Are you looking forward to visiting one of Texas’s many theme parks during a long-awaited fright night? While a spooky night at your favorite theme park can be fun and memorable, it can also end in disaster.
From trip hazards in dark mazes to eye injuries caused by poorly positioned special effects, fright nights can leave you walking away with lasting medical ailments that impact you for months or years to come.
Common Injuries at Halloween Attractions
Crowds, darkness, and elaborate set designs increase the likelihood of injuries at haunted events.
Some of the types of personal injuries guests may suffer include:
- Slips and falls due to dim lighting or artificial fog
- Trip hazards from props or uneven flooring
- Panic-related injuries, such as being pushed or knocked over in a crowd
- Cuts and bruises from decorations or sharp edges
- Heat exhaustion or dehydration during long waits
Property owners must take reasonable steps to keep guests safe, even when attractions post warning signs. Under Texas premises liability law, businesses owe a duty of care to maintain safe conditions and warn about known dangers.
For example, you could get knocked over by a poorly trained actor who takes their scare job too far, leading to a serious back injury. Just because the park has posted warning signs does not mean they are exempt from liability. If they did not vet and train the employee, the park could be liable.
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When Can a Theme Park Be Liable for Injuries?
Not every accident at a haunted event leads to liability. However, an operator may be held responsible when negligence causes injury.
Examples include:
- Failing to repair or block off a known hazard
- Inadequate lighting or lack of safety signage
- Poor crowd management or a lack of trained staff
- Unsafe use of props or pyrotechnics
If an employee or performer acts recklessly, the park could also be liable for their actions. Once you’ve established that the park is liable due to negligence, it opens the door for compensation.
The severity of your injuries will impact the amount of compensation you may be eligible for. For example, you may qualify for more compensation if you suffer broken bones compared to minor injuries like scrapes and bruises.
How to Protect Yourself During Fright Night Events
Here are a few tips to reduce your risk of getting hurt while visiting a fright night:
- Wear closed-toe shoes to prevent slips and trips
- Stay alert
- Follow park rules and pay attention to posted warnings
- Avoid alcohol or drugs before attending
- Report hazards immediately to staff
If you are taking your minor children, keep a close eye on them, especially when walking through crowded areas of the park.
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Premises Liability During Halloween Events
Texas law distinguishes between invitees, licensees, and trespassers when determining if someone has a duty of care. Most paying guests at a theme park qualify as invitees. Therefore, property owners must inspect the premises and correct any hazards quickly.
Texas also uses a modified comparative negligence standard when it comes to personal injury claims. A plaintiff is unable to recover damages if they are more than 50% at fault for their injuries. If their degree of fault is 50% or less and they recover compensation, the amount they receive will be reduced based on their contributions.
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Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Haunted attractions are meant to thrill their guests. But when safety takes a back seat, you or your loved ones can suffer the consequences. Knowing your rights and taking precautions can help make this Halloween memorable for the right reasons.
If you were injured at a theme park, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. As a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian represents clients throughout Houston in cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, brain injuries, wrongful death, and more.
Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and community initiatives across Houston. Client testimonials highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents.
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