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Theme parks in Southern California are struggling to find workers to fill open positions as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, according to The OCR. Like other employers, theme parks are offering higher wages and other incentives to attract the employees they need, but in the meantime, staffing shortages in theme parks can lead to serious injuries for guests.
How Can Guests Be Injured Because of a Shortage of Workers in Theme Parks?
Guests can be injured in theme parks in a variety of ways related to staffing shortages. For example:
- Guests can be robbed or assaulted in parking lots due to lack of security personnel.
- Adults and children can be injured on rides because the theme park does not have enough staff to adequately maintain equipment.
- Lack of properly trained ride operators can lead to negligent operation that causes injuries to guests.
- Lack of trained supervision for rides can lead to patrons being hurt.
- Lack of theme park staff can lead to dangerous animals escaping enclosure and attacking guests.
- Slip or trip and fall accidents can seriously injure patrons because of lack of properly trained staff to prevent or remedy slipping or tripping hazards.
What Injuries Are Common in Theme Parks?
Patrons can be hurt at theme parks, particularly when parks are inadequately staffed. Common theme park injuries include:
- Fractured bones
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Drowning on water rides
- Lacerations, contusions, and abrasions
How Can Theme Park Operators Be Held Accountable for an Understaffed Theme Park?
Theme park owners and managers have a responsibility to keep their theme parks safe for patrons. This includes hiring and properly training the staff they need to maintain and operate rides safely, supervise guests on rides, and maintain a safe environment in all other ways. The responsibilities include ensuring there are adequate security measures in place, including security personnel, to keep patrons from becoming victims of crime on the premises. When they fail in this duty to their patrons, theme parks can be held accountable in a premises liability claim for compensation.
What Compensation Is Available for Theme Park Injuries?
If negligence caused your accident and injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation from the responsible parties. Damages you may be entitled to claim will depend on the extent of your injuries and medical treatment and the circumstances surrounding your case. Possible damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or earnings
- Loss of future earning potential
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Permanent disabilities
Do You Need a Lawyer After Serious Theme Park Injuries?
After serious injuries at an understaffed theme park, your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have experienced Southern California personal injury attorneys by your side. Our lawyers can investigate your accident to determine fault and liability and secure evidence to support your claim. We can assess the full extent of your losses related to the incident – past, present, and future. We can negotiate with insurance companies for the settlement you deserve or fight for your rights in court, if necessary.
At NordstrandBlack PC, we are passionate about what we do, and we have the resources and will to succeed. We respect and treat our clients as individuals and we take the time to listen and understand. Experience matters — our firm has been protecting the rights of injured people since 1993. If you have been hurt at a theme park that was inadequately staffed, call us at (805) 962-2022 to find out how we can help.