What are the Most Common Injuries at Florida Theme Parks?

 Posted on February 06, 2026 in Amusement Park Injuries

Florida is home to some of the most popular theme parks in the world, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens. These parks draw millions of visitors every year who come to enjoy thrilling rides and magical experiences. However, with all that excitement comes real risk. Theme park injuries happen more often than many people realize, and when they do, they can change lives forever.

If you or someone you love has been injured at a theme park in 2026, a Lake Mary, FL personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and what compensation you may be entitled to.

How Common Are Theme Park Injuries in Florida?

Thousands of injuries happen in amusement parks each year. Florida accounts for a significant amount of these incidents because of its high concentration of major theme parks.

What Types of Injuries Happen Most Often at Theme Parks?

Theme park injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries include:

Head and Brain Injuries

Head injuries are among the most common and serious accidents. These can happen when riders are jolted during sudden stops, when loose objects strike someone, or during collisions on rides. Traumatic brain injuries can cause lasting problems with memory, concentration, and physical coordination.

Neck and Back Injuries

The sudden movements and G-forces on roller coasters and other thrill rides can cause whiplash, herniated discs, and other spinal injuries. These injuries are especially common on rides with sharp turns, sudden drops, or abrupt stops. Neck and back injuries can be difficult to diagnose right away because symptoms sometimes do not appear until hours or days after the incident.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Falls from rides, collisions with other riders, and accidents getting on or off rides can result in broken arms, legs, wrists, and ribs.

Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations

Sharp edges on ride vehicles, badly maintained equipment, and falls can cause cuts and bruises. Many cuts and abrasions are minor, but some can need stitching and leave permanent scars.

Drowning and Near-Drowning Incidents

Many parks have water rides or features. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause for children ages 5-14. Theme parks must maintain proper supervision and safety measures around water attractions, but accidents still happen.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Florida's hot and humid climate poses risks to park guests. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen quickly when people spend hours outside in the sun, especially if they become dehydrated while waiting in long lines. Many people don’t know that extreme heat exposure kills more people every year than any other weather hazard.

What Causes Theme Park Injuries?

Some of the most common causes include:

• Mechanical failures or ride malfunctions
• Poor ride maintenance
• Operator error or bad training
• Poor safety restraints
• Not enough warning signs about ride risks
• Poor crowd control
• Slippery walkways or uneven surfaces
• Inadequate supervision at water attractions

Can I Sue a Theme Park if I Get Injured?

Under Florida Statute 768.81, victims can recover damages even if they were partially at fault for their injuries, as long as they share half the fault or less. This means that if you were hurt at a theme park partially because of your own actions, you might still be entitled to compensation.

Theme park injury cases can be complicated. Parks have large legal teams and insurance companies working to protect them (Disney has about 1,400 people in their legal department). They may try to argue that you took the risk by choosing to ride, that you did not follow posted rules, or that your own actions caused your injury.

To have a successful claim, you need to show that the theme park was negligent. This means proving that they did not maintain safe conditions, did not properly train their staff, or did not warn you about dangers. This is much easier with strong legal representation.

Call an Orlando, FL Theme Park Injury Lawyer Today

If you have been injured at a Florida theme park, call a Lake Mary, FL personal injury attorney for help. At The Doan Law Firm, we understand the impact theme park injuries can have on families.

Before establishing The Doan Law Firm, Attorney Doan served for more than a decade as a drowning investigator for the Galveston Sheriff's Department. He is also a member of the highly-regarded National Drowning Prevention Alliance.

We have recovered billions for our clients and have experience with huge cases. We offer free consultations, work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win), and take calls 24/7/365 because we believe in responsive and excellent customer service. Contact us today at 407-289-0000 for your free consultation.

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