If you or a loved one experienced serious injuries following an amusement park accident, including roller coaster accidents, ferris wheel failures, slip and fall incidents, or injuries from defective rides, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to amusement park negligence. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
- Update: Florida Man Alleges Devastating Injuries from Disney Water Slide
- Amusement Park Accident Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Amusement Park Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Amusement Park Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for an Amusement Park Accident Lawsuit?
- Amusement Park Ride Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Amusement Park Accident Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. How do I know if I have a valid amusement park injury lawsuit?
- 2. What types of amusement park accident lawsuits are most common?
- 3. Can I sue if my injury was caused by another guest at the amusement park?
- 4. How are settlements negotiated in amusement park accident lawsuits?
- 5. What is the average settlement for an amusement park injury?
- 6. How long does an amusement park lawsuit typically take?
- 7. What role do safety inspections play in amusement park accident lawsuits?
- 8. What should I do immediately after an amusement park accident?
- Get A Free Amusement Park Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Update: Florida Man Alleges Devastating Injuries from Disney Water Slide
June 4, 2025 – A Florida resident has filed a claim against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, stating he endured permanent and severe harm after riding a water slide at Disney’s Blizzard Beach in 2021.
According to court documents filed on May 29 in Orange County, Florida, Eugene Strickland is pursuing $50,000 in damages following an incident on the Downhill Double Dipper (DDD) slide at the water park. Strickland says the injuries have left him with lasting physical and emotional trauma.
At the time of the ride, Strickland weighed 334 pounds, which exceeded the ride’s posted weight restriction by 34 pounds. He claims that due to the high velocity of the slide — which Disney describes as a “plunge through darkness before a splashy finish” — he became separated from the ride’s inner tube.
Once dislodged, he says he hit the slide’s surface directly, leading to a range of serious injuries including disfigurement, scarring, physical disability, and significant emotional distress. His complaint also includes claims of loss of enjoyment of life and ongoing mental anguish.
Strickland’s suit argues that Disney failed to properly warn guests about potential dangers associated with the high-speed attraction and neglected its duty of care regarding guest safety on the DDD slide.
The legal filing demands a jury trial and seeks compensation for the physical and psychological damages he alleges were caused by the park’s negligence.
Amusement Park Accident Lawsuit Overview
Amusement park accident lawsuits target facilities responsible for injuries occurring from negligent ride operations, improper maintenance, or inadequate safety protocols.
Plaintiffs allege park operators failed to uphold their duty of care to visitors, resulting in preventable injuries.
Over 30,000 emergency visits occur annually due to amusement park accidents, with regulatory bodies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission documenting significant safety violations across facilities nationwide.
Latest Amusement Park Lawsuit Updates
- January 2025 – A class action lawsuit against Paramount Theme Parks resulted in a $45 million settlement for victims of the “Velocity” roller coaster malfunction in California, which caused head and neck injuries to 27 riders when a restraint system failed.
- November 2024 – The Sixth Circuit Court upheld a $12.5 million verdict against Adventure World after a maintenance oversight led to a ferris wheel structural failure that injured 8 visitors, including 3 children.
- September 2024 – Six Flags Entertainment Corporation agreed to pay $36 million to settle multiple lawsuits related to their “Extreme Drop” ride incidents across three locations, where guests experienced compression injuries when brake systems failed.
- July 2024 – FDA issued an emergency safety warning regarding hydraulic restraint systems manufactured by RideSafe Industries following a pattern of failures reported across multiple amusement parks nationwide.
- March 2024 – A federal judge certified a multi-district litigation (MDL) consolidating 84 lawsuits against Water Wonders theme parks after a wave pool system malfunction resulted in numerous injuries across their properties.
FDA Reports and Statistics
According to industry data and regulatory reports:
- Approximately 335 million guests visit U.S. amusement parks annually
- Roughly 1,200 injuries requiring emergency treatment are reported each year
- The economic impact of amusement park injury costs exceeds $100 million annually in medical expenses and lost productivity
- Fixed-site amusement parks report 3.7 injuries per million attendance days
- Water park facilities report 2.4 injuries per million attendance days
- The CPSC estimates that fixed-site amusement park injuries result in approximately 4,200 hospitalizations each year
- Economic impact data from the National Safety Council indicates amusement park injuries cost approximately $1.2 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity
- Studies from the American Journal of Emergency Medicine show that head, neck, and back injuries account for 28% of all serious amusement park injuries
- Children between 10-14 years old represent the highest risk group, accounting for 35% of all reported injuries
Amusement Park Injuries & Side Effects
Amusement park accidents can result in a wide range of injuries that vary from minor to catastrophic or even fatal. The most commonly reported injuries include:
- Head Trauma: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures
- Spinal Injuries: Herniated discs, spinal cord damage, and paralysis
- Neck Injuries: Whiplash, cervical strain, and disc injuries
- Bone Fractures: Particularly in extremities due to improper restraints
- Leg Injuries: Crushing injuries, lacerations, and joint damage
- Broken Bones: Multiple fractures from falls or being thrown from rides
- Amputation: Severe cases involving extremities caught in machinery
Do You Qualify for an Amusement Park Accident Lawsuit?
