With the end of summer break quickly approaching, it’s time to get in those last-minute trips to amusement and water parks. There are over 1,000 water parks operating in the United States. These parks attract about 85 million people in the United States with the number gradually continuing to rise. With the number of people going to parks on the rise, the number of injuries are also on the rise.
The Red Cross shows where over 4,200 people each year are taken to the emergency room for injuries sustained on public water slides. Some of those injuries include: scrapes, concussions, broken bones, and spinal injuries. That number does not include injuries that do not require a trip to the hospital. Even though the water is typically less than 3′, the surprising hit of waves and splashes can lead to concussions and drownings.
If you or a loved one is injured from a water slide, the park can be held liable for your injuries. The parks are required to maintain their rides and the safety areas around them. If the park has any negligence in the upkeep of their rides, they can be held responsible. The actions of ride operators, lifeguards, and maintenance personnel can also cause liability issues for the parks.
Private water slides can cause homeowners to be liable for any injuries as a result of the slide. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment. Having a water-slide or pool can make you responsible for having an “attractive nuisance”.
Attractive nuisances can appeal to children, causing them to come onto your property to check it out. This can be especially dangerous for homeowners with pools. Locking all gates and having a non-climbable fence can help prevent anyone from wondering on to your property and sustaining injuries.
Remember to be safe when riding water-slides and watch out for the people around you. If you have been injured on a water slide, or if someone has been injured on yours, you should contact an injury attorney today.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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