Dallas Water Park Accident Attorneys

Dallas Water Park Accident Attorneys

Amusement parks and water parks alike are a great way for families to spend time together and escape the summer heat. As water parks compete for business, more and more elaborate water slides and dangerous rides are created to provide a thrill for their customers.

However, shortcuts are often taken in regard to a water park’s duty of care towards their patrons and a result, what is set to be a fun-filled day in the sun can suddenly become tragic.

Texas is home to some of the biggest water parks in the nation! There are around 1,300 water parks operated in the United States, and 85 million people visit them every year according to the World Waterpark Association. In 2015, 4,200 people visited the hospital for water park-related injuries with the most common injuries involving:

  • Fractures to Arms, Legs, or Extremities (18%)
  • Lacerations (18%)
  • Concussions or Head Injuries (15%)
  • Sprains to Arms, Legs, or Extremities (15%)
  • Contusions (6%)

While many people believe they are safe at waterparks, in July 2015, tragically one drowning for a least 3 near-drowning were reported at U.S. water parks.

A review of safety data from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs stated that water slides are the biggest source of injuries among people at amusement parks. Out of the states 522 amusement ride incidents in the past 5 years, 122 of them happened on a water slide.

Water rides in general, including lazy rivers, wave pools, surf rides, and water play areas accounted for 40% of all incidents. This may be due to the lack of restraints used in water rides unlike rollercoasters, where people are strapped in tightly.

2019 Texas Water Park Accident and Deaths

In recent news, two teens tragically died within days of each other at Splash Kingdom water parks in Texas and Louisiana. According to reports, a 19-year-old male died August 28, 2019 after being pulled from a pool at Splash Kingdom water park in Canton.

His death came two days after a 13-year-old boy was discovered face-down in a swimming pool at their other location. The 19-year old was said to be riding the “Volcano” ride where the ride is shaped like a volcano and drops riders in a 10-foot pool.

Texas Amusement Park and Water Park Accidents

Did you know that the federal government does not monitor or regulate amusement parks? The amusement park industry and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions have prevented lawmakers from placing federal oversight of potentially hazardous rides.

In Texas, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is responsible for overseeing inspections on of all amusement rides in all of its amusement parks, including water parks. The TDI mandates that amusement park owners and operators submit a quarterly injury report if any injuries occur that result in medical treatment or loss of life.

What Laws Protect Texas Water Park Visitors?

Although the TDI does conduct annual inspections, there is no state agency responsible for investigating accidents, even when they result in the death of a person.

However, law enforcement officials can enter and inspect without notice at any time to ensure public safety and may immediately prohibit the operation of amusement park rides it is found to be an unsafe operation or non-compliance.

What makes water park accidents even more tragic is that many could have been prevented. The most common water park accidents and injuries include:

  • Drowning
  • Slip & Fall
  • Diving Injuries
  • Defective rides and attractions (falling off rides, back injuries, spinal injuries, entrapment, heart failure from physical/mental stress, etc.)
  • Collisions in rides
  • Exposure to over-chlorinated or contaminated water

The Red Cross offers tips specifically for water park safety.

A person or entity, who contributed to any injuries resulting from such accidents may be held liable for the injuries incurred. Examples of potential negligence in water parks include:

  • Polluted Water
  • Slippery and Uneven Surfaces
  • Improper Supervision of Rides/Attractions
  • Inexperienced Lifeguards
  • Understaffing
  • Poor Maintenance
  • Defective Design
  • Operation Errors
  • Inadequate Safety Equipment
  • Concessions Not Held to Health Code
  • Lack of Signage
  • Improper height and weight restrictions
  • Exposed Electrical Wires

Can I File A Claim Against A Water Park in Texas?

If you’ve been hurt at a water park, you can bring a claim against the park if the injury was caused by the direct action of a defective product, employee, unsafe zone or a defective ride under Texas premises liability law. You may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost Wages
  • Physical Pain
  • Physical Limitations
  • Mental Anguish
  • Disfigurement

Compensation for Injured Water Park Patrons

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at a Texas water park, then it is important to consult with an experienced Dallas-Fort Worth water park injury lawyer.

The board-certified personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at the Thompson Law Firm offer all water park and amusement park accident victims and their families a free, no-obligation consultation.  Call us today and let us help you and your family get on the road to recovery.

Recent Post

Photo of car accident on road. How to Determine Who is at Fault in a Texas Car Accident

What to Do After A Car Accident in Texas

After a car accident, it is essential to remain composed and follow certain steps to safeguard your rights. These steps will not only ensure your safety but also help you

Read More

Mallet

How Does the Personal Injury Claims Process Work?

Suppose you or a loved one have been injured by some else’s negligence in an accident like a motor vehicle crash, workplace accident, or slip and fall. You might decide

Read More

Car Wreck Lawyer

When To Get A Car Wreck Lawyer

Following a car accident, you may be asking yourself, “When do I need a car wreck lawyer?” The answer: It is always worth contacting a car accident attorney. Start by

Read More

Personal Injury Claims

How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take in Texas?

The first question that many new clients ask when they are beginning the process of hiring a personal injury claims lawyer is, “how long is my personal injury case going

Read More

Personal Injury Settlement

Texas Personal Injury Claims: Which Counties are Most Favorable to Plaintiffs

Personal injury claims in Texas must be filed in the county in which the accident occurred. However, there are some unique circumstances which may allow for a choice of venue

Read More

Happy Kids in car

The Age Kids Can Sit in the Front Seat of a Car by State

Children in Texas must be at least 8 years old to sit in the front seat of a car BUT the laws vary by state with most not having any

Read More

Two little boys sitting on a car seat and a booster seat buckled up in the car.

When Can My Child Stop Using a Booster Seat in Texas?

In Texas, the law requires children to remain in a booster seat until they reach the age of 8 years or 4 feet 9 inches in height. It is essential

Read More

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law receives an attorney fee and you pay no legal fees as our client unless we pay you. Thompson Law has 350 years of combined experience in legal representation and has won over $1.8 billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients. We master the art of managing client cases with empathy, compassion, respect and, of course, prodigious skill. Contact us today for a free, risk-free consultation to discuss your accident and your options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident, call now to get the help you need.