Few people can actually say they’ve never been to a theme park. In fact, theme parks are among the top 10 vacation destinations anywhere in the world. They appeal to people of all ages and even those theme parks intended for little people have amusements the adults can enjoy as well.
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We look forward all year to a week at Disneyworld or a day at Six Flags, but what happens if you or a family member should sustain an injury on a ride or walking the grounds? Thousands of people are injured at theme parks each and every year, but what should you do if you are injured? If you’ve been injured at a theme park, here are a few things you should do.
1. Get Medical Attention First – Call 911 If Necessary
You may not think your injury is severe enough to call 911, but there are times when a seemingly small bump on the head can lead to something more serious, including death. Swelling may not start until hours later and by that time, it may be too late. Even if you think that injury isn’t life-threatening, anything more than a paper cut should be seen to immediately and well-documented.
2. Notify the Park’s Management of Your Injury
Either while you are waiting, or after you’ve been assessed by paramedics, it is vital to notify the theme park’s management of your accident/injury. Not only can management help expedite treatment, but they will document the injury for later communications with their insurance company.
3. Collect Any Documentation
Before leaving the park, you may be asked to sign papers documenting the injury. It is suggested that you don’t put your name on anything until you’ve contacted a personal injury lawyer. For example, if you are injured at a theme park in Orlando, Florida, don’t sign anything. Instead, collect any documentation the park or the local hospital may give you. It will come in handy if you need to make a claim at a later date.
4. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were injured on a faulty ride at a theme park in Orlando, Florida, you will want to contact a personal injury lawyer in Florida. Again, a small bruise on the back of your hand or a tiny cut may not require filing a claim, but if medical attention is necessary, you will absolutely want to find a reputable personal injury lawyer to represent you.
5. Talk to No One BUT Your Attorney and Doctors
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to talk to the park’s insurance company. Let your lawyer do the talking for you. At this point, the law office representing you will have the documentation they require to substantiate your claim and they will not inadvertently say something which might result in a denial. You may even want your attorney to communicate with your own insurance company if you have travel or health insurance that covers injuries sustained on vacation.
After getting immediate medical attention, the most important thing you can do is to talk with a personal injury lawyer in Florida. Unless you were careless, the park is probably responsible for personal compensation and paying all medical bills. This is what your lawyer is for, so leave everything to them.