Waterpark owners and slide manufacturers have a duty to keep rides reasonably safe. Park attendees entrust the water park with their safety and the safety of their children. When patrons of a water park are injured due to the negligence of a water park owner or ride manufacturer, they are entitled to compensation for their harm.
Common Causes of Water Slide Accidents
Common causes of water slide accidents include:
- water slide design defects,
- improper maintenance,
- a failure of the park to warn users about the dangers,
- or water park employee negligence.
If you or your child has suffered a personal injury because of using a water slide, the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Johnson Attorneys Group in California are here to help. To schedule a free consultation, call 1-800-208-3538 today.
Examples of Negligence at Water Parks
On May 27, 2017, a 10-year old boy went flying off a water slide, the “Emerald Plunge,” in Dublin, California, at a water park that had opened only hours earlier. Thankfully, the boy suffered only minor injuries. Although the ride manufacturer and the City of Dublin each stated that the $43 million-dollar ride was extensively tested prior to the opening, the accident was a frightening indication that additional safety measures needed to be implemented. Due to safety concerns, the Emerald Plunge has remained closed all summer.
While it is unclear exactly how many water slide accidents occur each year, the incident on the Emerald Plunge earlier this year was not an isolated occurrence. Children are injured each year on water slides across the country. In 2016, 10-year old Caleb Schwab was killed when the water raft he was riding flew from the 168-foot a water slide and sent him careening down in a park in Kansas City, Missouri. Caleb broke his neck in the fall.
Proving a Water Slide Accident Claim in California
To prove a water slide accident claim in California, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed them a duty, that the defendant breached this duty, and that the breach of duty was the cause of their harm. If a water slide had some type of dangerous design defect, a “products liability” claim can be made against the slide manufacturer. Park owners may also be liable for harm.
Types of Compensation Available
The goal of California personal injury law is to “make the plaintiff whole again.” While money can’t always compensate for what was lost, California courts will attempt to award victims adequate compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, punitive damages may also be awarded.
The Johnson Attorneys Group Can Maximize Your Recovery
If you or a loved one has been injured in a water slide accident, it is imperative that you understand your legal rights and options. The qualified and experienced attorneys at Johnson Attorneys Group are dedicated to helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Johnson Attorneys Group has recovered more than $90 million for their clients. We serve clients throughout California on a contingency fee basis and offers free consultations. If you would like to discuss your case, call 1-800-208-3538 today.
