Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the excitement in your child’s eyes when you walk into an amusement park. The colorful rides, cotton candy stands, music in the air — it's pure joy. But as personal injury lawyers, we’ve seen how a fun day can take a devastating turn in seconds.

Whether you’re heading to Coney Island, Rye Playland, or a traveling carnival in the Bronx, here’s what every NYC parent should keep in mind before buckling their child into a ride this spring and summer. 🎢

Accidents Can—and Do—Happen

In recent years, amusement park injuries have made national headlines. A recent case in Ohio tragically ended when a man entered a restricted ride zone to retrieve his keys. He was struck by the rollercoaster and later passed away from his injuries. And here in New York, similar incidents at pop-up carnivals and neighborhood fairs have led to fractures, head injuries, and worse.

The common thread? Many of these injuries were preventable with proper precautions.

Tips to Help Keep Your Kids Safe on Amusement Rides

💡 Here are a few things you can do before and during your visit:

✔ Always check the posted safety rules at each ride. Don't rely solely on staff instructions — read for yourself.

✔ Make sure your child is the right height and age for the ride. Restrictions are there for a reason.

✔ Never leave your child alone on a ride if it’s their first time. Ride with them, or stay where they can see you.

✔ Teach your child to stay seated and face forward the entire ride. Unbuckling or leaning out can be deadly.

✔ Avoid crowded or rundown pop-up fairs where inspections may not be thorough. Stick to parks with visible safety certifications.

✔ Absolutely no one should enter restricted areas. Lost items like phones or hats can be replaced — a life cannot.

What If Your Child Gets Hurt at an Amusement Park?

If an accident does happen, it’s crucial to act quickly:

• Report the incident to park staff and demand that an official report be filed.

• Take photos or videos of the ride and the surroundings.

• Get contact information for any witnesses.

• Seek medical attention right away — even for injuries that seem minor.

• Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in amusement park cases.

Every amusement park operator, from major franchises to small carnival companies, has a legal duty to keep guests safe. If your child is injured due to negligence — like a broken ride, lack of safety instructions, or improperly trained staff — you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

We Fight for NYC Families

At Lockamy & Associates, we’ve helped New York families recover compensation for injuries sustained at parks, playgrounds, and fairs across the five boroughs. We understand how traumatic it is to see your child hurt during what should have been a joyful day.

Don’t let insurance companies or corporate operators brush off your claim. We’ll fight to make sure your voice is heard and your child gets the care they need.

Call us today for a FREE consultation.