Safety Bar Failure: Can You Sue for Roller Coaster Injuries?

Each year, millions of thrill-seekers flock to amusement parks, enticed by the adrenaline rush of roller coasters. While these rides are designed for excitement, a critical component ensures passenger safety: the safety bar. But what happens when this safety mechanism fails? Can you sue for roller coaster injuries resulting from a safety bar malfunction? The answer is yes, and understanding your legal options is crucial if you’ve been injured in such an incident.

The Unexpected Plunge: When Safety Bars Fail

Imagine the heart-stopping moment when a roller coaster car ascends a steep incline. The anticipation builds, but suddenly, the safety bar malfunctions, leaving you feeling exposed and vulnerable. According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the odds of dying on a roller coaster are about 1 in 750 million, but even non-fatal injuries can have devastating consequences. A malfunctioning safety bar can lead to falls from the roller coaster, causing broken bones, head traumas, or even paralysis.

Establishing Negligence: The Key to a Successful Lawsuit

To successfully sue for roller coaster injuries caused by a safety bar failure, you must establish negligence. Negligence occurs when the amusement park or its employees fail to exercise reasonable care, leading to your injury.

Here are the key elements to prove negligence:

Duty of Care: Amusement parks have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for their visitors. This includes properly maintaining rides, training staff, and addressing known hazards.
Breach of Duty: A breach of duty occurs when the park fails to uphold its duty of care. Examples include failing to repair faulty equipment, neglecting to enforce height or weight restrictions, or ignoring safety protocols.
Causation: You must demonstrate that the park’s breach of duty directly caused your injury. For instance, if a park ignored reports of a loose harness on a roller coaster and a rider was ejected, the connection is clear.
Damages: You must prove that you suffered actual damages as a result of the injury. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.

Who is Liable? Identifying the Responsible Parties

Determining liability in a roller coaster accident can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible.

Potentially liable parties include:

The Amusement Park: Park operators and owners have an obligation to ensure their rides are safe. They can be sued for injuries if they do not properly inspect or maintain the rides.
Ride Manufacturers: If a roller coaster has a faulty design or manufacturing defect, the company that made it might be held liable.
Maintenance Contractors: Third-party contractors are sometimes hired by parks to carry out maintenance. These contractors can be held liable if their negligence results in an accident.
Ride Operators and Park Employees: Both the park and the operator could be liable if an employee doesn’t comply with safety protocols, doesn’t properly secure restraints, or operates a ride in a negligent manner.

Types of Claims: Negligence, Product Liability, and Premises Liability

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, several types of legal claims may apply:

Negligence: As explained above, this is the most common type of claim in amusement park injury cases.
Product Liability: If a ride or attraction malfunctioned due to a design or manufacturing defect, you might pursue a product liability claim. This requires proving that the ride was defective, the defect caused your injury, and you were using the ride as intended.
Premises Liability: Amusement parks must ensure their premises are safe for visitors. If your injury resulted from unsafe conditions on the property, you might have a premises liability claim. Key elements include the park knowing or should have known about the hazard, the park failing to fix or warn about the hazard, and the hazard causing your injury.

Common Defenses Raised by Amusement Parks

Amusement parks often fight roller coaster accident lawsuits aggressively.

Common defenses include:

Assumption of Risk: This defense argues that a plaintiff who voluntarily gets on a roller coaster assumes the inherent risks associated with the activity. However, amusement parks are still liable for non-obvious risks.
Shared Fault: If the plaintiff is partially responsible for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any damages, or their damages may be reduced according to their percentage of fault, depending on the state’s shared fault rules.
Waiver of Liability: When purchasing a ticket to an amusement park, you may be asked to sign a waiver of liability. These waivers may limit your ability to sue the park for certain injuries.

The Devastating Consequences: Types of Injuries from Roller Coaster Accidents

Roller coaster accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic.

Common injuries include:

Head, neck, and back injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, and spinal cord injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Internal bleeding
Paralysis
Drowning (in water park rides)
Cardiac arrest

Recent Lawsuits: Holding Parks Accountable

Recent incidents highlight the importance of holding amusement parks accountable for safety bar failures. In September 2025, a woman sued Universal Orlando Resort, claiming she was injured on a roller coaster after her head shook violently and slammed into the seat’s headrest. The lawsuit alleges that the ride failed to properly restrain her head and that the theme park failed to adequately warn her of the unsafe condition of the roller coaster. In December 2025, Universal Orlando Resort faced five lawsuits claiming guests sustained “severe and permanent injuries” after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The lawsuits claim the guests’ heads were improperly restrained, leading to violent shaking.

Steps to Take if Injured: Protecting Your Rights

If you are injured on a roller coaster due to a safety bar failure, it’s crucial to take the following steps to protect your rights:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your top priority. Seek immediate medical attention and document all treatments received.
Report the Incident: Notify park management and obtain a copy of the accident report.
Gather Evidence: Take videos and photos of the scene, your injuries, and any potential hazards. Collect contact information from witnesses.
Preserve Documentation: Keep all medical bills, receipts, and any correspondence with the park.
Consult an Attorney: Speak with a personal injury lawyer experienced in amusement park accidents to discuss your case.

Finding Legal Representation: Navigating the Complexities

Navigating a lawsuit against an amusement park or roller coaster manufacturer requires strong legal representation. A skilled personal injury attorney can:

Investigate the cause of the accident and determine liability.
Gather evidence, including maintenance records, eyewitness statements, and expert testimony.
Negotiate with the amusement park’s insurance company for a fair settlement.
File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary.

Amusement Park Safety Tips: Preventing Accidents

While amusement parks have a responsibility to maintain safe rides, riders also play a crucial role in preventing accidents.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Adhere to all listed age, height, weight, and health requirements.
Always keep your body inside the roller coaster.
Ensure that all restraints are properly secured.
Avoid poorly maintained roller coasters.
Take breaks in between riding roller coasters.
Keep your eyes forward and head up during the ride.
Stay hydrated.
Report any problems to the amusement park.

Conclusion

A safety bar failure on a roller coaster can lead to serious injuries, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. If you’ve been injured due to a malfunctioning safety bar, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. By understanding your legal options and taking the necessary steps to protect your rights, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the justice you deserve. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney today for a free consultation and let them help you on the road to recovery.