Amusement parks are designed to bring joy and excitement to millions of visitors each year, but what happens when an amusement park ride gets stuck? While these incidents are rare, they can lead to significant distress, injuries, and even legal questions about accountability. A recent example from Knott’s Berry Farm highlights the risks and challenges of malfunctioning rides. In this blog, Deldar Injury Attorneys will explore the potential dangers of what happens when an amusement park ride gets stuck.
Real-World Example – Knott’s Berry Farm Ride Malfunction
On a busy afternoon in Buena Park, California, 22 people found themselves stranded on the Sol Spin ride at Knott’s Berry Farm for more than two hours. The ride, which rotates at high speeds in multiple directions, stopped mid-cycle due to technical difficulties. Riders were left horizontally, leaning sideways but not upside down, as park mechanics and emergency crews worked to bring them safely to the ground. While no severe injuries were reported, some riders required wheelchairs, and two individuals were transported to the hospital for evaluation. This incident shows the potential dangers of amusement park ride malfunctions and raises questions about safety protocols, maintenance practices, and liability.
3 Major Risks When an Amusement Park Ride Gets Stuck
When an amusement park ride gets stuck, the consequences can range from mild inconvenience to severe injury. Here are three major risks:
- Physical Injuries: Riders may experience whiplash, bruises, or other injuries from abrupt stops or prolonged strain in awkward positions. In the case of the Sol Spin malfunction, some riders were visibly limping after being evacuated.
- Emotional Trauma: Being trapped on a malfunctioning ride can cause significant anxiety, particularly for young children or individuals with a fear of heights. This trauma can linger long after the physical ordeal ends.
- Delayed Medical Attention: In some cases, the time spent evacuating riders may delay critical medical care for those with preexisting conditions or injuries sustained during the incident.
Now that we know the risks involved when an amusement park ride gets stuck, the next part is to find out why. Negligence in these scenarios can involve a lack of routine maintenance, outdated safety measures, or improper operation of the ride, all of which can lead to serious consequences. Victims deserve accountability for injuries sustained due to preventable errors, and exploring your legal options is a key step. Holding responsible parties liable leads to compensation and promotes stricter safety standards in the future.
Who is Liable When an Amusement Park Ride Gets Stuck?
Determining liability in cases where an amusement park ride gets stuck can be complex. Several parties may share responsibility, including:
- The Amusement Park: Parks are responsible for maintaining their rides and ensuring they operate safely. Failure to perform regular maintenance or follow safety protocols could make them liable for injuries.
- The Ride Manufacturer: If a design flaw or manufacturing defect caused the malfunction, the ride manufacturer might be held accountable.
- Third-Party Contractors: Companies hired to inspect or repair rides could also be liable if their negligence contributed to the incident.
Each case is unique, so it’s crucial to consult a legal professional to identify the responsible parties and build a strong case. While you can’t control whether an amusement park ride gets stuck, you can take legal steps to recover compensation. Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as whiplash or muscle strain, may not show-up immediately.
Dial Deldar
If you’ve suffered injuries or emotional distress, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and potential compensation options. If it’s safe, take photos or videos of the situation to document the conditions and any injuries sustained. These records can be helpful if you need to file a claim later. Once you have everything, contact us at (844) 335-3271. Our team at Deldar will take care of your amusement park personal injury claim from start to finish.
While amusement parks are meant to provide entertainment, incidents like the Sol Spin malfunction remind us of the potential risks. If you or a loved one has been affected by an amusement park ride stuck scenario, call us. Knowing your legal rights after an experience like that is invaluable. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve while holding negligent parties accountable. With Deldar, your injury is our fight!