SeaWorld Orlando Injury

Accidents at amusement parks can lead to serious injuries and sometimes even death. Unfortunately, that could be the reality for some guests at SeaWorld Orlando.

A SeaWorld Orlando injury attorney from Morgan and Morgan can help ensure that your rights are protected and help you pursue financial compensation for your injuries. Fill out our free case evaluation form to have your case reviewed by one of our legal representatives. 

Potential Accidents and Injuries at SeaWorld Orlando

Because slip and fall accidents are quite common in water attractions, there's always a possibility that you may fall victim at SeaWorld. These accidents usually occur on wet surfaces, uneven pavement, or debris, and they can lead to sprains, fractures, or head injuries.

This popular amusement park is known all over the country and beyond for its captivating marine life shows and exhibits. In 2018 alone, SeaWorld Orlando received over 4.5 million guests, becoming the 10th most visited amusement park in the country. 

However, interacting with animals can be risky. Guests may suffer injuries from bites, scratches, or accidental contact with marine animals such as sharks, orcas, dolphins, and many others found at the amusement park, particularly if safety guidelines and precautions are not followed.

SeaWorld is also famous for its exhilarating rides and roller coasters, such as the Ice Breaker, Mako, Pipeline, Kraken, Manta, and Infinity Falls. One might argue that these attractions are usually designed with safety measures in place. That's true, but even so, there is always a high risk of injuries ranging from minor bruises to more severe head, neck, or back injuries.

Additionally, since the park offers various water attractions, such as slides and pools, you can't rule out the risk of drowning, near-drowning incidents, and other water-related accidents caused by negligence. 

During peak periods, like the weekends, public holidays, and the summer, thousands of visitors throng SeaWorld to have fun at the rides and learn a thing or two about marine life. In such situations, the risks of accidents like tripping or even stampedes can never be overlooked. 

Steps to Take If You Get Injured at SeaWorld Orlando

First, call 911 immediately and alert the SeaWorld Orlando staff. They usually have certain reporting procedures they must follow once they learn about such an incident. If possible, obtain a copy of the report from the SeaWorld staff and the local police department.

If circumstances allow, try to collect evidence at the scene. This may include but is not limited to photographs or videos of the area where the accident occurred, proof of hazardous conditions, equipment malfunctions, or whatever you believe caused the accident. 

Next, contact an experienced amusement park injury lawyer. Below, we'll discuss why engaging a lawyer in such a scenario is critical. 

Reasons To Hire an Amusement Park Injury Attorney

An experienced amusement park injury attorney will review your case and let you know if it is valid. That way, you'll know whether or not you can file a claim against SeaWorld or other responsible parties.

The attorney will then gather the most relevant evidence to support your claim. They will also review whatever evidence you gathered earlier and decide whether it is strong enough to support your claim, or if they need additional evidence to hold SeaWorld or any other party accountable. 

In such cases, you may not be able to tell right away who is responsible for your injuries. That's yet another reason why you need a lawyer to carefully assess the circumstances of your case and identify the parties that may be held liable. 

These cases usually involve various complex laws and regulations, but because competent lawyers have a deep understanding of these intricacies, you can count on them to help you understand your rights and options. 

You need a legal strategy to win an injury case against a defendant as big and powerful as SeaWorld Orlando. For context, the timing of the claim could be the game changer in such a case. But that's not something you should lose sleep over if you have a lawyer; they will use their expertise to devise a plan that has your best interests in mind. 

Your attorney will handle the necessary steps needed to file a claim against the parties deemed responsible for your injuries, and also represent you throughout the settlement negotiation process. If the case goes to court, this legal professional will also argue on your behalf to seek a favorable outcome.

When to Hire an Amusement Park Injury Attorney

The benefits of working with a lawyer aside, you deserve to know when exactly to make that all-important contact. The first rule is that if your injuries are severe, you shouldn't even think twice about hiring a lawyer. 

The same applies if SeaWorld or other parties involved deny responsibility for your injuries or try to blame you. That's just part of the game some defendants play in such cases, and you need someone familiar with these tactics to advocate for your rights. 

It is also likely that the other party may attempt to settle your claim quickly or present you with a low settlement offer. Don't accept it. Instead, contact an attorney for advice and guidance. 

Generally, the universal rule is that if you're unsure about the legal processes involved in your case, whether it's about where to file a claim, or if the claim is even valid in the first place, you have nothing to lose by contacting a lawyer.

Recoverable Damages After a SeaWorld Orlando Injury 

Florida's personal injury statutes allow victims to recover compensatory damages for the actual losses and expenses resulting from such injuries. As a result, you may be able to recover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any other financial losses you have incurred due to the incident. 

Depending on the particularities of your case, you or your loved ones may also be entitled to compensation for physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering endured after the accident. 

In certain cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party for their recklessness to deter similar behavior in the future. Note that Florida caps punitive damages at three times the amount of compensatory damages, or $500,000, whichever is greater.

Determining Liability for Injuries at SeaWorld Orlando

In most of these cases, all fingers will likely point toward SeaWorld Orlando, the primary owner and operator of the amusement park. This is especially true if they were negligent in one way or another, such as failing to:

• maintain a safe environment for their guests;
• place adequate warning signs;
• inspect food sold at the park; or
• train staff members, etc. 

SeaWorld Orlando isn't usually in charge of everything at the park. That's why you'll find contractors, maintenance companies, and other third parties handling other tasks, such as ride maintenance, landscaping, or equipment repairs, all under SeaWorld Orlando's paycheck. If negligence or substandard work by these third-party contractors led to your injury, they might share liability alongside SeaWorld.

Accidents caused by defective products, such as a ride component or safety equipment, could implicate the manufacturer of that equipment. In that case, a defective product attorney can help you file a claim directly with the liable party. 

Elements of a SeaWorld Orlando Injury Claim 

To prove liability for the injuries you suffered , the claim must satisfy the following elements. 

First, you must prove that SeaWorld Orlando owed you a duty of care. This element isn't usually that difficult to prove; as long as you were at the facility legally, usually by buying a ticket, SeaWorld has a legal obligation to take reasonable measures to keep you safe if you're at the park legally. 

Secondly, you must demonstrate that SeaWorld Orlando did not honor their duty of care. In other words, they failed to meet the expected standard of care, either through an action or inaction that directly contributed to your injuries. For instance, if a ride malfunctioned due to inadequate maintenance, resulting in your injury, that could be a case of a breach of the duty of care.

Additionally, you must prove that the injuries you suffered derived from the incident at SeaWorld Orlando. Your attorney will let you know the kind of evidence you will need to prove this third element, but in most cases, you'll need your medical records, accident reports, etc. 

To wrap up your claim, you must show that you have suffered damages due to your injuries. Damages may include both economic and non-economic losses, as discussed earlier.

Statute of Limitations on Filing an Amusement Park Injury in Orlando

You only have four years from the date of the incident to file a claim against SeaWorld or any other potentially liable parties in Florida. But if the injury at SeaWorld Orlando resulted in the death of a loved one and you wish to pursue a wrongful death claim, the deadline drops to two years from the date of your loved one's death. If you fail to honor these deadlines, you will likely lose your right to seek financial compensation for your injuries.