Last Updated 26th February 2026. Theme park accident claims can be made by individuals who suffer injuries as a result of the negligent actions of the park’s owner or operator. Claims can cover a broad range of incidents, including ride collisions, slips and falls, and failures of safety restraints. Besides offering a fun and enjoyable experience, theme parks have a legal responsibility to ensure guests are reasonably safe on their premises. If safety standards are not met, visitors may sustain catastrophic, life-threatening injuries.
The team at Legal Expert are ready, willing and able to tell you if you have a valid claim in as little as a few minutes. Simply contact our advisors using the details below, and you’ll get through to a real person who provides a free, no-obligation eligibility check. If eligible, you’ll be connected with one of our expert personal injury solicitors who can provide a range of services and support. Whether you need help gathering supporting evidence or a trained legal mind to get to grips with the tricky terminology, we offer an end-to-end service to the highest standards.
So, why not speak to Legal Expert today and find out if you could make an amusement park injury compensation claim?
4.8 (466 reviews) Can I Claim Compensation For A Theme Park Accident?
You are able to claim for a theme park accident so long as the following applies:
- The accident was caused by the negligence or error of someone else.
- The accident happened within the past three years.
- You suffered some form of physical or mental injury.
Parents can also claim on behalf of their children, and you can make a claim if you have lost a family member due to a fatal theme park accident.
Will Buying A Ticket Or Waivers Stop You Claiming?
Buying a ticket or waivers of any kind may not stop you from claiming if there is evidence that you sustained an injury because of the negligent actions of a theme park operator. While theme parks generally require guests to exercise good judgment, take appropriate steps to stay safe, and comply with signage and staff instructions, they still have a responsibility to ensure the reasonable safety of guests.
This may involve keeping footways in good repair, conducting regular maintenance inspections of rides, and clearly displaying all relevant allergen and food safety information at all points of sale. Moreover, Section 65 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states that liability cannot be restricted or excluded by traders through consumer notices or contracts in cases of personal injury or death arising from negligence. In short, a claim may be possible where a theme park’s negligence can be established.
Examples of how accidents can occur are provided further down the guide. More detailed information about how to claim in your particular circumstances, and how the terms of ticket purchases or waivers may affect taking legal action, can be sought from our advisory team today.
Who Is Responsible For A Theme Park Injury?
The primary responsibility to ensure that a theme park is made practically safe will fall on the party that is in charge of the theme park. However, there are individual services and businesses that can operate within a theme park. The parties in charge of these services will also face a similar responsibility to ensure the relative safety of any area they oversee, or service they provide.
Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, these parties will owe a common duty of care to all visitors and users of their premises. This is a responsibility to ensure their health and safety as best as they can. If this is not done, they may be held liable for injuries caused by an unsafe environment or service.
If you have suffered an injury in a theme park, you can reach out to one of our advisers for more information about who could be held liable for your injuries. They can also provide you with information about claims for serious theme park accidents in the UK, or theme park deaths and fatal accident claims.
Common Theme Park Accidents That Lead To Claims
Typically, the most common theme park accidents that lead to claims are caused by mechanical failures, operator errors, inadequate signage for known hazards, and insufficient safety inspections.
Here we have some example scenarios that could lead to theme park accident claims. While we have tried to cover as much ground as we can, other circumstances can, of course, give rise to accidents and injuries. To find out if you could seek compensation after your specific accident, give our advisors a call today.
Possible examples of theme park negligence include:
- Inadequate safety inspections allowed a fault in one of the restraining bars on a roller coaster car to go undetected and unrepaired. As the ride travelled along the track, the bar suddenly came open, and you fell from the car, fracturing your rib bones and several vertebrae.
- A serious failure in safety dispatch protocols allowed a car with riders to be released while a test car was still on the track. You were sitting in the front row of the car when the crash occurred, resulting in severe injuries that led to your leg being amputated at the hospital.
