When you visit an amusement park, you trust that the facility has taken all necessary precautions to protect you and your loved ones from harm. However, there can be serious consequences when park owners cut corners on security measures. The personal injury lawyers at Keller & Keller are here to help Albuquerque families understand their rights after an amusement park injury caused by negligent security practices.
Examples of Negligent Security at Amusement Parks
New Mexico law imposes several requirements on amusement parks to ensure the safety of their visitors. Negligent security can cause several safety failures at amusement parks, creating dangerous conditions for visitors:
- Understaffing. Amusement parks need sufficient staff to monitor rides, enforce safety rules, and respond to emergencies. Overworked ride operators are more prone to errors. Fewer employees mean less supervision of guests, increasing the risk of unruly behavior and even assaults.
- Inadequate training. Parks must train employees on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and ride operations. Otherwise, staff may not know how to properly secure riders, identify mechanical issues, or evacuate rides safely during malfunctions.
- Poor lighting. Dim lighting in parking lots, walkways, and secluded areas of the park can create opportunities for accidents and crime. Visitors can slip and fall or get otherwise injured if they can't see hazards like broken pavement, trash, or suspicious individuals.
- Broken security cameras. Security cameras serve as both a deterrent and a means of identifying wrongdoers. Amusement parks must ensure their security systems are functioning correctly. Disabled, fake, or absent cameras can embolden criminals and leave the park unable to provide evidence if a crime occurs.
- Faulty locks and gates. Parks must ensure that locks and gates are working to control access to restricted areas. Broken locks can allow parkgoers to wander into employee-only sections with dangerous equipment or hazardous materials. Unsecured gates could even let in individuals without tickets who haven't agreed to the park's rules and liability waivers.
- Ineffective emergency response plans. Clear protocols are needed to prevent chaos during an emergency. Confusion about evacuation routes, first-aid procedures, and contacting emergency services can exacerbate injuries and put lives at risk.
- Failure to conduct background checks. Failure to screen for criminal histories, sexual offenses, or violent behavior can expose guests to dangerous individuals. If a park employee with a known history of misconduct harms a visitor, the park may be liable for negligent hiring practices.
What to Do After an Amusement Park Injury
If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligent security at an amusement park, taking the proper steps from the beginning can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
- Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, prompt medical treatment protects your well-being and establishes a clear link between the incident and your injuries.
- Report the incident. Notify amusement park staff about the incident as soon as possible and insist they create a written incident report and provide you with a copy. An incident report creates an official record of what happened and can serve as valuable evidence for your claim.
- Document everything. Begin gathering evidence right away. If you can, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions that contributed to the incident. Collect names and contact information for any witnesses who saw what happened. Keep all medical records, bills, and correspondence related to the incident.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. Look for attorneys with a track record of success in handling similar cases. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
Holding Amusement Parks Accountable for Negligent Security
Victims have the right to pursue legal action when an amusement park fails to provide reasonable security measures. An experienced Albuquerque personal injury law firm can help:
- Investigate the incident. Gather evidence like incident reports, witness statements, and security camera footage; review the park's history to identify any pattern of security lapses
- Establish liability. Use evidence to demonstrate how the park's negligent security directly led to the injuries; show that the park had a duty to provide reasonable security but failed to do so and that this failure caused harm.
- Prove damages. Document all damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects
- Negotiate with insurance companies. Amusement parks and their insurers often try to minimize payouts to injured visitors. Skilled lawyers understand these tactics and will fight for a settlement that provides complete and fair compensation.
- Take the case to trial. If the amusement park refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, attorneys will prepare to argue the case in court. A seasoned legal team can compel the park to take responsibility for its negligence.
Protecting Your Rights After an Amusement Park Injury
The physical, emotional, and financial effects of an amusement park injury can be overwhelming. You may face a long road to recovery, rising medical bills, and time away from work. You’ll need a dedicated Albuquerque personal injury lawyer on your side, fighting to protect your rights.
The compassionate and skilled attorneys at Keller & Keller are here to guide you every step of the way. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an amusement park injury can take on you and your family. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.
