Study Amusement Ride Injuries Send 1 Child A Day To Er

May 23, 2013

Study: Amusement ride injuries send 1 child a day to ER

Summer is nearly here. What could be better than piling a crew of youngsters into the car and heading off to the nearest amusement park for some fun time on the rides? The answer for many Pennsylvania parents may depend on whether their idea of a good time includes a possible visit to the emergency room.

According to a study by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the potential for a child suffering an emergency room-level injury from an amusement park ride is pretty high. One of the chief authors of the study says that at least one child winds up going to an ER every day in the United States after being hurt on such rides.

This raises some significant questions regarding liability due to unsafe property. Questions in this regard are something that can be addressed by contacting an experienced attorney.  

The study looked at nearly 93,000 instances in which children hurt on amusement rides were treated at U.S. emergency departments between 1990 and 2010. The types of injuries ran the gamut; head, neck, face, arms and legs. Bruises, strains and sprains were common, as were cuts and broken bones.

The season played into the equation. Summertime injuries accounted for more than 70 percent of all the injuries. And the researchers say that one of the more stunning findings was that the risk isn’t just from the extreme rides you come across at some of the big theme parks. They say 12 percent of the injuries occurred on rides that you might find at the local mall.

Safety is something that the owners and operators of such facilities owe to their patrons. But parents can take measures as well. The researchers recommend that all ride rules be strictly adhered to. Use any safety equipment provided. And if a ride just seems unsafe, choose another activity.