Rollercoaster Accidents – Still Relevant

By Jason Bottlinger on September 13, 2017

Families usually go to amusement parks to have fun. Good food, rides, and fun in the sun—what’s not to love? Amusement parks can transport us to different worlds, at least for a small period of time. But that doesn’t mean they’re completely safe.

Ohio State Fair visitors learned this firsthand in July. Riders on Fire Ball were sent into a freefall when the attraction malfunctioned. The pendulum ride usually swings riders in a circle on a gondola, but one of the rows fell completely out. Two seat beats also malfunctioned.

The tragic accident left seven people injured and one dead. Accidents like these aren’t as rare as you might think. In fact, America’s worst rollercoaster accident took place in Omaha.

The Omaha Rollercoaster Accident of 1930

According to History.com, America’s worst rollercoaster accident occurred when a ride called the Big Dipper malfunctioned in 1930 in an Omaha amusement park. The coaster fell to the ground from 35 feet, killing four people and injuring 17.

According to The Omaha Bee-News, in response to the accident, there was a “thorough, searching investigation by city and county authorities which probably will result in a permanent ban on roller coasters in Omaha.” The guilty park closed ten years later.

But that was over 80 years ago. What if an event like that were to happen when you and your family or friends visit a fair or amusement park in Nebraska or a surrounding state? How would you be able to seek justice and the compensation you deserve?

How Does the Law Apply?

In a rollercoaster accident, the two most viable sources of recovery include personal injury law and premises liability law, depending on the situation.

Entities, corporations, and property owners have a certain duty of care to their patrons. When this duty of care is breached, they may be held liable for harm that was suffered. In the case of a rollercoaster accident, there are several ways that owners or staff could be held liable.

The park can be held liable for not training its staff properly, if this played a part in the accident. The park can also be held liable if the ride wasn’t properly designed or constructed, or if it was not given proper maintenance. In addition to this, the manufacturers of the ride and its machinery might be responsible if faulty products were involved.

If you get hurt at an amusement park, Bottlinger Law L.L.C. wants help. For a free case evaluation with an Omaha amusement park injury lawyer, call us at (402) 505-8234.