Disney Hit With Premises Liability Lawsuit
Walt Disney World was recently slapped with premises liability suit by a park guest claiming the injuries he suffered while at the Magic Kingdom ruined his life. According to reports, the claim does not list injuries or a specific monetary award sought.
The alleged accident took place in December 2015 when the man went to see “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade” and he tripped over the sidewalk in the dark. The plaintiff’s suit alleges staff failed to warn him of the dangers of the elevated sidewalk.
Slip and fall theme park accidents
Large theme parks like Disney are no stranger to personal injury lawsuits. In fact, many have involved slip and falls and other premises liability issues. Approximately 46 percent of 477 federal lawsuits filed against Disney, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens over a four-year period were related to someone tripping or falling on the premises.
While they appear dangerous, only about 100 of those same injuries were due to some sort of alleged malfunction with a roller coaster or other ride. The rest, approximately 158, were in other areas of the park like shops, on sidewalks, or during a performance.
How do theme park lawsuits work?
Filing a lawsuit against a theme park is similar to civil litigation against any other defendant in many ways. An alleged injury occurs, suit is filed, discovery is performed, and a trial is held if no settlement can be reached. However, investigative journalists have found that there are some unique trends as it pertains to suing powerful entities like Disney and other major theme parks.
- Many victims spend most of their time negotiating with the theme park companies and usually only want reimbursement for their medical bills
- Theme park companies rarely settle quickly and are willing to go through the litigation process
- Few cases actually go to court and most reach settlement before trial
- Settlements and agreements are often kept confidential as part of the resolution
Big companies like Disney, Universal, and Busch Gardens have a legal duty to take reasonable safety precautions to prevent foreseeable accidents. This can include proper screening, training and supervision of its staff.
It may go without saying, but theme parks also must keep their rides and attractions in working order and warn patrons of possible dangers. When theme parks fall short of this responsibility, they may be held liable for their negligence by victims in Orlando theme park injury lawsuits.
Victims may be able to recover for their medical bills, hospital expenses, lost wages from missing work, physical pain and suffering, and mental anguish. Defendants may attempt to skirt responsibility or downplay the extent of a victim’s damages, but having an experienced personal injury lawyer on one’s side can let the theme park know the victim is serious about the case.
Orlando premises liability lawyers
If you or a loved one was hurt while visiting a theme park, taking a cruise, or on someone else’s property and you believe it was due to the other party’s negligence, contact The Pendas Law Firm for a free consultation about your case. Our office serves clients throughout Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale & Miami.
