When Amusement Park Injuries Are Caused by Employees

Net Worth Staff on May 8, 2024

By: Stacey Barker

Amusement parks are supposed to be a day of fun for everyone. However, accidents can happen, and sometimes they involve park employees. While amusement parks take extensive safety precautions, unforeseen situations can arise, especially when employee error is a factor.

Here’s where understanding premises liability comes in. In personal injury law, premises liability holds property owners responsible for injuries sustained by visitors on their property due to unsafe conditions or negligence. Amusement parks, with their inherent risks, fall squarely under this category. While mechanical malfunctions or guest actions can contribute to injuries, employee negligence can also be a significant cause.

Common Injuries Caused by Employee Error:

Employee-caused injuries at amusement parks can vary depending on the specific circumstances. One unusual recent case at Disneyland in California involved an over-exuberant employee dressed as the character Goofy. A woman visiting the park alleges the employee ran into her from behind and pinned her to the concrete floor while she was attempting to tie her daughter’s shoes. She claims the force of the tackle left her with serious injuries.

The case above is not common as employees dressed as characters are trained on how to interact at amusement parks. Nonetheless, other types of accidents caused by employees are much more frequent:

Improper Ride Operation: Restraint malfunctions, failure to follow safety protocols during ride operation, or neglecting to properly check ride mechanisms before dispatching guests can all lead to injuries.

Character Interactions Gone Wrong: Costumed characters bumping into guests in crowded areas can result in minor bumps and bruises. However, more serious injuries can occur if characters lose their balance or fall on guests, especially children.

Lack of Supervision in Water Activities: Lifeguards who fail to respond appropriately to emergencies or inadequately monitor designated areas can have devastating consequences.

Maintenance Oversights: Employees responsible for park maintenance who miss crucial safety checks on walkways, railings, or ride components could be liable for injuries resulting from those oversights.

The Training Issue:

Unfortunately, a potential factor in employee-caused injuries is inadequate training. Smaller amusement parks or traveling carnivals may prioritize speed and efficiency over comprehensive safety training for their staff. This can lead to situations where employees lack the knowledge or experience to handle emergencies or operate rides correctly.

Recent Examples:

Recent news reports highlight the dangers of employee error. In one instance, a young boy was injured at a Texas amusement park after a ride operator allegedly failed to properly secure restraints on a swinging pirate ship ride. In Florida a child was killed when he was allowed to get on a free fall ride even though he exceeded the weight limit by nearly 100 pounds.

These are just a few examples, and it’s important to remember that not all incidents make headlines.

What to Do if You’re Injured by an Employee:

If you’re injured at an amusement park due to employee negligence, here’s what you should do:

Seek Medical Attention: First and foremost, prioritize your health. Seek medical attention immediately to get checked out and document your injuries.

Report the Incident: Find a park employee and report the accident in detail. Request an incident report form and fill it out completely. Keep a copy for your records.

Gather Evidence: If possible, take pictures of the location of the incident and any visible injuries. Note the date and time and try to identify any witnesses.

Keep Receipts: Save all receipts related to your medical care, transportation, and any other expenses incurred due to the injury.

Contact an Attorney: Attorney J.J. Dominguez of The Dominguez Firm explains the importance of this step. “Personal injury cases, especially those involving employee negligence, can be complex. Consulting with a premises liability attorney familiar with amusement park accident cases in your jurisdiction can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.”

Taking Action for a Safe and Fun Experience:

Recognizing the potential dangers of employee error and taking proactive steps to minimize them are crucial for a truly enjoyable experience at an amusement park. But if you’re injured due to employee negligence, remember the steps outlined above and seek legal counsel to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Let’s work together to prioritize safety and create happy memories at amusement parks, not injury claims.

Disclaimer: “The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.”

Published by: Martin De Juan

Sebastien Lagree’s Building a Fitness Empire

Net Worth Staff on May 8, 2024

By: Derek Thompson

In the competitive world of fitness, where trends often overshadow tried-and-true methods, Sebastien Lagree has not only introduced a novel workout regimen but has also cultivated an empire that transcends the traditional boundaries of exercise. His creation, the Lagree Fitness Method, has reshaped the concept of physical fitness, setting itself apart from the well-established Pilates and marking a significant evolution in how we approach strength and endurance training.

Sebastien Lagree, a visionary from France who originally moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, found his calling in the fitness industry. Observing the limitations of conventional workouts, including traditional Pilates, Lagree was inspired to create a more dynamic and impactful method. Pilates, known for its focus on core strength, posture, and flexibility, involves controlled, precise movements designed to engage small muscle groups in low-impact exercises. While beneficial for toning and rehabilitation, Pilates lacked the intensity that many fitness enthusiasts craved.

The Lagree Fitness Method was born from the need for a workout that combined the muscle-sculpting and alignment benefits of Pilates with the intensity and cardiovascular benefits of high-impact exercise routines. Lagree introduced specially designed machines, such as the Megaformer and later the Microformer, which are central to the method’s effectiveness. These machines allow for a broader range of motion and incorporate resistance features that challenge even the advanced athletes, making the workouts both inclusive and versatile.

A distinguishing feature of the Lagree method is its focus on “time under tension,” a principle that maximizes muscle fatigue for quicker toning and strengthening results. This approach keeps the heart rate elevated throughout the session, effectively combining strength training with cardiovascular fitness. The workouts are intense, designed to push the body to its limits while still being low-impact, which reduces the risk of injury commonly associated with high-intensity exercises.

The growth of Lagree Fitness has been nothing short of phenomenal. From its humble beginnings in a small studio in Los Angeles, the method has expanded to over 600 locations worldwide. The appeal of Lagree Fitness lies in its proven results and efficiency, attracting a diverse clientele that includes celebrities, professional athletes, and everyday fitness enthusiasts.

The success of the Lagree Fitness Method is also evident in its commercial achievements. Sebastien Lagree has secured over 180 patents, primarily for the design and mechanics of his fitness machines. These patents not only protect his innovations but also underscore the uniqueness and ingenuity of his equipment. The Megaformer and Microformer are much more than modified Pilates reformers; they are complex apparatuses that facilitate a wide range of exercises intended to target and engage the entire body.

Sebastien Lagree’s Building a Fitness Empire

Photo Courtesy: Lagree Fitness

Financially, the Lagree Fitness brand has capitalized on the growing trend of home workouts, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic. The Microformer, a compact version of the Megaformer designed for personal use, has become especially popular among those looking to maintain high-intensity workout routines from the comfort of their homes. This adaptability to market demands highlights Lagree’s sharp business acumen and his ability to continuously innovate within the fitness industry.

Sebastien Lagree’s entrepreneurial journey from an aspiring actor to a fitness mogul is a testament to the potential of innovative thinking in transforming personal passion into a global enterprise. As Lagree Fitness continues to grow, it not only enriches Sebastien’s portfolio but also changes lives by providing a powerful, efficient workout solution that stands out in the crowded fitness market.

Sebastien Lagree’s influence on the fitness industry is profound and far-reaching. By bridging the gap between low-intensity Pilates and high-intensity interval training, Lagree has created a unique niche that has propelled his business to international success. The Lagree Fitness Method exemplifies how innovative practices, when executed well, can lead to substantial commercial success and a lasting impact on an industry.

Published By: Aize Perez