Experienced Portland Amusement Park Injury Lawyers
Portland Amusement Park Injury Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best Portland amusement park injury attorneys
Have You or a Loved One Recently Been Injured in an Amusement Park Accident?
Goldberg & Loren, the premier amusement park injury lawyers in Portland, Oregon, are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. With years of experience and a track record of success, we understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to fighting for your rights.
Our team of skilled attorneys will work tirelessly to investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
We are passionate about holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring that you receive the financial support needed for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Don’t wait another day to seek the legal representation you need. Contact Goldberg & Loren now to schedule a free consultation.
Overview of Amusement Park Injury Claims in Portland, Oregon
Amusement parks are a popular form of entertainment in Portland, Oregon, offering thrilling rides and attractions for people of all ages. However, accidents and injuries can occur, leaving victims in need of legal representation to ensure fair compensation for their damages.
In such cases, individuals can turn to a personal injury lawyer at Goldberg & Loren, who specializes in amusement park injury claims.
Amusement park injury claims encompass a wide range of accidents and injuries that occur within these recreational facilities. Common types of personal injury claims in relation to amusement parks include slip and falls, negligence, faulty equipment, inadequate maintenance, and improper employee training.
When filing a personal injury claim, it is important to have extensive experience in premises liability law, as these types of cases involve determining liability on the part of the property owner and whether they took reasonable care to prevent hazardous conditions.
A premises liability lawyer at Goldberg & Loren can guide you through the entire legal process, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing their clients in court, if necessary. Our goal is to ensure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages resulting from the amusement park accident.
We can help navigate the complexities of premises liability law and fight for compensation, while you focus on recovering and rebuilding your life.
Common Types of Amusement Park Accidents
An amusement park can be an exhilarating and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. However, with the excitement and thrill come potential risks.
- Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of accidents at amusement parks. They can occur due to wet or slippery surfaces, uneven walkways, or debris on the ground. - Ride Malfunctions
Despite rigorous safety inspections, ride malfunctions can occasionally happen. Mechanical failures, operator errors, or maintenance issues can cause rides to malfunction, leading to accidents and injuries. This can include problems with restraints, structural failures, or sudden stops and starts. - Collisions or Struck by Objects
In crowded amusement parks, collisions can occur on walkways, in queues, or during rides. Objects such as loose ride components or items falling from heights can strike visitors, causing injuries. - Water-Related Accidents
Water parks, a popular attraction within amusement parks, present their own set of risks. Accidents can occur due to diving into shallow water, slip and falls on wet surfaces or ride-related injuries caused by sudden movements or impact. - Food-Related Illness
Food safety is an important aspect of any amusement park. Improper food handling, contamination, or inadequate hygiene practices can lead to foodborne illnesses such as food poisoning. These illnesses can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other related symptoms. - Live Entertainment Mishaps
Amusement parks often feature live entertainment shows, which may involve stunts, acrobatics, or pyrotechnics. Accidents can occur during these performances, including falls, equipment malfunctions, or pyrotechnic mishaps, which can lead to injuries for both performers and audience members. - Pedestrian Accidents
In crowded amusement parks, pedestrians can be involved in accidents such as being struck by a moving vehicle or tripping over obstacles. This can happen in parking lots, walkways, or busy areas within the park. - Negligent Security
In certain situations, amusement park visitors could be at risk of criminal acts, including theft, assaults, or even sexual harassment. Inadequate or negligent security measures, such as insufficient lighting or lack of security personnel, can contribute to the occurrence of these incidents.
Common Causes of Amusement Park Injuries
Negligence and Premises Liability
In Portland, Oregon, amusement park injury claims often involve the concept of negligence and premises liability. Negligence refers to the failure of a person or entity to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another individual.
Premises liability, on the other hand, falls under the umbrella of negligence and involves the legal responsibility of property owners to ensure the safety of visitors.
Amusement park injuries can have devastating consequences, and holding negligent parties accountable through premises liability claims is important to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors.
Unsafe Conditions at Amusement Parks
Malfunctioning ride components or operator errors can result in accidents, such as roller coaster derailments or water slide malfunctions. Another potential risk is the failure to properly secure visitors during rides, leading to falls and injuries.
Poorly maintained walkways and pathways can also contribute to accidents. Obstacles, uneven surfaces, or lack of proper signage can cause trip and fall incidents.
Overcrowding can create unsafe conditions as people can be trampled or accidents can occur due to limited space. Inadequate staffing or lack of supervision can further compound the risks.
Employee Negligence or Malfunctioning of Rides
One of the main factors contributing to these incidents is the lack of uniform safety standards and oversight in the amusement park industry.
Employee negligence can occur in various ways, such as operators not following proper procedures or not checking safety harnesses and restraints correctly. This negligence can lead to ride malfunctions, including derailments, sudden stops, or unexpected movements.
These malfunctions can cause passengers to be thrown from rides or collide with other objects, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. When a death happens as the result of an amusement park injury, a wrongful death suit may be filed.
With no uniform guidelines or regulations, amusement park owners may fail to adequately train their employees or overlook necessary maintenance and inspections. This can lead to rides being in a state of disrepair, with faulty components or inadequate safety features, increasing the risk of accidents.
