What Should I Do if I Get Injured at Dorney Park in Allentown, PA?
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is one of Allentown’s most popular attractions. With thrilling roller coasters, family rides, and a sprawling water park, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. But even at a well-maintained amusement park, accidents can happen. A malfunctioning ride, a slippery walkway, inadequate safety measures, or negligent maintenance can quickly turn an exciting and fun-filled day into a painful and stressful ordeal.
It’s natural to have questions following an accident at Dorney Park. That’s why it’s essential that you speak with our experienced personal injury lawyers in Allentown to understand your legal rights and to make sure the necessary steps are taken to protect your claim.
When you or a loved one is injured at Dorney Park, every second counts. Contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.
Get Medical Help As Soon As Possible
After an injury at Dorney Park, your health comes first. Inform a park employee immediately about what happened and call 911 right away.
Even if your injuries seem minor at the time of the accident, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many times, injuries such as concussions, internal injuries, whiplash, or fractures do not show until days after the accident.
By visiting the doctor after your accident, you will receive a diagnose right away. This will create a medical record of your injuries, which will later serve as evidence for your claim.
Dorney Park has on-site first aid stations, but these stations often only treat minor injuries. If you have suffered serious injuries, it may be easier to go directly to a local hospital, such as Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.
Report the Incident Immediately to the Park
Since Dorney Park is privately owned by Six Flags, it is essential to report your injury to park staff right away. Let them know that you were injured and how the accident occurred.
Also, ask that an official incident report be filed. An official report will help document the specifics of the accident and where the injury occurred. This information will become vital in case the insurance company challenges your claim. You will also want the names and contact information of any staff members you speak with after the accident.
Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears
Unfortunately, any hazardous conditions that caused your injury may soon disappear before you even have a chance to see a doctor. That’s why it’s important to preserve as much evidence as possible right after the accident.
Here’s what you can collect before leaving the scene:
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the hazardous condition, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. Their statements can strengthen your case.
- Keep your admission ticket or receipt as proof that you were at the park at the time of the accident.
- Try to keep a detailed account of what happened at the time of the accident.
Details fade quickly. Any evidence you can preserve will help support your case for compensation.
Contact an Allentown Personal Injury Attorney
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Premises Liability Laws Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
Because Dorney Park is privately owned, claims against the park are governed by Pennsylvania’s standard premises liability laws. The law states that property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for their visitors.
To succeed in a premises liability claim, you generally must prove that the park knew or should have known about a dangerous condition, that the park failed to fix the hazard or adequately warn visitors, and that this failure caused your injury.
Common causes of injuries at amusement parks include:
- Ride malfunctions or mechanical failures
- Defective or improperly secured safety restraints
- Slip and falls on wet surfaces
- Inadequate warnings or signage
- Negligent ride operation
- Food poisoning or contamination
- Water park hazards such as wave pool injuries or slide accidents
- Collisions with other guests or park equipment
Assumption of Risk and Liability Waivers
Pennsylvania law recognizes the doctrine of assumption of risk. When you visit an amusement park, you voluntarily accept certain inherent risks associated with thrill rides and attractions. Parks post warnings and require riders to meet height and health requirements for this reason.
However, assumption of risk does not protect the park from liability for negligence. If your injury resulted from the park’s failure to properly maintain a ride, train employees, or address known hazards, you may still have a valid claim.
Additionally, Dorney Park may include liability language in its ticket purchase terms or posted signs. While these waivers can limit some claims, they generally do not protect the park against gross negligence or reckless conduct.
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation.
What Damages Could You Recover After an Amusement Park Injury?
If your injury was caused by negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses. Depending on the case, your damages may cover economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages are your tangible financial losses, including:
- Emergency room bills
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
Non-economic damages are the intangible, psychological losses you experience, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
An experienced premises liability attorney can help you identify every category of damages available under Pennsylvania law. This will ensure that nothing is overlooked.
Contact Our Allentown Personal Injury Lawyers at Munley Law for a Free Consultation
Being injured at Dorney Park can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. You don’t have to manage this situation alone.
With over 65 years of experience advocating for injury victims, Munley Law is ready to help you understand your rights, gather the evidence you need, and pursue full and fair compensation. If you or a loved one was injured at Dorney Park, contact our Allentown personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Allentown
609 Hamilton St, Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 857-7424
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Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
Posted in Premises Liability.
Tagged Lehigh County
