Georgia residents may have heard that at about 2 p.m. on Aug. 16, six children suffered injuries because of electric shocks. The kids were riding the Scrambler at Ocean Beach Park in New London, Connecticut, when they were hurt. Authorities say that none of the injuries seemed to be serious, and the most severe one was to one boy’s palm that occurred when he touched a metal railing after departing the ride.
All of the children who were injured were taken to the hospital. The ride operator said that he experienced a tingling sensation when he pressed the button to stop it. However, the exact cause of the surge has not been determined, and an investigation is ongoing. This was one of several publicized safety-related incidents involving children on amusement park rides in the summer of 2016. Some observers say that more federal regulation and oversight is needed in the amusement park industry.
Property owners owe a duty of care to those who they have invited onto their property. If individuals are injured in what could have been preventable accidents, they may pursue legal action against the property owner. As part of a personal injury case, it may be possible to win compensation for medical bills and related medical costs as well as lost wages or future earnings.
Injured victims may wish to talk to an attorney before pursuing legal action. Legal counsel can review a case to determine whether the property owner acted in a negligent manner. This may be done by reviewing physical evidence as well as eyewitness testimony from the scene of the accident. A police report may also be used as evidence at trial. Legal counsel may also help ensure that claims are filed within the applicable statute of limitations.