There were an estimated 130 serious ride-related injuries at North American theme parks in 2021, according to the National Safety Council’s latest ride safety report for IAAPA. Based on data collected from parks, IAAPA estimates the odds of being seriously injured on a fixed-site ride at a U.S. amusement park are 1 in 15.5 million rides taken. [1]
Table of Contents
Types of Injuries that Occur at Amusement Parks
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A brain injury is any injury to the brain that disrupts its normal functioning. One specific type of brain injury that can occur at amusement parks is traumatic brain injury (TBI).
TBI is a serious condition that can result from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. Common causes of TBI at amusement parks include ride malfunctions, falls from heights, and collisions with other guests or objects.
TBI can have long-term effects on an individual’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. It can lead to difficulties with memory, concentration, coordination, and speech. In severe cases, it can result in permanent disability or even death.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain experiences a sudden jolt or blow, causing temporary dysfunction. On the other hand, a skull fracture is a break in the bone surrounding the brain.
There are several potential causes of head injuries at amusement parks. Falls from rides, especially those with abrupt stops or rough movements, can result in head impacts. Objects striking the head, such as loose items or parts of rides, can also lead to head injuries.
Symptoms of head injuries may vary depending on the severity but can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and loss of consciousness. Seek medical attention for any potential head injury, as they can have long-term effects. If left untreated or not managed properly, head injuries can lead to cognitive impairments, memory problems, mood changes, and even permanent disability.
Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries
One type of neck injury is a herniated disk. This occurs when a spinal disk in the neck becomes damaged or ruptures, causing pressure on the nerves.
The sudden and forceful movements experienced on rides can trigger or worsen a herniated disk, resulting in pain, numbness, and possibly weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Spinal cord injuries can range from mild to severe and can result in paralysis or loss of motor function below the site of the injury. Falls, collisions, or sudden stops on rides can cause trauma to the spinal cord, leading to these devastating injuries.
Neck and spinal injuries can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s health and quality of life. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and loss of independence are common consequences. Treatment for these injuries may involve physical therapy, pain management, and possibly surgery.
Fractures, Dislocations, and Burns
These accidents can result in various specific injuries, such as hip fractures, wrist fractures, skull fractures, and burns.
Fractures are the most prevalent type of injury in amusement park accidents. The rapid movements, twists, and abrupt stops of rides can cause extreme forces on the body, leading to fractures in different areas such as the hips, wrists, and skull. Hip fractures, in particular, can be severe and debilitating, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Dislocations can also occur when the joints are forcefully moved out of their normal positions. In amusement park accidents, dislocations can happen in areas such as shoulders, elbows, or knees. These injuries can be extremely painful and may require immediate medical attention to relocate the joint properly.
Burn injuries can arise from various sources at amusement parks, including hot surfaces, electrical malfunctions, or exposure to chemicals. Burns can range in severity from first-degree to third-degree, with the latter being the most severe and requiring immediate medical attention. These injuries can cause excruciating pain, scarring, and long-term complications.
Who is Liable for an Amusement Park Accident?
Property Owner Liability for Dangerous Conditions
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors. If they fail to exercise reasonable care in ensuring a hazard-free environment, they may be held responsible for injuries that occur on their property. This is known as premises liability.
Common hazards that can lead to premises liability injuries at amusement parks include spilled liquids, loose cords, poorly maintained sidewalks, swimming pools, and inadequate security. These dangerous conditions have the potential to cause slip-and-fall accidents, drowning incidents, and even assaults.
When individuals sustain injuries due to these hazards, they can seek fair compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. An experienced amusement park injury lawyer at Goldberg & Loren can help you navigate the legal process and hold the property owner accountable.
Other Parties Responsible for an Accident at an Amusement Park
There can be multiple parties involved, including corporations, vendors, and subcontractors, each with its own set of responsibilities and obligations. These parties may have complex contractual relationships that determine their roles and liabilities.
Corporations involved in operating an amusement park often enlist various vendors and subcontractors to provide services such as maintenance, ride design, construction, and food and beverage operations. A ride manufacturer may be responsible for designing and building a ride, while a maintenance company may be hired to ensure its safe operation.
These complex contractual relationships can sometimes make it challenging to determine who is ultimately responsible for an accident or injury. It may involve sorting through various agreements, contracts, and insurance policies to establish the parties’ duties and responsibilities.
Understanding the Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Portland, Oregon, play a vital role in advocating for individuals who have been harmed due to the negligence of others.
In cases of negligence, our personal injury lawyers at Goldberg & Loren investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine liability. We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and utilize our legal knowledge to build a strong case.
By diligently representing our client’s interests, Goldberg & Loren strives to obtain maximum compensation for our clients. This compensation may cover medical bills, loss of income, rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the injury.
Our commitment to excellence and our understanding of personal injury matters make us invaluable advocates for those who have been unjustly harmed.
Have you or a loved one been injured at an amusement park in Portland, Oregon?
If you’re seeking justice and compensation for your injuries, look no further than Goldberg & Loren, the premier amusement park injury lawyers in Portland. With years of experience and a proven track record of success, we are here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation. Your time to seek justice is limited, so don’t wait. Call now, and let us fight for you.
Source:
[1] Today, E. C. U. (2023, March 21). Are theme park rides safe? What you should know if you’re worried about accidents. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/theme-parks/2023/03/15/how-safe-theme-park-rides/11364244002/
Goldberg & Loren
6500 S Macadam Ave #300,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
Amusement parks and Carnivals can be a lot of fun, but when they lack maintenance or suffer other neglect they can injure and even kill patrons. If you have been injured at an Amusement park or carnival call us to find out if you have a case.
We Represent Those Injured at Amusement Parks in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
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