Theme Park Injuries in Central Florida: Your Rights as an Injured Visitor

Central Florida is home to some of the busiest theme parks in the world—Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and more. But alongside the fun and fireworks, real injuries happen more often than most people realize. In 2024 alone, 46 serious ride-related injuries were reported at major Florida theme parks. Common issues included seizures, loss of consciousness, and injuries while getting on or off rides. And these are just the cases that were officially reported.

Across the U.S., over 21,000 amusement park injuries were recorded in 2020, with many incidents affecting children. Whether it’s a faulty ride or unsafe walkways, the impact can be long-lasting—physically and emotionally.

Theme parks often walk away unscathed, while visitors are left with the consequences. If you were injured, let Fuentes & Berrio help you hold them accountable. Contact our seasoned Florida personal injury attorneys today!

Common Causes of Theme Park Injuries

Mechanical Failures

Rides are expected to undergo regular inspections and maintenance. But sometimes, corners are cut, or equipment wears out faster than expected. Mechanical failures can result in stuck rides, malfunctioning safety restraints, or even derailments, putting passengers in real danger.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Wet pavement, food spills, and uneven walkways are common throughout parks. These conditions may seem minor but can lead to serious injuries, especially for older adults and young children. A simple misstep on a slick surface can result in broken bones, sprains, or head trauma.

Ride Operation Issues

Ride attendants are responsible for running rides smoothly and ensuring everyone is secure. Mistakes like rushing passengers, failing to notice seating issues, or overlooking safety instructions can lead to dangerous situations and unexpected injuries.

Overcrowding and Poor Crowd Control

Theme parks can get extremely crowded, especially during peak seasons and events. Overcrowding can lead to stampedes, pushing in lines, and difficulty exiting in an emergency. These situations increase the risk of falls, trampling, or other physical harm.

Delayed Security or Medical Response

A quick response can make a big difference after an injury. If help is delayed—whether from security or onsite medical teams—what starts as a manageable issue can quickly become more serious.

Types of Injuries Visitors Might Sustain

Head, Neck, and Spine Injuries

High-speed rides that involve sudden jolts or turns can lead to whiplash, concussions, or even spinal injuries. In some cases, restraints fail, and guests are thrown or jolted violently. These injuries can have long-term effects and require months of treatment.

Broken Bones and Sprains

Slip and fall incidents, poorly designed steps, or even being jostled in a crowd can cause broken arms, fractured ankles, or torn ligaments. These kinds of injuries can disrupt your ability to work or move around comfortably.

Cuts, Burns, and Lacerations

Some rides or park features have sharp edges or exposed metal. Other times, food or drink temperatures aren’t properly regulated, leading to burns. Any time a park fails to ensure safety in these areas, they can be held responsible.

Illness from Unsanitary Conditions

Food poisoning is another issue visitors face. Whether it’s undercooked food or poor hygiene in dining areas, getting sick at a theme park can ruin an entire trip and, in some cases, lead to hospitalization.

Emotional Trauma

It’s not just physical harm. Kids who get stuck on rides or see another guest get hurt can experience serious emotional distress. The trauma of a terrifying incident can linger, especially when a park refuses to take accountability.

Your Rights as an Injured Visitor

Right to Compensation

If the park or its employees were negligent, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This can include coverage for medical bills, lost income, physical pain, emotional suffering, and even long-term rehabilitation costs.

Premises Liability Protections

Under Florida’s premises liability laws, theme parks owe a duty of care to their visitors. That means they are legally required to keep the park reasonably safe, fix known hazards, and warn guests of potential dangers. Failing to do so is considered negligence.

Status as an “Invitee”

As a paying guest, you’re legally considered an ‘invitee,’ which gives you the highest level of legal protection. Parks have a duty to inspect the grounds regularly and fix unsafe conditions. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they can be held accountable.

Waivers Don’t Always Hold Up in Court

Theme parks often include disclaimers and waivers on tickets or signs. But those waivers don’t give them a free pass. If the park was negligent or failed to follow safety protocols, you may still have a strong legal case, even if you signed something.

Right to Sue for Negligence

If the park knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to correct it, that’s grounds for a negligence claim. You don’t have to prove they meant to hurt you, only that they didn’t take reasonable steps to keep you safe.

Right to Legal Representation

You have the right to speak with a personal injury attorney if you were hurt at a theme park. Legal representation is often the difference between a lowball settlement and full compensation for your injuries.

Time Limit for Filing a Claim

Florida law gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, as per the updated statute of limitations. If you wait too long, your case could be dismissed, even if it’s valid. So it’s better to act sooner rather than later.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

If you’re injured at a Florida theme park, the park itself isn’t always the only one responsible. The owners and operators can be held liable if they failed to keep the property safe. However, in some cases, third-party contractors like ride manufacturers, maintenance crews, or food vendors may also be to blame. Even negligent employees can play a role if they ignored safety procedures or caused the incident.

Team Up with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney You Can Count On

Theme parks have lawyers on standby. So should you. Fuentes & Berrio doesn’t waste time with paperwork games or lowball offers. If you were injured at a Florida park, our team gets to work—digging into what happened, gathering evidence, and pushing for real results. We’ve handled cases involving ride malfunctions, crowd-related injuries, and negligence in high-traffic areas. Share your story online or call (954) 752-1110 to discuss your case. We are available 24/7, and you don’t have to pay unless we win your case.