Traveling fairs and carnivals can be a great source of fun for the entire family. Ferris wheels, sweet treats, and an assortment of games are designed to provide relatively inexpensive entertainment to all ages. While most people enjoy these places without incident, the reality is some do sustain preventable injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at a local fair or carnival, you need to reach out to a skilled Miami premises liability attorney who can help. At our Law Offices, we are committed to getting clients the compensation they deserve for their harm.
According to the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), an estimated 500 million guests visit carnivals, fairs, and festivals each year. OABA believes that over half of these individuals partake of mobile amusement rides. Given the favorable climate, a number of fairs and carnivals take place in Florida each year. The Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates traveling carnival rides, but it is often understaffed and does not sufficiently monitor the rides for safety. While the risk of injury is relatively low, one in 9 million according to OABA, the reality is some people do get injured. Injuries at a carnival or fair can happen in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:
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- Ride injuries (i.e., on roller coasters, Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, or carousels);
- Malfunctioning safety restraints;
- Lack of adequate safety measures;
- Improper employee training;
- Slip and falls;
- Food poisoning;
- Dangerous areas with no warning signs;
- Injuries related to inflatables.
Depending on the nature of your accident, you may be able to file a claim against the amusement park management or equipment manufacturer. These claims may include a premises liability claim, a product liability claim, or a general negligence claim. Premises liability law governs when a property owner can be held responsible for an accident caused by a dangerous condition on the property. Product liability governs when a manufacturer or seller can be liable for placing a defective product into the stream of commerce, and ultimately into the hands of a consumer. A general negligence claim governs cases in which a person or entity causes an injury or death by failing to use the expected standard of care for that specific situation. If an injured person prevails on any of the above theories of liability, he or she will likely be able to recover a variety of damages, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, costs of future medical care, and any other losses stemming from the accident.
If you or someone close to you has been injured at a traveling fair or carnival, or another amusement park, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm under premises liability laws. At our Law Offices, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable for the harm that they cause. You can rest assured that we are ready to protect your rights. We take on clients from across South Florida. For a free initial consultation, reach out to us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online today.
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