Summer is finally here, and there’s no better way to beat the Florida heat than by cooling off at a water park. It might seem harmless to spend a day riding water slides or relaxing in the lazy river, but water parks are a hotspot for accidents with so many daily visitors. Thousands of people visit the emergency room every year because of water park injuries, and people of all ages are at risk. Some victims have even died because of their injuries or drowning at the park. If you or someone you know sustained injuries at a water park in South Florida, contact the Baker Legal Team today for assistance.
Tips to Stay Safe at Water Parks this Summer
There are several things you can do to keep yourself safe when visiting a water park, including staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and walking to rides.
- Hydrate: You might not realize how quickly you can dehydrate after being in the water all day. Additionally, Florida summers are hot and humid, causing you to lose a lot of water. Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid drinks with caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes, scalp, and face. Apply waterproof sunscreen before leaving your house and reapply throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours. Bring loose-fitting clothing if you start to feel your skin burning.
- Do not run: Pathways at water parks get slippery, especially around pools and water slide exits. Be extra cautious when walking around a water park and never run.
- Watch your children: Too many parents believe that water wings, floatation devices, and lifeguards are a fair substitute for supervision. They serve to intervene in case of an emergency but supervising your children may prevent one.
- Follow the rules: Pay attention to posted warnings, rules, age recommendations, and instructions throughout the water park. Park managers put these rules in place to keep you safe and avoid injuries.
What to Do If You Sustained Injuries at a Florida Water Park
After an injury, there are steps you must take to ensure your legal rights. First, you should always report your injuries to an employee. Describe how and where the injury occurred. You should avoid saying what injuries you sustained. Remember, you are not a doctor and cannot fully diagnose injuries.
You will also want to gather evidence of the injury and accident. Photographs are the best because it will be hard for an opposing attorney or insurance company to argue with photographic evidence. Evidence is vital in premise liability cases, so be sure to document it before park staff can address any hazardous issues.
Just like sustaining any other personal injury, you should seek medical attention. Even though you might feel fine, a doctor can perform a complete check-up and diagnose any internal injuries. Additionally, an insurance company may take not seeing a doctor as you exaggerating your injuries and deny your claim.
Who’s Liable for My Water Park Injuries?
If you sustained injuries at a water park, your injury may have been triggered by negligence. However, it might be difficult to know which party is responsible. There may even be several parties who are liable for the injuries you sustained at a water park. They include:
- Water park owner
- Employees
- Equipment manufacturers
Partnering with a South Florida injury attorney is the best way to determine who is liable for your losses.
Skilled Water Park Accident Attorney in South Florida Is Here to Help
After sustaining a water park injury, you should not suffer alone nor be responsible for paying accident-related costs if another party’s negligent actions caused your injuries. When you need to seek compensation for your injuries, contact the water park injury attorneys at the Baker Legal Team.
Board-certified attorney Robert Baker has recovered millions of dollars for injured parties and their families. He will stop at nothing to ensure the responsible party is held accountable for their actions. To schedule a free consultation, call (561) 320-0000 or complete our contact form.