Taking your kids to theme parks and resorts is a fun experience for the whole family. There are rides to enjoy and cotton candy to eat. These entertainment destinations exist throughout the U.S., and they constantly introduce new thrills to keep families entertained.
Unfortunately, even though injury is probably the last thing on your mind during a family outing like this, several hazards in these places could cause your children harm.
Safety standards are higher than ever in 2024, but accidents still happen. You must protect your rights after an entertainment destination accident, especially if your child is harmed because of it.
Let’s look at the most common hazards you need to watch for and what to do if an accident should happen.
Ride Malfunctions and Mechanical Failures
Amusement parks are an automatic choice for most families if they want to have a fun day or weekend away from home. Rides at America’s most popular theme parks are regularly inspected and maintained. This is to ensure that mechanical failures and malfunctions do not happen.
Still, malfunctions can and do happen when you least expect it. In July 2024, 28 people were left dangling upside down from the AtmosFEAR ride at the Oaks Amusement Park after it malfunctioned. Fortunately, everyone was rescued, and no one was injured.
Not everyone is so lucky. In 2022, an operator error led to the death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who slipped through the gap between his seat and his harness as the FreeFall ride in Orlando’s ICON Park was slowing down. Sampson fell to his death.
If you want to take your kids to an amusement park, always give the rides a once-over before you allow them to get on. If a ride seems poorly maintained, rusty, or creaky, skip it.
Always check that the ride operators are paying full attention when preparing the ride. If an operator is rushing through the safety checks or becomes distracted, it is a huge red flag.
Also, double-check your child’s harness yourself. If you are unsatisfied that the harness fits snugly, ask the operator to adjust it properly.
Slip and Fall Hazards
Malfunctioning theme park rides are not your only worry when out with your kids. If you decide to go to a park with pools and slides, you must watch for slip-and-fall hazards.
These hazards include spilled food and drinks around or near the pool. They also include cracked or uneven walkways. Under-construction areas could also become a hazard if not marked with warning signs.
It is important to ensure that your children wear appropriate shoes, preferably non-slip ones, if you are going to be at a waterpark. Hold their hands and ask them to slow down if the floor or ground is slippery or uneven.
If you notice dangerous conditions like these, including unmarked construction areas, report it to the park staff.
Water Park Drowning Risks
Water parks also come with the risk of drowning and injury. This may happen because of a lack of lifeguards or faulty pool equipment. Malfunctioning pool drains, diving boards, or slides can all cause serious injury or even death.
Before you allow your kids in the water, ensure that lifeguards are present and they pay attention to the swimmers. Check for obvious faulty equipment and things like loose tiles or sharp edges around the pool.
Lack of or Inadequate Security
If you go to any popular entertainment destination, you will find crowds there. Massive numbers of people can make it easy to lose track of your children. Most separation incidents are resolved quickly, but sometimes, a lack of security can lead to a far more sinister situation.
Your child can sustain an injury while separated from you, or worse, become the victim of an abduction.
Ideally, you want to avoid overly crowded areas. It is too easy to lose your child in a crowd, especially at entry points and food courts. You also want to check that there are security personnel stationed at key locations throughout the park or destination.
A place that offers entertainment for thousands of families should have proper child-safety protocols in place. For the most part, they do. But this does not mean that something will not go wrong anyway.
Food Poisoning and Allergy Risk
When you go out for the day to a theme or amusement park, you are going to eat at least twice. While eating is hardly a problem, it can become an issue if your child has food allergies or sensitivities.
If a food outlet improperly prepares food or does not label it when it poses a risk to those with food allergies, both you and your kids can get very sick.
If a restaurant or fast food place is unclear about their ingredients, look for an alternative. Also, try to avoid things like buffets because they are often known for contamination and can cause food poisoning.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hurt at an Entertainment Destination
If any of the above hazards cause harm to your child, it is crucial to take the right steps to ensure your child’s safety.
If your child slips and falls or trips and lands in the pool, get immediate medical attention. If it is clear that your child has been seriously injured or if they have been underwater for too long, call 911.
Report any incident to the destination or park management. Tell a manager or supervisor exactly what happened, including the time and location. If park employees were involved, include their full names in the report. This is especially important if your child is hurt during a ride malfunction.
Take photos and videos of the scene and your child’s injuries. Also, include footage of the surrounding area if there are environmental factors at play.
Preserve all evidence and keep all medical records related to the incident. This includes receipts and tickets for the park.
If you believe the park or entertainment destination is to blame for your child’s injuries, consult with a personal injury lawyer. The lawyer will evaluate your case and gather more evidence if necessary.
Your lawyer can also help you file a legal case and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
By taking these steps, you can protect your child’s health and safety, as well as your legal rights if you want to seek compensation.