Amusement Park Injuries in Pennsylvania
With summer comes time off for vacations and fun activities. Many families opt to visit amusement parks for sweet treats and fun rides, but for some visitors, the day ends with a trip to the ER. A recent study has uncovered a sobering statistic: Pennsylvania ranks #2 in the nation for amusement park injuries, with nearly 2,000 reported incidents and an injury rate of 14.71 per 100,000 people.
Pennsylvania is home to some of the country's most beloved amusement parks—Hershey Park, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Sesame Place, and more. These attractions draw millions of visitors each year, and accidents, unfortunately, happen. Injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to serious harm, including fractures, head trauma, and even fatalities. In some cases, the intense forces of a ride may worsen pre-existing health conditions.
Some of Pennsylvania’s most serious amusement park injuries have made headlines. In 2024, the Flying Swings ride at Waldameer & Water World injured five riders. Stopped prematurely because one rider was crying and wanted out, the ride continued to swing outward while being lowered. Riders’ legs struck obstacles as they descended, resulting in multiple injuries and hospital visits. In 2023, a preteen at Dutch Wonderland was struck in the head by a box cutter that had apparently fallen from a guest’s pocket while on a roller coaster. In 2016, a three-year-old boy fell from the Rollo Coaster at Idlewild & Soak Zone. The coaster, built in 1938, lacked seat belts, relying only on a lap bar. The child was ejected on the final turn, falling 12 feet onto the tracks.
Under Pennsylvania law, amusement parks may be held legally responsible for injuries caused by negligence. This includes poorly maintained rides, improperly trained ride operators, unsafe ride designs, and inadequate safety protocols. While most amusement park visits are safe and enjoyable, it’s important to stay aware and alert. Always follow safety instructions, secure loose items, and assess whether a ride is appropriate for your health condition or your child’s age and size.
Life-changing injuries can happen when there is negligence, and personal injury and cases can be complex. At The Duffy Firm, we have a panel of expert physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals who know how to interpret medical documentation and who will help us build a strong case for you. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means if we are not successful, we receive no payment at all. When you win, we win.
If you or a loved one has been injured on a property where you believe the owner was negligent to their required duty of care, consider speaking with someone at a top Philadelphia premises liability law firm. Contact us to set a time to meet and discuss the unique details of your situation.