About 335 million people visit U.S. amusement parks every year. And in 2016 alone, the National Consumer Product Safety Commission found that over 30,000 injuries linked to amusement parks were treated in emergency rooms across the nation. Despite this, many states have minimal or no safety regulations in place for amusement park rides. This leaves amusement park owners, ride manufacturers, and operators with the responsibility to keep park visitors safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Amusement Park Hazards and Injuries
Injuries can occur in amusement parks due to a number of safety hazards, such as:
- Slippery surfaces or other fall hazards
- Dangerous or broken amusement park rides
- Unsafe water rides
- Malfunctions caused by untrained or unsupervised ride operators
Common injuries include:
- Head, neck, and back injuries from whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Brain aneurysms
- Stroke
- Drowning
- Broken or fractured bones
- Lacerations
- Torn ligaments and muscle strains
- Death
Tyler’s Law
Kitrick, Lewis, & Harris is experienced in amusement park injuries, and was a pushing force behind the passing of the Ohio Legislature’s House Bill 189, or Tyler’s Law. The law is named after 18-year-old Tyler Jarrell, who was thrown from the Fireball ride at the Ohio State Fair in July 2017 and killed after the ride corroded and fell apart. The bill is set to revise laws governing amusement ride operation and safety through a number of new regulations, including the establishment of a minimum number of inspections and inspectors on amusement park rides based on ride complexity.
In the Media
Cincinnati Local 12
Amusement Park Tragedy: A Family Changed Forever
USA Today
Family of Ohio State Fair victim pursues wrongful death lawsuit
WTTE FOX28
Family of teen killed at Ohio State Fair to file wrongful death lawsuit
Columbus Dispatch
Ohio law may shield Fire Ball manufacturer in fatal fair accident
ABC News
The Latest: Ohio State Fair victim’s family hires law firm
WCPO ABC9
Family of Ohio State Fair victim seeks wrongful death suit
WBNS 10TV — Tyler’s Law: Bill aimed at protecting Ohioans on amusement rides passes out of committee