Amusement Park Liability

Summer is almost here and with it will come an increased use of the 4,000 amusement park rides that New Jersey offers. Although New Jersey has strict safety regulations for amusement park rides, thousands of people across the nation are injured in amusement parks each year.

When a person is injured at an amusement park, the laws of premises liability can protect those injured by another’s careless or reckless behavior. Premises liability law applies to commercial, private, and public properties and is used to determine if the property owner is liable when a person is injured on their land.

Park owners must maintain the rides, activities, and all other conditions of their amusement park. If the park owner or manager knows of a dangerous condition, they have a duty to keep others safe by repairing the hazard or warning the guests. Failure to do so could mean that the property owner, park manager, or ride manufacturer will be held responsible for a guest’s injuries. However, premises liability only protects invited or paying guests. Those who sneak in without paying or are trespassing after hours may not be protected under premises liability law.

The New Jersey Carnival and Amusement Ride Safety Act

In addition to park upkeep, all New Jersey amusement ride owners are required to apply for an annual permit. The application process also requires that ride owners pay a registration fee and show proof of adequate insurance. Once the permit is issued, it assures that both scheduled inspections and random inspections are performed on the registered rides throughout the year.

Rides that have passed these inspections will have a visible green sticker. Those that have not passed inspection have red stickers. Ride owners who operate without a permit or inspection are subject to fines of up to $5,000 per day of violation. Ride inspectors urge riders and parents to check for the green sticker before stepping on a ride.

Rider Responsibility

Premises liability law also requires that guests on another’s property behave reasonably to keep themselves out of harm’s way. This is especially true in an amusement park where reckless, inattentive behavior can result in serious injuries to ourselves and others.

The Department of Community Affairs wants to remind people that their own choices and behavior play a key role in amusement park safety. Riders, parents, and guardians should follow these amusement park safety tips:

• Observe the ride in operation first before deciding if it is right for you or your children.
• Follow all age, height, and weight requirements.
• Obey all instructions from the ride attendant.
• Keep limbs inside the ride.
• Securely fasten all safety equipment (seatbelts, lap bars, etc.).
• Avoid injuring surrounding passengers by thoroughly securing personal items before the ride begins.
• Remain seated and keep all safety equipment in place until the ride comes to a complete stop.

Cherry Hill Premises Liability Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Represent Those Injured at Amusement Parks

If you have been injured at an amusement park, the Cherry Hill premises liability lawyers at DiTomaso Law have extensive knowledge of amusement park liability laws. Whether your injury occurred on a ride or on the grounds, we will investigate all the details of your accident to determine negligence. To hear about the compensation you may be entitled, call 856-414-0010 or contact us online today. With offices conveniently located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas.