What You Should Do If You’re Injured at an Amusement or Theme Park?

While theme parks are designed for fun and entertainment, accidents happen. Although fatalities are rare, with less than five ride-related deaths annually, over 30,000 theme park-related injuries are reported globally each year.

Despite strict safety regulations, amusement park fatalities occur, albeit infrequently. Globally, the number of deaths has remained relatively stable yearly, highlighting the rarity of fatal incidents compared to the millions of annual park visits. This data emphasizes the importance of continual safety improvements and adherence to regulations to prevent tragedies.

When visiting theme parks in Florida or Texas, injuries can occur due to various factors, often leading to the need for legal and medical attention. Common causes include:

  • Ride Malfunctions: Mechanical failures or operational errors can lead to accidents. Regular maintenance and safety checks are mandated by law, but lapses can still occur. Examples include brake failure, detachment of safety harnesses, or structural breakdowns that can lead to falls or collisions.
  • Non-Adherence to Safety Protocols: Injuries often occur when either guests or staff ignore safety guidelines. This might include staff not properly securing safety belts, failing to enforce safety measures, or allowing guests to standup during rides. Such negligence can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
  • Unusual Accidents: These are unforeseeable incidents that are not typical of everyday operations but can occur due to extraordinary circumstances. Examples might include unexpected natural events like lightning strikes or accidents caused by unforeseen health issues among guests, such as heart attacks or seizures while on a ride.

Understanding these risks is crucial. If you experience or witness an accident, seek immediate medical attention, report the incident to park management, and document everything you can. For legal support, RTRLAW is ready to guide you through the process and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

What are the Current Injury Statistics in the U.S. Theme Parks?

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) provides key insights into the safety of amusement parks across the United States. Notably, the likelihood of sustaining a serious injury from a fixed-site ride is relatively low, with the odds at about 1 in 15.5 million rides. Despite these favorable odds, amusement parks in the U.S. still see a significant number of injuries each year. According to IAAPA, around 2,000 injuries annually require medical attention due to amusement park accidents.

In more specific terms, the 2021 data from North American theme parks reported approximately 130 serious ride-related injuries. This category includes both fatalities and injuries necessitating hospital stays longer than 24 hours. Comparatively, the injury rates have shown little variation since 2019. The attendance-based injury rate has remained steady at 3.7, whereas the ridership-based injury rate saw a slight increase from 0.8 to 0.9.

What Are Some of the Most High-Risk & Deadly Theme Park Accidents in Florida & Texas History?

While theme and amusement parks strive for safety, tragic accidents do occur, and they underline why legal representation matters when you or a loved one is injured. Below are some of the most serious incidents in Florida and Texas.

Florida’s Accidents:

  • In Orlando, a 14-year-old boy named Tyre Sampson fell to his death from the FreeFall ride (ICON Park) in March 2022. The boy’s family later won a $310 million verdict in civil court.
  • More recently, a guest at Universal’s new Epic Universe coaster Stardust Racers died after sustaining blunt impact injuries.
  • In 2025, Central Florida parks reported multiple injuries over a quarterly period: Universal and Disney each had 10 reported injuries, and SeaWorld had three.
  • Historic cases: 39-year-old Anthony Salamone reportedly fell and was injured due to a broken railing on the Jaws ride at Universal.

These incidents remind us that catastrophic accidents, even fatalities, though rare, do happen, especially when restraint systems, ride sensor calibrations, maintenance, or weight limits are compromised.

Texas’ Accidents:

  • At Six Flags Over Texas, a rider (a 52-year-old woman) died after falling during a ride known historically for safety concerns.
  • The Texas Giant roller coaster has seen multiple injuries over the years; records show more than a dozen people injured prior to the fatal 2013 incident.
  • State injury reports list numerous lesser injuries (lacerations, contusions, fractures) at permanent rides around Texas.
  • Data also shows Texas ranks 4th in the nation for amusement park injuries, with nearly 8,000 reported between 2019 and 2023.

Though fatalities in Texas parks are comparatively rare, serious injuries are not uncommon, especially in high-speed roller coasters or when mechanical failure or operator error occurs.

While most park visits are safe, the following real-world tragedies show what can go wrong, and why consider having legal recourse is critical when negligence or design flaws are involved.

What to Do if You’re Injured at a Theme Park?

When an injury occurs at a Florida or Texas theme park, it is crucial to take immediate and appropriate steps to ensure your safety and legal rights are protected. Here’s a more detailed look at what you should do:

  • Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by getting medical help immediately, even for minor injuries.
  • Report the Incident: Notify park management and ensure the incident is formally documented. Obtain a copy of the report for your records.
  • Document Everything: Capture photos and videos of the incident scene and injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses and keep all medical records.
  • Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to all medical advice and attend necessary follow-ups. Following medical advice helps your recovery and supports any legal claims.
  • Consult an Attorney: Before interacting with an insurance provider or signing any documents, consult with a Florida injury attorney experienced in amusement park accidents. Experienced personal injury attorneys like those of RTRLAW can guide you on the best legal steps to take.

RTRLAW is well-versed in the nuances of amusement park injury cases. If you or someone you know has been injured at a theme park, our experienced personal injury attorneys can provide the necessary legal support to navigate these complex situations. At RTRLAW, we are committed to ensuring that our clients receive fair compensation for their injuries.

With RTRLAW, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re securing a team dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you recover from your ordeal. Reach out today for a detailed discussion of your case, free of charge.

How Can RTRLAW Help You After An Accident in an Amusement Park?

Since its founding in 1988, RTRLAW has been a dedicated advocate for personal injury clients in Florida, and, since 2022, in Texas. Our skilled attorneys are experienced in amusement park injury cases, having secured hundreds of millions of dollars for clients injured due to negligence. If you’ve experienced an injury at a theme park or on a carnival ride, we are here to ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.

RTRLAW is equipped with offices across Florida and Texas.

Furthermore, if you’re unable to visit us, our team will come to you; whether you’re at home, your place of business, or even the hospital.

Understanding the financial strain injuries can cause, RTRLAW works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront; we only receive payment if we win your case and recover compensation for you.

RTRLAW is available 24/7 and stands ready to assist you at any time. For immediate support after an amusement park injury, contact us for a free, no-obligation case review at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) in Florida and Texas, or chat with us directly for prompt assistance.

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