Theme Park Employees
For many teens, amusement parks offer their first experience of employment, and those much coveted first paychecks. With heavy, fast moving equipment and lots of moving parts, theme parks present hidden hazards. Inexperienced or poorly-trained workers injured on the job can suffer lacerations, sprains, strains, and fractures.
Owners of amusement parks in New Jersey must provide a safe environment for their employees. Workers who are injured or fall ill on the job are entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. Those benefits are used to cover medical expenses, hospital visits, surgeries, and medications related to their job injury. Workers’ Compensation benefits also help to supplement the income an injured worker loses when they are physically unable to do their job.
New Jersey Amusement Park Accidents
According to New Jersey state law, any ride-related mechanical malfunction incident requiring first-aid or emergency evacuation at a fair, carnival, or theme park in the state must be reported within 24 hours. New Jersey Advance Media gathered and analyzed data reported by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs on theme park accidents.
Since 2014, there has been a slight increase in these types of accidents. In 2014, there were 139 accidents, compared with 113 the year before. Fortunately, that same year, no worker or guest fatalities were reported. Surprisingly, many of these accidents happen during the loading and unloading process. Guests and workers can slip and fall or become trapped underneath a moving ride. System malfunctions are another cause of theme park and carnival accidents. When rides do not work as intended, employees and riders are at risk.
If You Are Injured on the Job
If you are hurt on the job, the first thing to do is report the incident to your employer. They will give you the necessary paperwork to complete. You will need to undergo an independent medical exam to evaluate your condition and a treatment plan to heal and recover from your injuries. Your employer or their insurance carrier may attempt to dispute your claim, so it is important to seek the assistance of a qualified New Brunswick Workers’ Compensation lawyer who understands the law and will advocate on your behalf.
New Brunswick Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Protect Injured Workers
Employers are required to provide a safe work environment that includes proper safety training and equipment to help prevent job illnesses and injuries. New Brunswick Workers’ Compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr have been working on behalf of New Jersey’s workers for more than 40 years. We bring knowledge, experience, and compassion to every case. Call 732-537-8570 or complete the convenient online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation at our Highland Park, New Jersey office.
We proudly serve residents in and around Edison, Somerset, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
