With summer in full swing, many of us will find ourselves cooling off at one of New Jersey’s exciting water parks. It is important to keep in mind that although New Jersey has some of the strictest rules in the nation regarding licensing and inspection of its rides, accidents can happen. When they do, the consequences can be devastating.
Water park slip and fall injuries are often caused by water run-off from the rides. When this is combined with barefooted patrons, slip and fall injuries can occur and cause serious injuries. However, slip and fall injuries occur for other reasons, including:
- Cleaning chemicals used for water rides and surrounding areas
- Algae or mold growing around the ride, walkways, or decks
- Poorly maintained areas without hazard warning signs
The Carnival and Amusement Ride Safety Act requires amusement and water park ride owners to have their rides inspected annually for safety. The program enlists full engineering staff and licensed field inspectors to ensure that safety measures are met regarding:
- Ride installation
- Modifications
- Operational inspections
Rides that have successfully passed inspection will have a green sticker visible, while those that failed inspection will have a red sticker that reads, Do Not Operate.
Water Park Injury Compensation
Although it is not uncommon for water parks to compensate injured patrons for medical expenses, in extreme cases, non-economic damages may be available. Non-economic damages are usually referred to as pain and suffering and are classified as long-term anguish or pain that results from a physical injury. Some examples are:
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Loss of lifestyle
- Anxiety
Non-economic damages are hard to prove, and the judge will need significant evidence that the victim has been suffering on a long-term basis and their life has been significantly altered.
Liability Waver
Many parks have customers sign a waiver of liability upon entry or before they get on a particularly dangerous ride. This is done with the intention of discouraging lawsuits. However, signing a liability waiver does not excuse a water park from its obligations to keep its patrons as safe as possible. For those who were injured in a slip and fall or another accident at a New Jersey water park, it is important to contact a South Jersey slip and fall lawyer about available options.
Patron Responsibility
Although water parks have a responsibility to keep patrons safe, patrons have a duty to keep themselves and their children free from harm as well. If a slip and fall accident involves any of the following, the park may not be responsible to compensate a victim for their injuries. They include:
- Failure to heed caution signs
- Unsupervised children
- Running in wet or unsafe conditions
- Entering restricted areas
South Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Represent Those Injured at Water Parks
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident at a water park or public business, contact a knowledgeable South Jersey slip and fall lawyer at the D’Amato Law Firm. Our experienced lawyers can provide guidance and expertise in all types of personal injury claims. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 609-926-3300 or contact us online. We represent clients throughout southern New Jersey, including Atlantic County, Cape May County, Cumberland County, Gloucester County, Burlington County, Salem County, Camden County, and Ocean County.