Theme parks are responsible for taking reasonable measures to ensure the safety of their guests. If a park is negligent in its duties, and a guest is killed or sustains an injury because of that negligence, the park may be financially liable for the resulting damages.
If you were injured at a Universal Studios location, or if someone you love was wrongfully killed, you could have a claim to significant compensation for your losses, pain, and suffering. A business that operates an amusement park, like Universal Studios, has a legal duty to make sure that rides and attractions are safe for guests. This also includes making sure that the general premises, including walkways, restrooms, and parking areas, are free of hazardous conditions. If you are injured in an accident, Universal Studios may be held responsible.
To receive a free and confidential legal evaluation with our Universal Studios accident injury lawyers, call The Reiff Law Firm right away at (215) 709-6940. Let’s start exploring your options together.
The Reiff Law Firm: Universal Studios Accident Injury Attorneys
Universal Studios is a large corporate entity with a strong legal department ready to challenge any claim that may arise, including yours. As such, it is imperative that you begin your case with help from an experience legal team.
What Happens After an Accident at Universal Studios?
The aftermath of a serious accident is extremely draining, physically, emotionally, and financially. You are suddenly left adjusting to painful injuries, processing emotional distress, and trying to accommodate large and unexpected medical bills.
You may be undergoing physical therapy or re-learning how to use part of your body, working through emotional trauma, or making arrangements to spend time away from work while you recuperate.
Reasons Why You Need a Lawyer
With so many challenges already thrust upon you, you shouldn’t have to be burdened with the additional challenge of seeking justice on your own. Let the experienced personal injury attorneys of The Reiff Law Firm help represent and advocate for you during this difficult time.
Our dedicated legal team has more than three decades of experience and has handled numerous cases involving a wide range of rides, defects, and injuries at amusement and water parks of all sizes. When you need the support of a driven, aggressive legal team, call on The Reiff Law Firm.
A History of Accidents at Universal Studios
Universal amusement parks safely entertain millions of guests each year, and the vast majority of visitors never encounter any issues. However, accidents have taken place in the past.
Roller Coaster and Park Ride Accidents
For example, in the summer of 2011, a rider on the Dragon Challenge roller coaster was blinded after being struck by an object. Although the attraction was deemed safe, another passenger on the Dragon Challenge was struck in the face by an unidentified object the following month.
Negligent Employees and Security Personnel
Some accidents at Universal Studios have not involved the rides themselves. In April of 2011, for example, a man was killed after being tasered for disorderly conduct. The autopsy determined that excessive tasering and handling by security guards contributed to the man’s death.
Unsafe Park Conditions
Furthermore, people can be injured in slip and fall accidents if a park is poorly maintained. Wet surfaces, unsecured cables, wobbly railings, uneven surfaces, and other factors can all contribute to slip and fall accidents.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Universal Studios Theme Park Accidents
Amusement parks like Universal Studios are very large and may hide a myriad of dangers if not properly maintained. Below are just a few possible injuries that often arise in amusement park accidents.
Possible Injuries from Accidents at Universal Studios
Injuries which can result from amusement park accidents include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Facial Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Multiple Fractures
- Nerve Damage
- Severe Lacerations
- Internal Bleeding
- Neck Injuries
- Vision Loss
- Organ Damage
- Severe Burns
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Determining the Cause of an Amusement Park Accident and Injuries
These medical problems can be attributed to a variety of factors, ranging from rides and ride operators to security personnel to the physical condition of the park itself.
For example, if a ride operator is negligent in their duties and allows a child who is too small onto a ride, the child could be injured because they are not properly secured. If a ride has a defect, such as a lap bar that fails to lock, a passenger could fall out or be ejected. If a security guard uses excessive force, the victim can suffer from broken bones or even be killed. If a guardrail is broken, a patron could easily fall and break their nose, wrist, or sustain other injuries.
Who is Responsible for Accidents at Universal Studios?
Determining who is responsible for an accident at Universal Studios can be tricky. The park is often crowded, and it may be unclear how the accident even happened. Your attorney can help you investigate the accident to figure out who should be held responsible for your injuries.
Negligent Employees
Many accidents occur because theme park employees are negligent. A common example comes from ride operators failing to conduct important safety checks before activating a ride. The ride could malfunctions, and riders may be severely or even fatally injured.
