If You’ve Been Injured at a Haunted House
The harvest moon burns bright in the sky. The temperatures are cooling from their sweltering summer highs. A hint of pumpkin spice and apple cider hangs in the air. Autmn has come to our region slowly and then all at once. October is a favored month of the year for many of us. Maybe we anticipate the flavors of the season. Maybe we long for sweater weather. Though of course many of us associate October with the thrills, chills, and spills of more macabre entertainments. Bigger, more dramatic, and more ambitious spins on the classic haunted house have become an increasingly popular seasonal entertainment. Though increased scope can mean increased risks for guests. It’s all fearful fun and ghoulish games until someone gets hurt. Today’s Malloy Law Offices blog post will offer advice if you’ve been injured at a haunted house or other Halloween attraction.
A Note on Premises Liability
As with any injury suffered on private property, any resultant personal injury case will fall under the umbrella of premises liability law. This legal concept establishes the framework by which persons injured by the negligence of another party may seek compensation for their injuries and other financial damages. In particular, premises liability allows for injured persons to target property owners for their negligence and the negligence of their employees.
In the case of a haunted house, haunted hay ride, or other Halloween themed attraction, owners must strike a balance. To create an attractive and memorable experience, they’ll want to cultivate the appearance of danger without actually endangering any paying guests. While this may necessitate a few obvious steps; making sure “rickety” or “unstable” staircases are actually quite solid, blunting any sharp edges, instructing costumed cast members not to be too overzealous, many of the hazards such an attraction may pose to guests are actually quite subtle.
Any of our readers attending horror themed attractions this season should be on the lookout for the following:
- Exposed wires or extension cords, especially on the floor
- Poorly lit areas with uneven flooring
- Slippery floors
Steps to Take if You’ve Been Injured at a Haunted House
Seek Medical Attention
It’s critical to give your health and wellness first priority. If you have been injured in a slip and fall, you should get medical help right away. Even if you believe the injuries are minimal, you should still get medical attention. This will not only provide treatment for your injuries but also produce a tangible document detailing their extent and origin.
Report Your Injury to the Authorities
Tell the employees of the haunted house where the accident happened as quickly as you can about what happened. Make sure that a formal report detailing the incidents, your injuries, and the names of any witnesses is prepared. Since the report will be an asset in your case, ask for a copy for your records.
Take Photos
Obtain proof to back up your statements. Take photos of the accident scene, being careful to record any hazards or circumstances that may have led to your fall. Note any pertinent information, such as spills, damp flooring, uneven surfaces, or insufficient signage. This evidence will bolster your argument and demonstrate fault.
Speak with Witnesses
Identify and get in touch with anyone who might have seen you trip and fall. Their proof might be crucial to establishing your position. Witness statements may corroborate the hazardous conditions and draw attention to the attraction’s negligence.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
For assistance with protecting your rights and managing the complexities of a slip and fall lawsuit, consult with an experienced attorney with experience with premises liability matters, such as Malloy Law Offices. They will examine your case, determine who is at fault, and assist you in navigating the judicial system.
What About Waivers?
The majority of haunted attractions will make visitors sign liability waivers as a condition of entry. These documents are meant to protect the business from potential legal action in the wake of an injury. However, these are not universal shields against litigation. Even if you have signed a waiver, you may still have a case.
If You Have Been Injured at a Haunted House
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury at a haunted seasonal attraction, contact Malloy Law Offices today. Our experienced team of attorneys is standing by to evaluate your claim and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. Contact Malloy Law today and let’s win your case.