You may qualify for an amusement park accident lawsuit if:
- Your injury occurred at an amusement park within the past 1-3 years (depending on your state’s statute of limitations)
- You experienced serious injuries requiring medical treatment
- The accident resulted from negligence such as improper maintenance, operator error, or design flaws
- You can provide documentation linking your injuries to the amusement park incident
- Your injuries resulted in significant medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering
Evidence Required for an Amusement Park Accident Lawsuit
To build a strong case, you will need to collect:
- Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
- Incident reports filed with the park management
- Photographs or video of the accident scene or dangerous condition
- Witness statements from people who observed the incident
- Maintenance records for the ride or attraction involved (obtained through legal discovery)
- Expert testimony regarding safety violations or mechanical failures
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of amusement park accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Amusement Park Ride Recall Information
Recent significant ride recalls include:
- January 2025 – RideSafe Industries recalled all XR-5000 restraint systems installed on over 350 rides across North America after discovering a critical defect that could cause unexpected release during operation.
- October 2024 – Thrillmakers Inc. issued a voluntary recall for their “Velocity Drop” free-fall attractions at 12 major theme parks following multiple injuries related to sensor malfunction.
- July 2024 – The CPSC mandated a recall of all “SuperSpin” centrifugal rides manufactured between 2020-2023 due to stress fractures discovered in the main support structures.
- May 2024 – Water Wonders Corporation recalled wave-generating equipment installed in 28 water parks after a control system flaw caused excessive wave formation resulting in multiple injuries.
Statute of Limitations for Amusement Park Accident Lawsuits
Time limits for filing amusement park injury claims vary by state:
- California: 2 years from date of injury
- Florida: 4 years from date of injury
- New York: 3 years from date of injury
- Texas: 2 years from date of injury
For minors, the statute of limitations typically begins when they reach 18 years of age. Consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to preserve your legal rights.
FAQs
1. How do I know if I have a valid amusement park injury lawsuit?
If your injury resulted from negligence rather than ordinary risks, you likely have a valid claim. Our attorneys will review your case to determine if the park failed to follow proper protocols, conduct regular inspections, or address known hazards that contributed to your injury.
2. What types of amusement park accident lawsuits are most common?
Common injury lawsuits include roller coaster accidents, water slide injuries, ‘slip and fall’ variety incidents, lawsuits involving food poisoning or contamination, and product liability lawsuits against ride manufacturers. Each type requires specific evidence and legal strategies.
3. Can I sue if my injury was caused by another guest at the amusement park?
Yes, you may be able to sue both the other guest and the amusement park if the park’s negligence contributed to the incident, such as inadequate security or supervision. These cases often involve multiple liable parties.
4. How are settlements negotiated in amusement park accident lawsuits?
Settlements are negotiated between the plaintiff’s attorneys and the park’s insurance providers based on injury severity, the extent of negligence, and documented damages. Most cases settle without going to trial.
5. What is the average settlement for an amusement park injury?
Settlement amounts vary widely depending on injury severity, with minor injuries typically settling for $10,000-$50,000, while catastrophic injuries involving permanent disability can result in settlements exceeding $1 million. Each case is evaluated individually based on its specific circumstances.
6. How long does an amusement park lawsuit typically take?
Most amusement park injury cases are resolved within 1-2 years, though complex cases involving multiple parties or severe injuries may take longer. Your attorney can provide a more accurate timeline based on your specific situation.
7. What role do safety inspections play in amusement park accident lawsuits?
Safety inspections are crucial in determining whether the park followed proper protocols. Failure to conduct regular inspections or address known hazards can support claims of negligence.
8. What should I do immediately after an amusement park accident?
Report the incident to park management, seek medical attention immediately, take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, collect contact information from witnesses, and consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Get A Free Amusement Park Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action following an amusement park accident, with most states allowing only 1-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim. Delaying action could permanently forfeit your right to compensation.
Our firm offers:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
- Experienced attorneys who specialize in amusement park injury lawsuits
Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek justice for your injuries. Product liability lawsuits against negligent amusement parks require prompt investigation while evidence is fresh and witnesses can be located.