In the past few years, hundreds of commercial zip-line parks have opened across the United States. As of September 2017, there were 400 different parks operating, with more due to be opening. While this may be a fun way to spend an afternoon or to host a birthday party, there are risks. The risks are more in line with white water rafting than riding a roller coaster. A study that was published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine showed that the number of zip-line injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States rose from a few hundred annually in the late 1990s to more than 3,600 in 2012.
People reports that the parents of a 10-year-old boy who fell 20 feet from a zip line at a Florida amusement park have filed a lawsuit.
Kimberly Barnes’ son was attending a friend’s birthday party at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Lakeland, Florida on September 1st. The boy decided to try the park’s zip line ride called the Sky Rider.
The ride carries a harnessed rider on a track along the park’s ceiling. Surveillance footage caught the terrifying moment when the boy’s harness gave way, sending him falling 20 feet to the park floor.
Barnes received a call from the park telling her of the accident. She learned that they were airlifting her son to a hospital because it was a trauma situation.
The boy suffered from several broken bones, a collapsed lung, and a brain injury. He was taken to Tampa General Hospital where he underwent surgery and remained for several days following the accident.
According to investigators, the accident was a result of the harness not being secured properly around the child. The leg straps were not buckled, leaving the child to hold on with just his arms until he fell.
Barnes filed a lawsuit alleging that the accident was the result of operator error and is seeking $15,000 in damages.
The Controversy behind Orphan Drugs Approved for Treating Rare Cancers Orphan drugs are those that the federal government approves for use in the treatment of rare diseases that affect less than 200,000 people. New medications that treat rare forms of cancer or rare cancer-related symptoms are hitting the market all the time, despite their lack of clinical trials, a study published by Harvard researchers in...
Florida legislators propose helmet law for skateboarders Legislators in Florida would like to make it illegal for kids to ride a skateboard without wearing a helmet. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2014, over 100,000 people suffered a head injury from skateboarding. In an effort to decrease that number, Florida legislators are attempting to enact a law that would compel riders...
What to Consider When You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer If you were injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence in the state of Florida, you may be facing astronomical medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These obstacles are important in terms of what to consider when you hire a personal injury lawyer. You may feel overwhelmed dealing with medical appointments,...
Injury Victims: Beware of Social Media Use During Lawsuit The use of social media content as evidence in legal cases has increased over the years. With millions of Americans making status updates, uploading media and checking in at locations via smartphones, tablets and computers, it’s easy to track a social media user’s life just by visiting his or her profile. When our clients have...
How Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Work? Understanding how a personal injury lawsuit works can be difficult for the average person. Personal injury lawsuits typically involve a possible consultation with a personal injury lawyer and hiring them to represent you in your case. They will then conduct an independent investigation of your case. After this, a lawyer can guide you through pre-trial...
What Are the Benefits of Contingency Fee Agreements? If you are considering hiring an attorney or law firm that accepts cases on contingency, there are many benefits to signing this agreement. The purpose of this payment arrangement is to allow clients to hire an attorney without paying upfront costs or fees. It also guarantees their Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney will receive a...
What Should You NOT Say to an Insurance Adjuster in Florida? If you have been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence and are thinking about filing a lawsuit for compensation, speaking to the other party’s insurance adjuster may not be the best choice. If you have been hurt, you may not know the extent of your medical condition or if other medical issues...
LoanDepot Park Accident: How to Report & File an Injury Claim If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at LoanDepot Park in Miami, promptly report it to park officials and request medical help immediately. You can call the Miami Marlins Guest Experience team or look for a park employee to assist you with filing an injury claim report. When you talk to medical...
