Adventure Activities And Accident Law
Michael Babboni
Personal Injury
Florida is a vacation destination for millions. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a trip the amusement park, or just some shopping and dining, there is plenty to see and do here. But what about the many adventure activities? Zip lines, parasailing, jet skis, and more are all present throughout the state as well, and taking part in these activities can create some great memories.But they also bring very real risks. In August, a 59 year old woman died after falling from a zip line ride. Over the summer, a teen boy was killed on the tallest water slide in the world. While the risk may seem low, there are very real dangers associated with these activities. And just participating in them means that you’re accepting that risk – under Florida law it’s assumed that thrill seekers are reasonably aware of the risks associated with what they’re doing. As such, much of the responsibility for your injuries and safety will rest with you.
So are they worth doing? Absolutely, if you’re interested in thrills and having a great experience. But you should also be aware of a few basic things regarding risk, injury, and your rights. This is especially true if you are injured while participating, when you could end up shouldering significant financial burdens. Here’s what you need to understand.
First of all, understand that virtually all of these attractions require participants to sign waivers. This can make it seem as though you have no legal recourse if you’re injured. To some degree that’s very true, but some exceptions exist. In particular, if it can be proven that an accident occurred due to negligence or recklessness, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your injuries. There are inherent risks involved, and if basic risks are to blame then compensation will be more difficult. But if an operator was drunk or the equipment wasn’t inspected properly, you may have more rights than you realize.
Pay attention to insurance as well. Ask the ride operator if there is insurance present. This insurance is rarely considered, but it does exist to help provide payment to those who may be injured in certain instances. Again, it will have to be proven that you were the victim of negligent behavior, but that insurance could help. If no insurance is present, it’s worth finding another activity – lack of insurance means that the company isn’t as professional as they appear.
Insurance companies and legal representatives for the adventure business that is involved will often use the presence of waivers to try to strong-arm injured people into silence. Contacting a good Florida personal injury lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and that if you deserve compensation, you receive it. Before accepting any settlements or giving up hope on being compensated for injuries, contact an attorney.
The bottom line is that while you’re taking your risks by engaging in these activities, there are some laws protecting your safety. If negligence occurred you may be able to seek compensation – even if you signed a waiver before the activity. The only way to know your rights is to speak to a qualified Florida personal injury lawyer.
We’re here to help. With more than 27 years of experience in the legal field, our team can get you the compensation you deserve. We’re located conveniently in St. Petersburg and are always standing by to offer a free consultation. Contact us today to find out what your rights really are.