California is home to a wide array of amusement parts, from Disneyland to SeaWorld and Legoland. Though we arrive at these places expecting a fun day, danger and risks can be right around the corner. Amusement parks have an obligation to provide both its visitors and employees with a degree of security against criminal acts. When a robbery, theft, or sexual assault occurs at an amusement park, who is liable and how can you receive the support you need?
At Maison Law, our experienced premises liability lawyers are here to help you after any type of attack at an amusement park. Adequate security is a necessity in areas where patrons and children are expecting to have a day of fun and adventure that they paid for. Contact us at Maison Law so that your health and legal rights can be protected. We offer you a completely free case consultation.
Negligent Security at California Amusement Parks
There are many types of crimes that are common in and around amusement parks in California every year, which include:
- Theft
- Carjackings
- Pickpocketing
- Shoplifting
- Fighting
- Various types of assault
These crimes, many of which can be violent in nature, send many victims to the hospital every year and even take lives. Adequate security measures should be taken in all amusement parks, such as security cameras in various areas, sufficient lighting, and enforcement of rules. Amusement Park owners and ride operators, as well as other employees, are supposed to prioritize safety and security. In many cases, employees are trained on security protocols and how to prevent crime. If a crime occurs due to negligent security, any of these parties can be held liable for the harm that results.
Proving Liability in Negligent Security Cases at Amusement Parks
When you have been involved in a negligent security-related incident at a California amusement park, you may wonder how you can move forward with a claim against one or more liable parties. There are four elements that must be shown when determining negligence in one of these cases:
Duty of Care: Amusement parks in California owe a legal duty of care to you and others. This means that they need to take measures to ensure that parks are kept safe from harm. An example is providing reasonable security when a park discovers that there were several incidents of assault in the area.
Breach in Duty: If an amusement park did not fulfill its obligation to provide security to you and you were hurt in an incident, they have breached their duty of care to you. Some reasonable security measures include installing enough security cameras in the area, posting signs notifying patrons of park rules, assigning security guards to certain areas of the park, and removing anybody from the park who is breaking rules.
Causation: You must be able to show that the breach in duty was the direct cause of your assault or related injuries. A park could be liable for any harm that results from their inaction.
Damages: You must be able to show that damages resulted from the incident. These include medical bills, lost wages due to missed time at work, pain and suffering, and more.
You have the right to seek financial support when you have been hurt due to negligent actions or inaction by an amusement park to provide adequate security. Security is especially important at parks and you have many rights under California law as it pertains to your recovery.
Steps to Take After a Negligent Security Incident at an Amusement Park
Violent acts happen monthly at amusement parks, from muggings to sexual assault. After a crime at an amusement park that has caused you harm, you should take the following steps:
- Make sure that you are at a place of safety.
- Notify security at the park and police of the incident.
- Receive medical attention if you or others have sustained injuries.
- Write down any details of the attack while they are fresh in your mind.
- Speak with witnesses about the incident and give a police statement.
- Do not disrupt the crime scene. However, you can take pictures or videos of the location or any damages you have suffered.
- Make sure that you attend any future medical treatment related to your injuries.
A crime that occurs at an amusement park can take a physical and emotional toll on many aspects of your life. You may also be left with financial burdens that you should not have to face alone. This is why it can be incredibly beneficial to speak with a legal advocate soon after your accident to find out what options you have.
Contact a California Negligent Security Lawyer Today
Working with an experienced California negligent security lawyer can help you achieve the best results as it pertains to your negligent security case. You are not alone, as we will provide you with the care and resources that you need at Maison Law. We will work to make sure that your legal rights are addressed and all liable parties are held responsible for their negligence. Please contact us today for a confidential and completely free case review.
