Theme park accident claims

Many people enjoy visiting a theme park or funfair and derive a great deal of enjoyment from doing so. Families in particular find that they are a great source of fun, especially for their children and often make repeat visits.

However things can go wrong which turn a fun day out into a nightmare.

There are cases in which people have become injured, through no fault of their own, whilst visiting a theme park or funfair. If this has happened to you or a member of your family then you may be able to claim compensation.

Owners of venues such as these have a duty of care to you and other customers. They have a responsibility to ensure that health and safety guidelines are in place and to protect their customers against the likelihood of an accident or injury.

But if this is not implemented, or is inadequate is some way then it increases the risk of an accident. Sadly, this is the case.

There are reports of accidents in theme parks and funfairs which are often due to a lack of care or negligence.

Types of accidents in theme parks and funfairs

The most common types of accidents include:

• Defective or faulty ride, e.g. fault with a rollercoaster
• Food poisoning, e.g. contaminated food in a café
• Fall or slip, e.g. over a cable or spilled fluid
• Struck by a falling object, e.g. hit by a barrier which has fallen over.

These are some of the most common causes of this type of injury which are reported to law firms and solicitors.

If you have sustained a personal injury whilst at a theme park which is not your fault then you may be entitled to compensation. This means proving that your injury was caused by negligence on the part of the person (or persons) responsible for the theme park.

This includes the owners of the theme park; the people who own the land which the theme park is situated on; or the local authority.

Making a claim for compensation for a theme park accident

Find a personal injury law firm who have experience in claims of this type. They should have knowledge and experience in handling a claim for a theme park accident and will advise you of the various issues surrounding this.

Plus any of the following will help support your claim:

• Photographs of where the accident happened
• Details from any witnesses, e.g. statements
• Reporting your accident to the theme park staff
• Noting your accident in an accident book

You may be asked to report your accident to the Health and Safety Executive.

Keep any receipts such as travelling expenses (e.g. taxi fares) if you are looking to claim expenses.

A lawyer or solicitor will assess your claim from the onset to see if there is sufficient evidence to prove negligence. If so then a claim will be lodged and you will be guided through each stage of the process.

To learn more about the claims process visit our making a claim for compensation section.

Time limit for claiming compensation for a theme park accident

There are time limits for making a personal injury claim which are 3 years from the date of the initial accident.

However it is worthwhile confirming a deadline for your claim with your personal injury lawyer. The time limits are strict in respect of personal injury claims so ensure that you make an application within this deadline.