Every year, millions of people visit Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This fun-filled, multi-park attraction center is one of the top vacation destinations in the world and families from across the country and beyond come to ride the rides and experience the magic of Disney World. Unfortunately, despite regulations and safety standards within the parks, some people are still injured in an amusement park accident, which can result in not just an abrupt end to a vacation but costly medical expenses and other losses.
A Brief History Of Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World, also referred to as the Walt Disney World Resort and Disney World, is a world-renowned collection of theme parks located in Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake, Florida. The parks, operated by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, opened in October of 1971. Walt Disney World spans an estimated 25,000 acres and consists of four different theme parks which include Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The resort is also home to 27 themed resort hotels, golf courses, two water parks, shopping centers, and several entertainment venues.
Disney World boasts 49 rides throughout its four theme parks, with some of the most popular rides being Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Splash Mountain. There are also several smaller rides designed for small children to enjoy. Most larger rides have a height limit, meaning only individuals of a certain height can ride. Other popular attractions at the four parks that comprise Disney World include Test Track, Living with the Land, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro’s Safaris. There are also water attractions such as Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
Common Accidents At Disney World
There have been several injuries on Disney World property since it opened its doors in 1971. The most common causes of an accident at Disney World include:
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
Description: Slip and fall accidents are common in areas with heavy foot traffic, such as restaurants, restrooms, and around water attractions. These accidents often occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.
Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would collect evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements to prove that Disney management failed to display adequate wet floor signs or maintain safe walking conditions. They would consult with safety experts to demonstrate how the lack of proper signage directly caused the injury. Their thorough investigation and expert testimonies would build a strong case, leading to substantial settlements.
2. Ride Malfunctions
Description: Mechanical failures or improper maintenance of rides can lead to serious injuries. Guests may be injured due to sudden stops, faulty restraints, or other ride-related issues.
Florin|Roebig’s Approach: The firm would gather maintenance records, incident reports, and eyewitness accounts. They would work with mechanical engineers and safety experts to establish that the ride malfunctioned due to Disney’s negligence. In previous cases involving amusement park accidents, Florin|Roebig has successfully demonstrated negligence, resulting in significant compensation for their clients.
3. Food Poisoning
Description: Food poisoning can occur if food served at Disney’s restaurants is improperly handled, stored, or cooked, leading to severe gastrointestinal illnesses.
Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would collect medical records, food safety inspection reports, and witness statements. They would consult with food safety experts to prove that the food served was contaminated due to negligent handling. By establishing a clear link between the illness and the food consumed, Florin|Roebig would seek to secure compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering.
4. Drowning or Near-Drowning Incidents
Description: Drowning or near-drowning incidents can happen in resort pools, water attractions, or during water-based activities due to inadequate supervision or lack of proper safety measures.
Florin|Roebig’s Approach: The firm would investigate the incident by reviewing surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and lifeguard duty rosters. They would gather witness testimonies and consult with aquatic safety experts to demonstrate that Disney failed to provide adequate supervision or safety measures. Florin|Roebig’s expertise in handling such cases would help secure a substantial settlement by proving negligence.
5. Tram and Transportation Accidents
Description: Accidents involving trams, buses, or other transportation modes within Disney can occur due to driver error, mechanical failures, or inadequate safety protocols.
Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would gather evidence such as accident reports, driver logs, and maintenance records. They would work with transportation safety experts to establish that the accident was due to Disney’s negligence in maintaining their transportation fleet or ensuring driver competence. In previous transportation accident cases, Florin|Roebig has secured significant compensation by demonstrating clear liability and negligence.
Notable Accidents At Disney World
Before 2001, Disney World was not mandated to report injury or death incidents to the Florida state authorities. After this year, the parks have been required to report incidents and these incidents are publicly accessible. A few of the most notable injuries and deaths that have occurred at Disney World over the years include:
- August 14, 1999: A five-year-old child was seriously injured as a result of stepping out of or falling from a ride car on the Spaceship Earth ride in Epcot.
