San Antonio Amusement Park Accident Attorney

San Antonio is home to renowned amusement parks like LEGOLAND, Morgan’s Wonderland, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. While the rides at these parks can be exhilarating and fun, there is always the risk of serious injury.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, over 150 guests were injured in amusement parks across the state between January 2020 and December 2022. While some injuries were relatively minor, such as bruises and small cuts, others included whiplash, head and back injuries, and dislocated shoulders. 

An amusement park injury case can be complicated because many parties may be at fault, including the park’s owner and the company responsible for installing and/or maintaining the ride. It is essential to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable about these laws. At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, we have the experience and determination needed to pursue amusement park injury claims. To speak to a personal injury attorney in San Antonio, call (210) 800-0000. 

Why Hire the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS for Your San Antonio Amusement Park Accident Claim?

• Many amusement parks, especially larger ones, are owned by bigger corporations with vast financial and legal resources to defend a claim. We have faced many such companies at the negotiation table and in court, and won’t be deterred or intimidated. 
• Every San Antonio amusement park lawyer at our firm understands what’s at stake for you. Our goal is to get you the best financial recovery possible.
• Most amusement park cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means we will not charge any fees or costs until we obtain compensation for you. Call us today to learn more.

Common Causes of Amusement Park Accidents

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were approximately 1,300 ride-related injuries in fixed-site amusement parks in 2019 and 34,700 accidents at traveling fun fairs and other mobile attractions. There are several common causes of amusement park accidents in the United States, including:

• Failure to Warn: There are many rides at amusement parks that are inherently dangerous due to their construction and nature. Warning signs about the dangers of certain rides should be posted by park owners. Inherently dangerous rides can result in a lawsuit if clear warning signs are not posted. 
• Improper Ride Operation: An operator’s error can lead to an amusement park accident. Typical examples include incorrectly latching a rider’s seat belt, stopping the ride abruptly, or increasing the ride’s speed. Failure to train ride operators can result in amusement parks being liable.
• Mechanical Failures: Mechanical malfunctions can be caused by improper inspections and maintenance, as well as manufacturing defects. Some common examples include a broken structural component, a detached lap bar, or a detached roller coaster car. In such cases, amusement parks and ride manufacturers can be held responsible for accidents. 

Amusement park owners and operators have a duty to keep the park safe for visitors. In addition to keeping the rides in good working order, they must also keep the park grounds safe. You might be entitled to financial compensation if you are injured at an amusement park where reasonable safety standards are not met.

Common San Antonio Amusement Park Injuries

Amusement parks play host to a wide range of injury types. They include but may not be limited to:

• Scrapes, cuts, and lacerations
• Sprains, broken bones, and torn ligaments
• Slipping, tripping, and falling on stairs leading to rides or uneven walking paths
• Head, neck, and back injuries from high-impact rides like bumper cars or going down water slides
• Whiplash after being thrown from side to side on certain rides
• Spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury after being struck or hurled against an object
• Death after falling or being thrown from a faulty or improperly secured rides

Tragically, many of those injured or killed are small children. If you are hurt or lose someone you love, a San Antonio amusement park lawyer can help you hold the park accountable for your losses, which may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in the case of death, funeral and burial costs.

Recommendations for Amusement Park Safety in San Antonio

Although some accidents are solely the fault of the ride operator and/or park management, others can be prevented by following important safety guidelines like those below:

• Observe all height, weight, and health restrictions posted.
• Make sure children keep their hands and feet inside the ride at all times (if you don’t think they will comply, don’t let them ride)
• Be sure to follow any special seating orders and/or loading instructions.
• Use safety equipment such as seat belts and safety bars at all times.

Trust your instincts at all times. If something feels ‘off,’ don’t ride!

FAQS

When Should I Hire an Attorney for a San Antonio Amusement Park Accident?

You should contact a San Antonio amusement park lawyer as soon as a medical evaluation confirms the nature and extent of your injuries. For this reason, you should always seek medical care after an accident, even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt. See a doctor for a thorough examination because some injuries do not have visible symptoms right away.

Many amusement park accidents have large corporations as defendants: sometimes a single claim can involve several different companies. If you communicate with any of them while unrepresented, they may try to pressure you to accept a quick settlement or dissuade you from taking extended legal action. Anything you say to them will also be used to reduce the value of your claim or dismiss it entirely.

At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, we are aggressive advocates for the injured. We are not intimidated by the scare tactics frequently employed by large companies, their insurers, and counsel. When we take your case, you can focus on healing while our experienced personal injury lawyers fight for every dollar you deserve- and nothing less.

Are Amusement Parks Required to Carry Insurance?

Yes. According to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), all parks that offer amusement rides must carry insurance. The amount varies by amusement ride type, which consists of two categories:  

• Class A Ride: This definition includes any amusement ride with a fixed location and is designed primarily for younger children (12 and under).
• Class B Ride: Any ride not defined as Class A.

When an amusement ride meets all the legal requirements for operating in Texas, the TDI issues a compliance sticker. One of these requirements is the following insurance coverage: 

• Class A Rides: No less than $100,000 in bodily injury and $50,000 in property damage per accident, with an annual aggregate of $300,000 OR $150,000 per accident with an annual aggregate of $300,000.
• Class B: No less than $1,000,000 bodily injury and $500,000 property damage per accident or a combined single limit of $1,500,000 per accident. For continuous airflow inflatables and motorized trains, there is a required limit of $1,000,000 per accident.

Get a Free Consultation With a San Antonio Amusement Park Lawyer

Customers should experience excitement and fun at amusement parks. Unfortunately, some people end up with more excitement than they intended, and not in a positive way. Slip and fall accidents, falls from height, and injuries due to defective rides continue to happen at amusement parks, including some of the biggest in Texas. 

If this happens to you, we want to be in your corner, fighting for the money you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with a San Antonio amusement park accident lawyer, call the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, at (210) 800-0000 or contact us online.