Amusement rides are a favorite of many Pittsburgh area residents, young and old alike. Found in a variety of settings, including travelling carnivals, malls and amusement parks, children in particular look forward to the opportunity to ride on the various attractions. Not all rides end well however and at times, children end up in hospitals for treatment of injuries suffered during rides.
Recently, a study was released regarding the matter. It looked at injuries children suffered due to these rides over a 20 year period beginning in 1990. Over that period of time, a total of 92,885 individuals 17-years-old or younger, sought medical assistance for such injuries at an emergency room. The part of the body most commonly injured in these situations was the head and neck.
The most injuries involving amusement rides were the result of a fall. Many other injuries were suffered as a result of a part of the body making contact with an object while the ride was in motion. According to the study, amusement park rides pose the highest risk.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the number of such injuries routinely increased during the summer months, when kids do not spend long days at school, beginning in May and ending when September comes to a close. During these months approximately every three days a child is hospitalized for a period of time because of an amusement ride injury.
According to the study, the types of injuries most suffered include:
- Strains
- Sprains
- Cuts
- Broken bones
As families head out this summer to enjoy time together on amusement park rides all would likely benefit from following the rules posted at each ride. Should an injury occur despite following such rules, a personal injury lawsuit may be appropriate.
Source: News Medical, "New study examines injuries to children related to amusement rides," May 2, 2013