Other employees might be negligent, too. If maintenance staff do not do their job properly, walkways might become dirty or full of tripping hazards, and someone could fall and get hurt. Theme parks usually have hard, concrete or asphalt walkways, and a simple fall could be extremely painful.
Universal Studios
The company itself, Universal Studios, may also be held responsible under a theory of vicarious liability. Essentially, when an employee negligently causes injuries while acting in furtherance of their normal job duties and functions, their employer may be held vicariously liable.
It is often necessary to include Universal Studios in a lawsuit like this, as they have much greater financial resources and may be better able to cover your damages.
Other Parties
Parties other than Universal Studios and its employees might be responsible for accidents in some cases. For example, if the park employs independent contractors, they may be held responsible. Many theme parks have contracts with private security firms to provide security. If a security officer negligently injures you, they and their employer, rather than Universal Studios, may be held responsible.
How to Collect Evidence in a Lawsuit Against Universal Studios
Collecting evidence to support your claim is essential, but it may be challenging if most of the evidence is within the theme park owned by the defendant.
Photograph the Accident Scene
One way you can preserve evidence and details about the accident before even leaving the park is to photograph the accident scene. If you have a camera with you, take as many photos as possible. Park employees will likely clean up the accident scene quickly to protect the safety of other guests, and evidence may be lost.
Obtain Copies of Your Medical Records
Your medical records are crucial to proving your injuries and how much medical treatment cost you. Once you get the treatment you need, we can talk to hospital administrators about getting copies of your records.
Medical records may take time to compile, so we should talk to the hospital about getting copies as soon as possible. If your injuries are severe or particularly complex, your records may be essential to proving your claims in court.
Discovery Phase
Much of the evidence we need may be under the defendant’s control. Do not worry. During the discovery phase of your case, both sides must exchange relevant information and evidence so that each side can build the strongest case possible.
Evidence we may request from the defendant includes, but may not be limited to, records about park maintenance, records about safety inspections of rides, details about how park employees are trained in safety, and security camera footage from the accident scene.
FAQs About Getting Financial Compensation After an Accident at Universal Studios
How Do Accidents Happen at Universal Studios?
Accidents may happen in a number ways, considering the sheer size of the theme park. Injuries from defective or malfunctioning rides may be extreme, and you should get emergency medical care immediately. More common accidents may include slip and falls on park walkways, injuries from negligent park security officers, and even injuries caused by other park patrons.
Who is Responsible for Accidents at Universal Studios?
In many cases, negligent park employees are directly responsible for causing accidents, and they should be included in a lawsuit. Their employer, Universal Studios, should also be includes in the case, as it may be held vicariously liable for the accident. Various others, like other park guests, might also be held responsible, depending on how the accident happened.
When Should You Begin a Lawsuit for Injuries Incurred at Universal Studios?
You should contact an attorney to begin preparing your lawsuit as soon as possible. If you were injured at the Universal Studios theme park in Florida, you should file your lawsuit according to Florida law, which imposes a limitation period of 4 years for personal injuries. If you were injured in California, the statute of limitations gives plaintiffs only 2 years to file their claims in court.
What Damages Are Available in a Lawsuit Against Universal Studios for a Theme Park Accident?
Damages may be substantial, especially if your injuries are severe. You may claim economic damages for the cost of medical care, missed wages from missing work, property damage, and various other costs you incur as a direct result of the accident. Non-economic damages may cover pain, suffering, humiliation, and any reduction in your quality of life you experience.
How Do You Gather Evidence to Sue Universal Studios for a Theme Park Accident?
Gathering evidence can be difficult, as much evidence is within the park controlled by the defendant. You should photograph the scene to preserve as much evidence as possible. We can request copies of things like security camera footage and park records about safety and ride maintenance during the discovery phase of the case.
Should I Sue Universal Studios or Accept a Settlement Offer?
Universal Studios is a large company with significant financial resources, and they will likely offer what seems like a hefty settlement to make the case go away. However, settlements often do not cover the full extent of an injured victim’s damages. By pursuing a lawsuit, you may stand a better chance of getting all the compensation you deserve, and the defendant will be held responsible in a court of law.
Universal Studios Accident Injury Lawyer Offering Free Consultations
If you or someone you love was hurt at Universal Studios, you may be able to receive financial compensation. To get a private case evaluation completely free of charge, call the experienced attorneys of The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online today.
