Millions of people visit amusement parks every year and enjoy the thrills of roller coaster rides without any problems when the rigorous health and safety standards that apply to these parks are met. However, amusement park accidents are more common than many people realise. While people often assume that theme park injuries are typically very severe or only happen in extreme cases, a range of injuries can occur in amusement parks on a regular basis, caused by everything from falling objects to slips, trips and falls.

Amusement park injuries range from minor bruises to life-changing conditions. When injuries happen because of a ride's design, or mistakes made by ride operators or park owners, the injured person may be entitled to compensation, no matter the extent of their injuries. Parks must follow safety measures, and a failure to do so may make them liable for an accident.

Here, the experienced personal injury solicitors at Switalskis outline the most common roller coaster accidents and injuries, and the circumstances under which you may be entitled to claim following such an accident.

What are the most common roller coaster injuries?

In the wrong circumstances, a range of injuries can happen on amusement rides, even when they are operating correctly and with the correct safety protocols in place. The most common injury on an amusement ride is soft-tissue damage, specifically the type of neck and back strain that is often called whiplash. This occurs when high-speed drops, sharp turns and sudden stops force your head to move rapidly, placing stress on the cervical vertebrae and surrounding muscles.

Other common types of injuries sustained on roller coaster rides include:

1. Concussions: these may happen when the head hits the seat or safety bars.
2. Lacerations: sharp edges or debris can cause deep cuts.
3. Broken bones: high-impact stops or falls can lead to fractures.
4. Spinal injuries: compression fractures can happen during sudden vertical drops.
5. Traumatic brain injury: rapid changes in speed can cause the brain to hit the skull.
6. Dizziness and fainting: these are common types of physical reactions to thrill rides, but may be symptoms of a more serious, underlying injury.

While many such injuries may be relatively minor, roller coaster injuries can be much more severe in other cases. Some less common but more serious injuries include:

Traumatic brain injury and head injuries

Head injuries are some of the most serious injuries sustained in amusement parks, and in particular, traumatic brain injuries. Like whiplash, concussions and other brain injuries can occur when the inertial mechanisms of the ride cause the brain to move inside the skull. If you hit your head or limbs against over-the-shoulder bars, you risk serious head and neck trauma, although it is important to note that a traumatic brain injury or neck injury can happen even without a direct hit to the head.

Spinal injuries and compression fractures

Spinal injuries can be life-altering. On roller coasters, the vertical G-forces can lead to compression fractures in the spine. This happens when the vertebrae are squeezed together with excessive force during a sudden ascent or descent. These spine injuries need immediate medical attention, as they can lead to serious side effects including paralysis or long-term care needs. Cervical spine injuries are among the most serious and commonly reported injuries in amusement parks.

Neurological injuries and strokes

In very rare cases, roller coasters can cause neurological emergencies. The extreme movements and rapid transitions of a ride can lead to subdural hematomas or vertebral artery dissections, which can lead to strokes. These neurological injuries can have a permanent impact on a person's life, and as such represent a severe risk of roller coaster accidents.

Crush injuries

If roller coaster cars collide, this can result in impacts ranging from crush injuries to amputations for riders. These are life-changing injuries that often require the injured person to undergo emergency surgery, and may result in lifelong care needs. These circumstances often lead to significant compensation awards when the injured person has the legal right to claim.

Can you claim compensation for amusement park accidents?

In many cases, you can claim compensation if the accident was not your fault.

Roller coaster accidents happen for many reasons, but they are commonly caused by negligence on the part of park operators or owners. Common causes of accidents in amusement parks include:

• Defective equipment like lap bars or shoulder harnesses
• Inadequate training for ride operators
• Failure to perform routine maintenance
• Rider behaviour, such as standing up or ignoring safety rules
• Design flaws that create excessive G-forces

If ride safety procedures are not followed correctly, an amusement park may be found liable for most injuries that occur as a result. For example, many roller coaster accidents happen due to improper securing of riders or inadequate training. Operator negligence is a frequent factor when injuries happen on amusement park rides, and means that park owners may be liable for the accident.

Theme park operators are responsible for conducting routine maintenance and following all current safety regulations. If a park ignores a known mechanical issue, and this leads to a mechanical failure or ride malfunction such as a brake system failure, structural collapse, electrical fault or safety bar release, you may be entitled to claim.

Compensation can cover key expenses associated with your accident, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages, if you can't work
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical treatment needs

To do this, you'll need to prove that the responsible parties were negligent. Working with a solicitor is the best way to gather evidence and build a strong case, and the serious injury team at Switalskis has a wealth of experience in accidents of this nature. If you have been injured in any of the ways described above, or under other circumstances in a theme park, get in touch with our team today.

Find out how Switalskis can help you

At Switalskis, we understand how overwhelming it is to deal with a serious injury, and we'll take on the bulk of the responsibility for your claim so you can focus on your recovery. We'll look at maintenance logs, witness statements, and safety records to determine if the park owner, the ride operator, or the manufacturer is at fault.

If you or a loved one has been injured, we're here to help. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, where we'll listen to your story and help you decide the best way forward. Whether you're claiming for muscular strain, or supporting a child who has suffered a serious injury that could affect their future, we're here to help. Call Switalskis on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch via the form on our site.