At Maison Law, we understand that the road to recovery can be a long journey after an accident at an amusement park. Because of this, we are here for you so that you can take time to heal from your injuries and lessen some of the stress you are feeling associated with your accident. Our attorneys have years of experience and the knowledge to handle these claims from start to finish. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free and completely confidential case review.
Do I Need an Attorney?
Though it is possible to handle some injury claims on your own, this is only recommended if you have sustained minor bumps and bruises or minimal property damage due to an accident. Because the accidents that happen at theme parks can be catastrophic, it is typically helpful and necessary to have an attorney on your side. This is especially true when there are serious injuries involved that cause a victim to need hospitalization and ongoing medical care. It is also recommended if your injuries cause you to miss out on time in the workplace, making it difficult to keep up with your bills.
Common Accidents at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is home to many famed attractions including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Jurassic World ride. These attractions offer hours of fun to adults and children alike. However, even an exciting amusement park like Universal Studios Hollywood is not without accidents. As individuals pass through the park gates and enter on an adventure, they may never suspect that they will become involved in a life-altering accident.
There are several types of accidents that could take place on Universal Studios Hollywood property, which include:
- Ride Hazards: Ride hazards can stem from many causes such as dangerous ride boarding, ride motion injuries, and issues with ride harnesses that lead to accidents and injuries.
- Careless Staff: Staff is supposed to be properly trained in safety and ride operation. If a staff member was distracted or impaired while operating a ride, it can lead to severe results. Theme park owners could be liable for improper training and negligent hiring.
- Slip-and-Falls: Parks are supposed to be kept clean and free of debris so that slip and fall accidents do not occur. Parks are also supposed to be maintained so that hazards are corrected such as uneven floors, damaged steps, and gaps between platforms.
- Falling Objects: If a piece of an attraction breaks or somebody drops an item on a ride that is high up in the air, a parkgoer could be struck by that object from below.
- Food Poisoning: If food is handled improperly at Universal, individuals could be left feeling ill as a result.
- Dangerous Areas: Children could wander off in a park, causing them to venture into an area of the park that is hazardous to them. This is why dangerous areas are supposed to be blocked off from children.
- Dog Bites: Though only service animals are permitted on Universal property, a dog bite attack could still occur and lead to devastating injuries.
You likely never suspect that there could be so many hazards at a theme park as you enter their grounds. If you or another guest closest to you has been injured at Universal Studios Hollywood, speaking with a lawyer can help you gather necessary evidence and determine liability in your case.
Who Can I Sue After an Amusement Park Accident?
Amusement parks are supposed to be some of the safest places in California, which is why many laws regarding safety have been instated over the years to protect parkgoers. Even with so many safeguards in place to protect those who visit theme parks, accidents still occur every year. In fact, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions found that 1,294 people sustained injuries in amusement parks in the U.S. in 2019 alone.
With so many individuals sustaining injuries at amusement parks each year, it becomes a question of who can be held liable when an accident does take place. Here are some individuals and entities who could be liable or share liability after an accident at Universal:
- Owners, operators, and major theme park parent companies
- Park employees such as managers, maintenance, and ride operators
- California park inspectors
- Food and drink vendors
- Manufacturers of rides
- Other parkgoers
- Shuttle/bus drivers
California theme parks carry amusement industry liability insurance so that injured parkgoers are covered following an accident. However, these large companies and insurers have been known to engage in unsatisfactory practices such as denying claims or ignoring claims altogether. Insurance companies sometimes offer much less in settlement than a parkgoer needs for their damages. In these cases, it is important to have the help of an experienced lawyer on your side.
Receiving Damages in Your Amusement Park Claim
If you choose to move forward with an amusement park injury claim, you may be entitled to various damages for your losses. Your settlement check could include financial recovery for the following:
- Current medical bill payments and anticipated medical care for the future
- Any expenses associated with temporary or permanent disability
- Physical pain and emotional distress damages
- Lost income and future lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to an injury
- Travel costs back and forth to doctor’s appointments
- Therapy expenses
- Wrongful death benefits if a life was lost due to an accident
Contact a California Amusement Park Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt or had a life taken at Universal Studios Hollywood due to negligent causes, you have options for recovery. Theme parks have big teams of lawyers and insurers on their side to protect them financially, which means that they might offer you a low settlement or try to pin the blame on you after an accident.
At Maison Law, our California amusement park accident lawyers will stand by your side as you navigate the complex legal system, providing you with knowledge and resources that you need. We will compassionately assist you as you work on healing during these traumatic times. Please do not hesitate to contact us today so we can help you get the most out of your settlement. We offer you a completely confidential and free case review to get started.
