You might be able to sue for whiplash caused by a roller coaster under some circumstances. Certain elements must exist to successfully file a claim. Theme park liability is a complicated area of the law, and victims are strongly encouraged to discuss their case with a local personal injury attorney in Atlanta.
Whiplash Injuries on Atlanta Roller Coaster Rides
Amusement parks pose numerous hazards that can cause injury, and head and neck injuries are the most commonly injured body region, according to a 2013 report in the journal Clinical Pediatrics.
Whiplash is a catchall medical term for soft tissue injury to the neck region that occurs from hyperextension and flexion, such as when the head is whipped about on a roller coaster ride. It can cause various types of damage in the neck region.
- Strains and sprains to the muscles in the neck
- Strained and sprained tendons in the neck
- Strained and sprained ligaments in the neck
- Herniated discs
When a roller coaster whips in a different direction suddenly, it can cause the body to jerk in one direction while the head and neck continues in another, causing injury to the internal neck structures. This can be even more dangerous on roller coaster rides through dark tunnels because the riders cannot anticipate the upcoming turns and have no forewarning to brace themselves.
Victims may not realize they have whiplash immediately. They may feel pain in the neck, but not realize the full severity of their injury until later. It’s important to visit the doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis if you are experiencing symptoms of whiplash on a roller coaster.
Discuss Any Legal Options with an Atlanta Injury Attorney
Whiplash can cause pain, reduced range of motion, and impede your everyday activities. You may be able to file a claim to recover your damages, such as medical bills and lost wages.
The first step will be to consult an attorney to review your case. If the roller coaster was negligently constructed, if it malfunctioned in some way, or if there was operator error that led to your injury, you might be able to sue for whiplash caused by the roller coaster.
If you or your loved one suffered whiplash or another type of injury at a theme park in Atlanta, call attorney Jason Schultz for a private, no-cost consultation. Contact the office today at 404-474-0804 to schedule a consult at your convenience.