If you got hurt at an amusement park, you have rights. The park may owe you money for your medical bills, your pain, and your lost time at work. A lawyer can help you even if you signed a waiver before you walked in. Do not give up before you know what your case is worth.

 

What the Law Says About Amusement Park Injuries

Amusement parks have to keep their guests safe. The law calls this premises liability. It means the park must check its rides, fix broken steps, and warn you about dangers it knows about. When the park fails to do this and you get hurt, the park can be held responsible.

In California, you usually have two years to file your case. This deadline comes from California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If you wait too long, the court can throw out your claim no matter how strong it is.

Some parks are owned by the government, like a county fair or a city event. These cases have much shorter deadlines. You may have only six months to file a claim against a public agency. Do not wait to call a lawyer if a government park was involved.

 

Common Injuries at Amusement Parks

Amusement parks cause many kinds of injuries, and most trace back to a park that did not keep guests safe.

Ride malfunctions. Broken safety bars, sudden stops, and poorly maintained machines can throw riders or crush limbs. When a park skips inspections, that is negligence.

Slip and falls. Wet walkways, spilled drinks, and loose flooring send guests to the ground. Parks must clean and warn about these dangers.

Falling objects. Items dropped from rides or stacked equipment can strike people below. Parks are responsible for securing them.

Inadequate supervision. When staff fail to watch rides, pools, or play areas, children get hurt. Proper staffing is the park's duty.

If any of these hurt you, the park may owe you money.

 

What to Do Right After Getting Hurt

Tell a park employee what happened right away. Ask them to write up a report, and get the name of the person you talked to. A written record from that day shows when and how you got hurt.

See a doctor, even if you feel okay. Some injuries take hours or days to show up. Medical records also prove your injuries came from the accident.

Take photos of the ride, the spot where you fell, or whatever caused the harm. Get names and phone numbers from anyone who saw it happen. Save your ticket, your receipts, and your torn or bloody clothes.

Stay off social media for now. A simple photo or post can be twisted by the park to hurt your case.

These steps may feel like a lot when you are scared and in pain. Each one protects you and gives your lawyer the proof to fight for you.

 

Why a Waiver Does Not Always Stop Your Case

Many people think signing a waiver means they gave up the right to sue. That is not true in California. Courts here put real limits on what a waiver can protect.

A waiver might cover the normal risks of riding a roller coaster. It does not cover a park that acts carelessly in a serious way. The law calls this gross negligence and willful misconduct, and no waiver can erase it.

If a ride was broken and the park ran it anyway, that goes beyond a normal risk. If staff ignored a clear danger, the same rule applies. You may still have a strong case even with your signature on that form.

Do not assume you are out of options. Let a lawyer read it.

 

How Hakakian Law Can Help You

You pay us nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, which means we only get paid if we win money for you. If we do not win your case, you owe us no attorney fee.

Your first meeting with us is free. We are based right here in Los Angeles, so we know the local courts and the local parks. You can talk to us in person or over the phone.

If an amusement park ride or a fall left you hurt, do not wait. The clock on your case is already running.

Call Hakakian Law today for your free consultation. We are ready to listen and fight for you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file? California gives you two years from the date you got hurt to file a lawsuit. Hakakian Law can confirm your deadline, which is shorter for government-owned parks. Acting early protects your right to recover money.

Can I sue if I signed a waiver? A waiver does not block every claim. Hakakian Law can sue when the park acted with gross negligence. You may still recover even after signing.

What if my child was hurt? Children cannot legally sign away their rights. Hakakian Law can file on your child's behalf. The deadline is often longer for minors.

How much does a lawyer cost? Nothing up front. Hakakian Law works on contingency, so you pay only if you win. The first consultation is free.

What if the park says it was my fault? You can still recover even if you were partly at fault. Hakakian Law gathers evidence to prove the park's negligence.

 

If you were injured due to unsafe property conditions, you have rights. Speaking with a qualified premises liability attorney can help you understand your options and protect your claim from the start. Call Us today (310) 759 9663 for a free consultation.

 

Disclaimer: This post is considered attorney advertising and is for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.