Amusement Park Injuries: Can You File a Lawsuit in Memphis, Tennessee?

Nothing ruins a fun day faster than an unexpected injury at an amusement park. Whether it’s a roller coaster malfunction, a slip on a wet surface, or a poorly maintained ride, accidents at theme parks can lead to serious harm. You might wonder whether you can take legal action if you’ve been injured. In Memphis, Tennessee, amusement park injury claims fall under premises liability and negligence laws, meaning you may have grounds to sue if the park failed to keep you safe.

Who Is Liable for Amusement Park Injuries?

Liability in an amusement park accident depends on the circumstances of the injury. Multiple parties could be responsible, including:

• Amusement Park Owners and Operators – They could be liable if the park fails to maintain its rides, enforce safety regulations, or provide adequate warnings. This applies whether the park is a large corporate-owned theme park or a smaller, locally owned attraction.
• Ride Manufacturers – If a ride was defectively designed or manufactured, the company that built it may be at fault. Defective safety restraints, structural flaws, or poor design can all contribute to accidents.
• Maintenance Companies – Some parks contract third-party companies to inspect and maintain their rides. These companies might share liability if maintenance is negligent. Improper inspections or failure to address known safety concerns can create hazardous conditions.
• Park Employees – If a ride operator was reckless, failed to follow safety protocols, or did not properly secure a rider, their actions could contribute to an injury. Employees are expected to monitor ride safety and respond to visitors’ concerns.

Each case is unique, and determining liability requires a detailed investigation. A lawyer can help evaluate the specifics of your case and choose the best legal course of action.

Steps to Take After an Injury at an Amusement Park

If you’re injured at an amusement park, taking the right steps can help protect your health and strengthen your claim. Here’s what to do:

• Get Medical Help – Even minor injuries can worsen, so see a doctor immediately. Call 911 or ask park staff for emergency aid if needed.
• Report the Incident – Inform park management and request a written incident report. Keep a copy for your records.
• Document the Scene – Capture photos or videos of hazards, ride malfunctions, or missing safety signs.
• Gather Witness Info – Collect contact details and brief statements from anyone who saw the accident.
• Save Medical Records – Keep bills, prescriptions, and treatment records to support your claim.
• Consult a Lawyer – A lawyer can evaluate your case, handle negotiations, and help you seek compensation.

Taking these steps can make a significant difference in building a strong case and improving your likelihood of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.

Common Accidents at Amusement Parks

Amusement park injuries happen in various ways, but some of the most common accidents include:

• Injuries on Roller Coasters – High-speed rides can lead to whiplash, broken bones, or even ejection from a seat if safety restraints fail. Sudden starts and stops may also cause head or neck trauma.
• Slip-and-Fall Accidents – Spilled drinks, uneven walkways, and poorly maintained surfaces can cause serious falls. Visitors might trip over loose cables, unsecured carpets, or debris left on paths.
• Ride Malfunctions – Mechanical failures, operator errors, or poor maintenance can result in dangerous ride breakdowns. Faulty brakes, malfunctioning seat belts, or structural defects can put riders at risk.
• Falling Objects – Loose items from other riders, improperly secured ride components, or faulty park structures can hit and injure visitors. Guests may also suffer injuries if pieces of a ride detach unexpectedly.
• Drownings or Water Park Injuries – Poorly supervised pools and malfunctioning water slides can lead to severe injuries. Slippery surfaces, a lack of lifeguards, and unsafe ride exits also contribute to water park dangers.

These and similar incidents often occur due to negligence in amusement park operations. Park management could be held responsible if their failure to maintain safety standards caused an accident.

Can You File a Lawsuit for an Amusement Park Injury?

Yes, you may be able to file a lawsuit if negligence played a role in your injury. Tennessee law allows injured victims to seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

You must prove that the park or another party acted negligently in order to successfully recover damages. This involves showing that they had a duty to keep you safe, failed in that duty, and that failure caused your injury. Parks typically carry liability insurance, and their insurers may attempt to minimize your claim. Having a lawyer can help you fight for fair compensation.

How Premises Liability Affects Your Claim

Amusement parks fall under premises liability laws, meaning they must keep their property safe for visitors. If hazardous conditions caused your injury – such as a poorly maintained walkway, missing safety barriers, or a malfunctioning ride – you may have grounds to sue under premises liability for park injuries.

However, parks often try to defend themselves by claiming that riders assume some level of risk. They might argue that you disregarded safety rules or had a pre-existing medical condition that contributed to your injury. A skilled attorney can push back against these defenses and help prove that negligence was the real cause of your injury.

Taking Legal Action for Ride Malfunctions and Negligence

If a ride malfunctions and harms you, you may have grounds for a theme park liability lawsuit against the park’s management, the ride’s manufacturer, or a maintenance provider. Your lawyer will review maintenance records and witness statements and may solicit expert testimony on ride safety at theme parks.

Additionally, amusement park accident claims must be filed within the time limit imposed by Tennessee’s statute of limitations. Generally, you have one year from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to seek compensation.

Get Help from an Amusement Park Injury Lawyer

Dealing with a legal claim against an amusement park can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from an injury, but having a premises liability attorney from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC by your side can make a significant difference. If you suffered an injury at a theme park in Memphis, don’t wait to take action – contact us online or call (901) 526-2126 to schedule a consultation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need to recover.