Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
All rides have been removed from the Indiana County Fair after a girl was thrown from a ride Monday night and was injured.
This prompted an investigation from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, which found the “Rock and Roll” ride the girl was thrown from had numerous violations.
Two of the rider carriages on the “Rock and Roll” were “deemed unusable” because of safety issues when the ride was last inspected on June 11, according to IDHS.
On July 16, the IDHS conducted a follow-up inspection and discovered other maintenance and assembly and welding infractions with the ride in addition to the fact that the repairs to the two original carriages in question had not been finished.
Until the ride passes an IDHS compliance inspection, it cannot be used in any capacity.
The Dubois County 4-H Council announced on Monday that they would remove all rides from the fairgrounds for the rest of the week.
The fair is planned to remain open until July 20. It is unknown if/when the rides will make a comeback to the fair.
Exciting rides, such as old-fashioned carousels and heart-pounding roller coasters, are often associated with fairs. Despite being enjoyable, these attractions may result in injuries.
From small bruising to severe damage, ride injuries can vary widely.
Common injuries may include:
- Whiplash: Frequently brought on by abrupt jerks or stopping.
- Cuts and bruises: Usually a result of bumps or falls.
- Fractures or broken bones: Caused by violent collisions or falls.
- Head Injuries: Caused by banging your head on some parts of the ride or during a fall.
What Should You Do If You Are Injured on a Ride at a Fair or Carnival?
- Stop the Ride: If the ride has not already been stopped, notify the ride operator right away and ask them to stop it.
- Assess the Injury: Determine the injury’s severity as soon as possible. Look for indications of blood, fractured bones, or unconsciousness.
- Seek Medical Attention: For immediate help, proceed to the closest first aid center. Call 911 immediately if you or someone else have sustained significant injuries.
How Should You Report the Incident?
- Notify Fair Staff: Report the injuries to the ride operator or fair management. For reasons of liability and safety, they must be informed.
- Record Everything: Make thorough notes about the event, including the date, time, and circumstances. Take pictures of the injury and the associated ride.
- Witnesses: Get the contact details of anyone who may have witnessed the incident. This will be very beneficial to back up your claim.
Legal Aspects to Consider
If the harm was caused by negligence or a ride malfunction, you may be able to pursue legal action. This is what you should do:
- Consult a Lawyer: Contact our Florida Amusement Park Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible so that we can review the events leading up to the accident and determine what action is appropriate. We can help you understand your legal rights after an injury at a fair, carnival, or amusement park.
- Preserve Evidence: Save all the incident-related paperwork, pictures, and medical records.
Remember that, while the thrill of the ride is part of the experience, safety should always come first. If you or someone you know has been injured at a fair, carnival, or festival, our Florida Amusement Park Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can walk you through the personal injury claims process. For a FREE consultation, call us at 866-608-5529 or contact us online 24/7.