Connecticut features plenty of amusement parks and water parks that offer fun and entertainment for families. While the rides and slides provide thrills, they also pose a real risk of harm to park patrons. Accidents, though relatively infrequent, can result in whiplash, back and spine injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), broken bones and even death. Liability for damages depends largely on the cause of the accident.

There are many possible causes of amusement park accidents. Some of the most common are the following:

• Ride malfunctions, usually due to defects, lack of maintenance or poorly trained operators
• Poorly designed or maintained water slides and flumes
• Missing or inadequate warning signs
• Lack of adequate drainage around pools, allowing standing water to remain on concrete surfaces
• Poor lighting
• Uneven, cracked, or slippery pavement
• Vehicle accidents, usually involving shuttle vehicles

When harm befalls a park guest, there may be multiple parties responsible for paying compensation. If you were injured due to a defective ride, you might be able to file a product liability claim against the ride’s manufacturer or installer. For example, the ride may have been equipped with a poorly designed lap bar that came unlatched and threw you from the ride. Or, the ride could have had a structural or design defect that caused the accident. A mechanic or other maintenance worker might also be held liable for negligent performance of their work.

The law of premises liability applies to amusement and theme park accidents. Owners and operators of amusement parks have a duty to make their rides, slides and park grounds reasonably safe. That means there is a duty to ensure rides have adequate restraints, receive frequent maintenance and inspections and are operated by properly trained employees. Premises liability also applies to injuries caused by slippery surfaces, broken staircases and walkways, and can even extend to assaults committed on park grounds or parking lots. Amusement parks may further be subject to local ordinances that require strict safety measures.

Amusement parks can also be liable for the negligence of their employees. For example, an employee may have failed to provide adequate instructions before starting a ride, to control animals at a petting zoo or to otherwise exercise reasonable care in performing his or her duties, thereby causing accidents that result in injuries.

Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in Hamden and East Haven has deep experience obtaining fair compensation for accident victims throughout Connecticut. If you or a family member were injured at a theme park or water park, our attorneys will analyze your situation and explain your legal options. Please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.