- June 2005 through June 2006: Paramedics treated an estimated 194 riders on the ride Mission: SPACE with the most common reasons being due to vomiting, dizziness, and nausea. Of those 194 people, 26 people had trouble breathing, 16 experienced irregular heartbeats or chest pains, and 25 individuals passed out.
- February 2007: An 89-year-old individual experienced a broken hip after falling out of The Haunted Mansion ride while exiting.
- May 29, 2007: Five guests and one Disney World cast member were injured on the Kali River Rapids ride while exiting a raft due to a ride stoppage that was caused by a monitoring sensor.
- November 27, 2007: A Disney World employee passed away as a result of a brain injury incurred four days prior. The brain injury was caused by the individual being hit by a ride vehicle on the Primeval Whirl ride that had fallen from a restricted location of the station.
These are just a few of the many incidents that have occurred on Disney World property.
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Types Of Injuries Common At Disney World
While nearly any type of injury can occur while visiting a Disney World theme park, most injuries can be separated into two primary categories: injuries incurred while on a Disney World ride and those that happen while on the park property that aren’t associated with an attraction. Here are a few of the many types of injuries that have been documented by visitors of Disney World:
- Soft tissue damage
- Bruises and cuts
- Spinal damage
- Brain damage
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Psychological injury, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Whiplash caused by a ride
- Drowning
- Motion sickness
- Brain aneurysms
- Torn ligaments
- Death
The type of injury will largely depend on where the injury occurred and the circumstances surrounding the injury. For example, someone who is injured on a ride that is going 85 mph is much more likely to experience more substantial injuries than someone who is injured while walking through the theme park.
Disney World Wrongful Death Cases
Unfortunately, Disney World has been a location where more than one wrongful death has occurred as a result of negligence or inappropriate safety measures being taken. If you have a loved one who has been wrongfully killed in an accident at Disney World, you may be legally entitled to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Family members who are typically eligible to file a Disney world wrongful death lawsuit include siblings, children, spouses, and parents.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured While Visiting Disney World
If you or a loved one has been injured while visiting Disney World, it’s highly recommended that you retain a Disney World injury lawyer to assist you in making a personal injury claim. The insurance companies that work with Disney World are notorious for using strategies aimed at reducing or avoiding the total amount they payout in settlements to individuals injured at the theme parks. An experienced theme park lawyer can help you respond to these tactics in an effective way and will ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
There are a few key steps you should take if you’ve been injured while visiting a Disney World theme park or while on Disney World property. These steps include:
Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to seek medical attention, even for minor injuries. If your injuries are minor and you don’t feel you need to go to the hospital, you can ask to be taken to the first aid station within the theme park you’re at. For more serious injuries, an ambulance can take you to the nearest hospital, which will likely be Orlando Regional Medical Center. Be sure to ask for documentation of your visit to the medical facility even if your injuries are minor.
Take Photos And/Or Video
If you feel that you were injured as a result of negligence on behalf of the theme park or its operators/employees, be sure to document the scene where you were injured by taking photos, video, or both. For example, if you tripped over a surface that was raised, you should take pictures of the raised surface to show that it was a hazard and was the cause of your injury.
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Contact A Theme Park Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured due to a wrongful act or negligence on behalf of Disney World or those who represent it, seeking legal representation is the best decision you can make. A theme park injury attorney can help you decide what to say when you file a claim with Disney World, help ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve, and provide support throughout the entire process. If Disney refuses to settle for the amount you and your attorney feel is fair, your personal injury attorney will go to court on your behalf to sue Disney.
Since we opened our doors in 1985, the Florin|Roebig law offices has helped countless individuals get justice in personal injury claims. Our firm features dedicated and experienced attorneys who are Board Certified as Civil Trial Lawyers and the Florida Bar and have worked with others who have been victims of injuries incurred at Disney. Call us today.
