Fairground and theme park accident compensation

Posted 6 months ago by aequitaslegal in

Candy flaws

When the days get longer and the weather warms up, thousands of UK families like to enjoy the fun of the fair.

But the number of accidents and injuries that occur each year show that funfairs and theme parks can sometimes be dangerous places.

And when these incidents are caused by the negligence of someone else, compensation could well be due.

Causes of fairground accidents

With the wide range of fairground types, sizes and maintenance levels, accidents can happen for a number of reasons.

Some of the more common causes include:

• Electrical or mechanical failures

• Ride collisions

• Sudden stops or jolts

• Carriages leaving or coming loose from tracks

• Safety belt/harness failures

• Braking failures

• Insufficient safety checks

• Insufficient or incorrect instruction by staff

And even the more ‘everyday’ incidents that occur in parks and fairs – such as food poisoning or ‘slips, trips and falls’ – could merit a claim.

In general though, the potential for more serious injuries is higher, due to rides and attractions with fast speeds, sharp turns, sudden stops and high impacts.

Things like dodgem collisions and dizziness after a teacup ride should be expected as part of the experience – but there are limits.

Fairground and theme park injuries

We’re not talking about an occasional head wobble – these injuries should never be part of a fun day out, especially if they’re not your fault.

If you, or someone you know, suffer any of the following because of someone else’s negligence:

• Broken bones, severe bruising or other musculoskeletal problems

• Head and skull injuries

• Lacerations

• Spinal or back injuries

• Partial or fully severed digits or limbs

• Burns or scalding

• Whiplash or neck pain

– you should seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury solicitor but not before medical attention.

What is negligence?

Negligence for a fairground or theme park operator could cover anything from incorrect operation of rides to inadequate maintenance of machinery.

The rules for temporary fairgrounds in parks, music festivals or town centres may be different to fixed settings like theme parks.

Regular inspection and assessment is easier to implement at fixed locations than travelling fairs, for obvious reasons.

But regardless, any owner or operator of fairground rides, machinery and equipment must comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act.

This means keeping everything that’s used by both the public and fairground staff in good working order and safe to use.

Intentional or accidental failure to do so constitutes negligence and could have serious or lasting consequences.

If you’ve been affected, speak to an experienced personal injury solicitor who will be able to offer expert guidance on your options.