Though amusement parks can be a lot of fun, they can also be dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, there were over 3,200 documented fatalities over a seven year span in American amusement parks, and a staggering 11,800 serious injuries. Between moving rides, faulty machinery, and high-energy kids, amusement parks can be dangerous.
Given this, these parks have a responsibility to ensure a safe environment for their guests, which includes maintaining rides and ensuring hazard-free grounds. If the amusement park fails in that obligation, the injured person may be eligible to sue the park for damages.
If you experience an accident at an amusement park, it’s important to document the case so you can properly reference it at a later date, whether or not you consider litigation as an option.
After ensuring your immediate safety and health, here are your next steps for properly documenting an injury at an amusement park.
Take Pictures
As soon as possible after the injury, take photos of any injuries you have, even if they seem very minor. Regularly photograph your injuries to track any change in their appearance over time, which will help you make your case as the injuries worsen or heal. Photographs are some of your best evidence for convincing juries, so time stamp the photos and save both digital and hard copies.
Collect Witness Information
Get the name and contact information of anyone at the scene at the time of the injury, especially the ride operator and anyone who directly saw the accident happen. This will save time in the investigation process and make it easier for you to verify your claim.
Collect Documents in One Place
Create a one-stop-shop for all your medical documentation to make proving your damages easier at a later date. Holding onto your medical documents creates a proveable narrative of your recovery, and it is an essential set of information to have if you pursue a personal injury claim.
Insurance questionnaires, medical bills, and administrative documents that you receive during your hospital visits can all be important for your case, so hang onto them! Don’t neglect any email correspondence with doctors or physical therapists as well; print out a copy and add it to your file.
Save Your Receipts
Also in your medical file, keep all your medical receipts for things like prescriptions, parking, special food, copayments, travel expenses, lost income, and any equipment like crutches or canes that you pay for during your recovery. Medical expenses are reimbursable as damages, so keep a good record to make sure you can get the funds back later.
Keep a Journal
As you recover, keep a diary of your thoughts and impressions about your injury and treatment process. Not only is this a useful way to process your feelings, it can also help you focus your attention on your condition and communicate more clearly about how you’re feeling. It’s also a great way to document your condition and keep alert for any signs of mental trauma, such as confusion or restlessness, which could eventually lead to a head injury diagnosis. Taking care of yourself is the most important thing when you’ve been in an accident.
We are here to help you and give you the compensation you deserve. Reach Barzakay Law Firm.