis. Given the volume of use the rides will have to endure, the owners and operators of the parks have a duty to make sure that all of the rides are safe, and must take necessary steps to ensure the safety of their patrons.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an amusement park accident in Georgia, talk to an Atlanta premises liability lawyer at the Katz Personal Injury Lawyers, and determine your legal options for compensation. You may qualify to file a claim which will recover damages for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages. Initial consultations with a lawyer at our firm are free. We work on a contingency basis – we do not charge you a fee until we recover compensation for you.