A particularly unique kind of premises liability is the area that deals with amusement park negligence. Attending an amusement park or a carnival can be a memorable event for families and children. The thrill of carnival rides and roller coasters keep amusement-seekers returning over and over again to enjoy the fun. However, when these rides are improperly designed, inspected, constructed or maintained, their operation places the public in serious danger. Every year thousands of adults and children are injured at amusement parks by carnival rides and roller coasters as a result of negligence. Accidents pertaining to amusement parks do not always necessarily happen in large scale confines and can include school fairs and carnivals. Employees and organizations that run these events are responsible for ensuring that guests and patrons have a fun, safe experience. Unfortunately, even at small-scale events, tragic theme park related accidents do occur.

The complexity, age, condition, design and operation of amusement park rides are all potential factors that can lead to a life-threatening injury. Other causes of injury that can occur at an amusement park, theme park, water park, fair, circus or carnival include:

• Ride operator does not possess adequate knowledge, skills, experience, training or education
• Defective design of rides
• Manufacturing defect of rides
• Mechanical Failures
• Improper ride maintenance
• Insufficient or ineffective safety precautions
• Incorrect Height/Weight requirements
• Inadequate Lighting
• Failure to properly secure a mobile amusement ride

Amusement Park Negligence Cases are Complex and Require an Experienced Amusement Park Injury Lawyer

Laws regulating carnival and amusement park rides vary depending on jurisdiction. In Illinois, the Carnival and Amusement Rides Safety Act governs amusement park operation. To operate an amusement ride or amusement attraction in Illinois requires a permit. One step in the permitting process is the inspection requirement. Rides are required to be inspected prior to initial operation and annually thereafter. Amusement rides that require inspection include, but are not limited to, carnival rides, carousels, dry slides, haunted houses, go-kart tracks, ski lifts, mechanical bulls, mobile climbing walls, power trampolines, ride simulators, trains, trams, rope tows, ski lifts and inflatable attractions.

Clifford Law Offices, Experienced Chicago Amusement Park Accident Attorneys

For more than 25 years, Clifford Law Offices has been seeking justice on behalf of injured people. The Chicago amusement park accident lawyers of Clifford Law Offices assist individuals injured on carnival rides in recovering just compensation for their injuries. We have the resources and the experience to fully investigate the claim and see the case through to its conclusion, whether compensation comes through settlement or verdict.

Further reading on amusement park liability can be found in “Amusement Parks Take Consumers for a Ride,” by Robert A. Clifford, published in Chicago Lawyer.