Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is one of the most popular theme parks in Florida. It attracts millions of visitors each year with its thrilling rides, animal encounters, and other shows and events. In fact, Busch Gardens has some of the most notorious roller coasters in Florida, including Iron Gwazi, Sheikra, Montu, Cheetah Hunt, and Kumba.
While the park strives to maintain a safe environment for guests, accidents can still happen. When they do, people are often caught off guard, and they can face serious financial hardship from medical bills and missed work. If you or a loved got injured at Busch Gardens, this article can help you understand what steps you can take to protect your right to compensation under the laws of Florida.
Common Types of Amusement Park Injuries
Amusement park accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe head trauma or back injuries. Busch Gardens is one of the largest amusement parks in the country, covering over 300 acres.
The park has a variety of structures, rides and surfaces that need to be maintained, and it's usually crowded. Accordingly, there are many ways a person can get injured while visiting Busch Gardens. Some of the most common types of injuries at theme parks include:
- Slip and falls on slippery surfaces
- Trip and falls over uneven stairs or poorly maintained surfaces
- Injuries caused by malfunctioning rides or equipment
- Injuries resulting from ride operator negligence or inadequate safety equipment
- Drowning or near-drowning incidents at water rides
From our experience, the most common type of accident is likely a slip and fall at Busch Gardens. Often times, people slip on substances or defects in paths, sidewalks, and parking lots at Florida amusement parks, and this is a common reason for amusement park lawsuits.
5 Steps You Should Take After an Accident at Busch Gardens
If you or someone you love has been injured at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, it's essential to know what to do in the aftermath of the accident. The steps you take following the incident can significantly impact your health, well-being, and potential legal case. These steps will help you, regardless of whether you were injured on one of the thrill rides or because of a slip and fall.
While it's natural to feel overwhelmed and confused in such a situation, it's crucial to remain calm and focused on protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Here are five key steps to take after an accident at Busch Gardens:
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and safety should always be the top priority after an accident. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions or back injuries, may not present symptoms immediately.
You should notify the park's first aid station or call 911 if necessary. Follow the medical professional's advice and attend your scheduled visits. Also, keep detailed records of your treatment, as this documentation will be crucial for your potential personal injury case.
Step 2: Report the Incident to Employees at Busch Gard
As soon as you are able, report the accident to Busch Gardens staff or security. Provide them with a clear, detailed account of what happened, including the time, location, and cause of your injuries. You should request a copy of the incident report for your records, but be aware that they may not give it to you until the case gets into litigation.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you can, take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any factors that may have contributed to the incident. This may include things like broken equipment or hazardous conditions. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur because their testimony could be helpful to your case later on.
Step 4: Discuss the Incident with Your Lawyer Only
After an accident at a theme park, you should not discuss the incident with anyone other than your lawyer. Talking about the accident with others can potentially jeopardize your legal case because whatever you say could be used against you to reduce the value of your claim.
In particular, avoid speaking with claims adjusters from Busch Gardens without your attorney present. These adjusters are trained to gather information they can use to minimize or deny your claim. They will likely attempt to get you to give them a recorded statement, and they will capitalize on any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
Furthermore, avoid posting about the accident on social media. Insurance companies and their legal teams monitor social media accounts to find information that could be used to discredit your claim or suggest that your injuries are less severe than you allege.
Step 5: Contact a Theme Park Injury Lawyer
Navigating a theme park injury case can be challenging, especially when dealing with powerful corporations like Busch Gardens. You should consult with a personal injury attorney who has experience handling amusement park injury cases and a thorough understanding of Florida law. Your lawyers will help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to get you the compensation you're entitled to.
Keep in mind that Florida's statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two (2) years from the date of the incident. Therefore, you should reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Holding Theme Parks Accountable for Negligence
In many cases, amusement park accidents and theme park accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the theme park or its employees. Often times during the investigation phase of a case, we find out that other guests have reported injuries in the past and that park owners and operators knew about hazardous conditions.
Under Florida law, theme parks like Busch Gardens have a duty to provide guests a safe environment free from dangerous conditions. If they fail to do so and someone gets injured, the park can be held liable for the victim's damages, like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Free Consultation with Lawyer for Accident at Busch Gardens
If you were injured at Busch Gardens due to the park's negligence, don't hesitate to reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer at our office. We know exactly how to bring a claim against Florida theme parks, and we're here to help you however we can. We handle these types of cases throughout Florida, including Tampa and Orlando.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, which means you don't pay us anything unless we win. Contact us today at 321-LAWSUIT or through our website to schedule your free consultation.
