When Roller Coasters Cause Catastrophic Injuries

It’s summertime and what better way to spend a day than enjoying food, fun, and rides at your local amusement park. Georgia residents have a variety of options when it comes to the excitement of roller coasters. Unfortunately for some thrill seekers, these attractions can quickly turn from fun to terror, especially when coasters are operated or maintained in a negligent manner.

At the federal level, the US Product Safety Commission is responsible for setting safety standards regarding amusement park rides. At the state level, the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commission enforces safety regulations through routine inspections and the issuance of operating licenses. These regulations set maintenance requirements and operating parameters with safety as the paramount goal.

When amusement park owners and staff members fail to adequately meet these basic safety standards, catastrophic injuries can result. Some of the most common roller coaster injuries include those where restraint systems do not adequately protect the rider from serious personal injury:

• Broken bones and fractures. No one should ever fall from a ride at an amusement park. When rsuch falls occur, they often experience breaks or fractures to numerous extremities.
• Brain, spinal, neck and back injuries. The jolting and quick movements of a roller coaster can also severely injury a rider. Brain injuries may occur when a riders’ head is thrown against the components of the coaster or when he or she is thrown from the ride.

Determining liability for roller coaster injuries

Depending on the details of the case, any of the following parties may hold some level of financial responsibility when someone is injured by a roller coaster:

• Park owners
• Roller coaster manufacturer
• Roller coaster designer
• Manufacturers of parts for the coaster
• Third party ride repair or maintenance companies

Determining liability can be a challenging task, requiring specific attention to every detail and aspect of the incident. It is extremely important for injured parties to make a correct identification of all responsible parties because the violent nature of a roller coaster accident can lead to catastrophic injuries, requiring years of expensive medical care. Under these circumstances, the identification and financial accountability of all responsible parties can mean the difference between high quality and inadequate medical treatment.

If a roller coaster or other amusement park ride left you with life-altering injuries, trust the knowledgeable Georgia personal injury lawyers of Harris Lowry Manton LLP to guide you through the entire claims process. Use our contact form to schedule a consultation today. We can also be reached at 404-961-7650 in Atlanta, or in Savannah at 912-651-9967.