With over a dozen locations spread throughout the country, Six Flags is one of the most famous, beloved, and immediately recognizable theme parks in the United States. But while Six Flags provides family fun and warm memories for the overwhelming majority of its visitors, several accidents have taken place in the past.
If you were hurt in an accident at Six Flags, you may be able to receive compensation for the pain, suffering, and financial hardship your injuries have burdened you with. An experienced attorney may be able to help. To schedule a completely free and confidential legal consultation, call the Six Flags accident injury lawyers of The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 709-6940. If the statute of limitations expires, you will no longer have the opportunity to file a claim, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Call our law offices today to start exploring your options.
How Our Six Flags Accident Injury Attorneys Can Help
When you enter an amusement park, you rightfully assume that all of the proper precautions have been taken to protect your safety as a paying customer. Rides must be assembled to specifications, regularly inspected, and subject to routine maintenance. Ride operators must be vigilant, attentive, and properly trained to safely run the park’s attractions. Finally, the premises itself must be kept reasonably free of hazardous conditions to help ensure visitor safety. If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one, in certain situations the park may be financially liable for your losses.
Let the knowledgeable theme park accident lawyers of The Reiff Law Firm help you seek the justice you deserve. Our committed legal team is equipped with more than 34 years of practical experience handling a broad spectrum of personal injury and wrongful death matters related to amusement parks, and have litigated cases involving a wide variety of injuries and attractions. When you need the support of an aggressive, client-focused, results-oriented legal team, you can call on The Reiff Law Firm for assistance.
Common Accidents and Injuries at Six Flags
Six Flags made its world debut in 1962. In more than half a century of operation, fatal and nonfatal incidents have been documented.
Most recently, in July of 2014, the Ninja Coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California experienced problems after the front of the coaster train collided with a fallen tree branch. The train immediately derailed from the track, stranding approximately two dozen riders for several hours before rescue arrived. Several passengers were hospitalized with head injuries.
Other documented incidents include:
- July 19, 2000 — A 12-year-old girl lost part of her right big toe on the Cajun Cliffhanger, which is no longer in operation. The accident was attributed to improper ride operation.
- May 1, 2004 — A 55-year-old man was ejected from Superman: Ride of Steel. The man later passed away from his injuries.
- June 21, 2007 — A 13-year-old girl’s feet were severed by a broken cable on the Superman: Tower of Power.
Who Is Injured Most Often at Six Flags Amusement Parks?
In general, it is estimated that amusement park accidents in the United States are split almost evenly between children and adults, though children between 10 and 14 account for approximately 20% of documented incidents.
While many people associate accidents with roller coasters, rides of any type can trigger catastrophe, including small, slow rides intended for young children and family entertainment. In fact, one study published in Clinical Pediatrics determined that seemingly harmless carousels and merry-go-rounds accounted for approximately one-fifth of all accidents involving children.
Furthermore, it is important to point out that not all injuries which occur at theme parks are necessarily related to a ride. For example, if the conditions are correct, a slip and fall accident can easily occur. According to the CDC, accidents of this type are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults aged 65 and older. These falls can be caused by factors like slippery patches, loose cables on the ground, and loose or broken railings.
Common injuries which accident victims might experience include:
- Back Injuries
- Bone Fractures
- Head Injuries
- Lacerations
- Neck Injuries
- Paralysis
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
Common Six Flags Waterpark Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injury in the United States. Areas near water, such as pool decks and marina docks, can be especially hazardous to unsuspecting victims because they are typically wet. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has set out specific requirements for marina dock and swimming pool owners and operators to prevent slip and fall accidents. Marina docks must have non-slip surfaces, be maintained in non-slip conditions, and stairs must have non-slip surfaces. The ADA requires places of public accommodation, like marinas and swimming pools, to have walking surfaces with a coefficient of friction of at least 0.6. When surfaces become wet, a higher coefficient of friction is needed to prevent slipping and serious injuries that may result.
Areas around rides, pools, and changing areas can become slippery because of water, contaminants, cleaning residue, and algae and mold growth, and property owners are obligated to take corrective actions to ensure walkways are safe. Areas constructed from wood decking can warp and splinter, pulling nails loose and causing a tripping hazard if not properly maintained. Wood decking can also rot and decay, becoming weak and soft, creating a risk of breaking or collapsing and seriously injuring those unfortunate enough to be using the area. Regular cleaning and maintenance of common and pools areas can prevent thousands of slip and fall accidents. Most slip and fall accidents are caused by an unexpected change in walking surfaces, so swimming pool and waterpark visitors should be warned if surfaces may become slick or pose a slipping hazard.
When property owners fail to maintain their premises in safe conditions, and fail to provide non-slip walkways or warn of potentially hazardous conditions, Pennsylvania premises liability law will hold them liable for injuries that may occur on their premises. Slip and fall accidents can cause catastrophic injuries like broken bones, closed head injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, paraplegia, quadriplegia, herniated discs, and lacerations, and can even lead to drowning and death if the victim falls into nearby water. Serious injuries like these can require life-long medical care, and lead to thousands of dollars in expenses. Many times, injuries victims suffer can cause permanent disability and prevent them from being able to work and provide income for their families.
Six Flags Accident Injury Attorneys With the Experience in Premises Liability You Need
If you or a loved one was injured at a theme park or water park in Pennsylvania, the park may be responsible for your injuries, and may owe you financial compensation. You need someone on your side with the experience and understanding of Pennsylvania’s premises liability law to ensure you are compensated for you or your loved ones’ injuries. For over 50 years, the skill and commitment of our attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm have helped win clients millions. We can help you investigate the cause of your injuries, and determine if someone’s carelessness or negligence contributed to your slip and fall accident.
With hundreds of millions awarded, multimillion-dollar verdicts, and a proven track record of success representing slip and fall victims and their families, The Reiff Law Firm will work hard to help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering caused by a slip and fall, and we will fight to ensure your rights are protected and justice is obtained. Contact our Philadelphia amusement park accident lawyers today to learn more about how we can protect your rights and restore your hopes and dreams.
If you or someone you love was hurt at a Six Flags theme park, someone may be financially liable for your losses. To arrange a free and private case evaluation, call the attorneys of The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online today.
