Las Vegas Amusement Park Accidents
Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries on amusement park rides, in parking lots, or throughout the park grounds. When negligence plays a role in these accidents, injured victims in Las Vegas have the right to seek compensation.
Common Causes of Amusement Park Accidents
Amusement park accidents happen for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance or defective equipment.
- Operator error, such as improperly securing riders or running rides unsafely.
- Inadequate safety instructions or warnings.
- Slips, trips, and falls on poorly maintained walkways or in restrooms.
- Assaults or injuries caused by poor security measures.
- Foodborne illnesses from improperly handled food at concession stands.
Most accidents are preventable, and caused by mistakes from either the park’s employees, management, or equipment manufacturers.
Who Is Liable for Amusement Park Injuries in Las Vegas?
In Nevada, several parties may be liable for amusement park injuries. Potentially liable parties include:
- Park Owners and Operators: Responsible for maintaining safe rides, properly training staff, and warning visitors of hazards.
- Ride Manufacturers and Designers: Liable if a defect in the ride’s design, construction, or warnings causes injury.
- Maintenance Contractors: Accountable for negligent repairs or failure to identify mechanical issues.
- Employees: If a ride operator or other staff member acts negligently, the park can be held responsible under vicarious liability.
- Other Patrons: Guests who act recklessly and cause harm may share liability.
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning multiple parties can share responsibility. As long as you are 50 percent or less at fault for the accident you can recover compensation. The court reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are awarded $100,000 and found 20% liable, you receive 80% or $80,000.
Filing a Premises Liability Claim for an Amusement Park Injury in Las Vegas
Premises liability claims hold property owners accountable when they fail to maintain safe conditions for lawful visitors. To succeed in this type of claim, you must establish the following:
- Hazardous Condition: A dangerous condition existed on the property, such as a malfunctioning ride, wet floor, or inadequate lighting.
- Knowledge: The amusement park owner or operator knew or should have known about the hazardous condition.
- Failure to Act: The owner or operator failed to repair the condition or provide adequate warning.
- Causation: The hazardous condition directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm, including medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Nevada law categorizes amusement park visitors as invitees, meaning park owners owe them the highest duty of care. This includes regular inspections, prompt repairs, and clear warnings about potential hazards.
How an Attorney Can Help
Amusement parks often have strong legal teams and may claim that victims assumed the risk of injury by entering the park or participating in rides. While assumption of risk can limit liability, it does not excuse negligence. A Las Vegas Premises Liability Attorney will investigate the accident quickly to preserve critical evidence. They will also identify all responsible parties, handle all communication with the at-fault party’s lawyers or insurance companies, and obtain expert testimony if necessary, which can often make the difference between winning and losing these cases.
Contact Us Today
Working with a skilled Las Vegas Premises Liability Attorney ensures that you hold responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. Call Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers today at (702) 602-6566 or send us a message online to arrange a free consultation.