- Broken flooring in the toilets was left unrepaired despite multiple cleaners recording the hazard in maintenance reports. While leaving the facilities, you tripped over a broken tile and fell, hitting your head on the way down and sustaining a concussion.
- A ride maintenance area was left accessible due to broken fencing. Consequently, your child wandered into the maintenance area and fell into the space beneath the tracks, sustaining multiple injuries to their legs, torso, and back.
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Injuries That Could Be Sustained In A Theme Park Accident
The injuries that could be sustained in a theme park accident range from minor scrapes to more serious trauma, including broken bones, damage to tendons or ligaments, and lacerations. Many other injuries could occur, such as:
- Head trauma and brain damage.
- Paralysis and epilepsy.
- Damages to nerves and internal organs.
- Loss of limbs.
- Psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
To find out if you could claim theme park accident compensation for these injuries, or any others you may have sustained, talk to our advisors today.
How Much Compensation For A Theme Park Accident?
You might be wondering how much compensation you could get for theme park accidents in the UK. As we’ve already mentioned, being injured alone isn’t enough to make a theme park accident claim; you also need to be able to prove that your injuries were caused by the negligent actions of the theme park.
If you successfully make a claim, you’ll receive general damages. This is one of two potential heads of compensation, and this heading covers your physical injuries as well as the mental effects caused by your accident.
The Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) is often used to help calculate compensation under this heading for claims made in England and Wales. This is because it contains guideline compensation amounts, some examples of which you can find below.
Please keep in mind that the first entry hasn’t been taken from the JCG, and that these figures are only guidelines.
| Injury | Compensation Guideline |
|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries And Special Damages | Up to £500,000+ |
| Loss Of Both Legs | £293,850 to £344,150 |
| Moderate (i) Brain Damage (c) | £183,190 to £267,340 |
| Severe (i) Neck Injuries (a) | In the region of £181,020 |
| Moderate (i) Neck Injuries (b) | £30,500 to £46,970 |
| Loss Of One Arm At Shoulder | Not less than £167,380 |
| Severe Psychiatric Damage (a) | £66,920 to £141,240 |
| Severe (iii) Back Injuries (a) | £47,320 to £85,100 |
| Moderate (i) Injuries To The Pelvis And Hips | £32,450 to £47,810 |
| Serious Shoulder Injuries (b) | £15,580 to £23,430 |
You could also be eligible for special damages. This is the second head of compensation, and not all successful claimants will receive it. The reason for this is that it covers the financial losses you experience because of your injuries.
For example, these might include the cost of:
- Lost earnings and future lost earnings
- Childcare
- Prosthetics and mobility aids
- Professional nursing care
- Private medical treatment and prescriptions
- Help with cooking and cleaning
To get more information on the kinds of losses and harm you could receive compensation for if your claim succeeds, contact our team today. Alternatively, you can read on to learn more about claims for roller coaster accidents and theme park injuries.
4.8 (466 reviews) What Is The Time Limit For Starting A Theme Park Accident Claim?
You typically have 3 years to claim amusement park injury compensation from the date you sustained your injuries. Therefore, it is good practice to keep a record of this date to ensure you start your claim within this timeframe.
This time limit is set in place under the Limitation Act 1980 and applies to the majority of personal injury claims. However, it does recognise that some claimants may not be able to start a claim within the 3-year period. So, there are some exceptions to this rule.
For example, the time limit may not apply to a theme park personal injury claim if:
- The claimant is a child. This is because minors cannot start a claim for themselves. As such, the time limit will commence on their 18th birthday and end on their 21st birthday.
- The claimant does not have mental capacity and cannot independently start a claim. Under these circumstances, the time limit is indefinitely frozen unless they develop mental capacity.
If the claimant is unable to start a claim, a litigation friend may do so on their behalf. Anyone over 18 years old may take on this responsibility. However, they must act in good faith and make legal decisions in the best interests of the claimant.
If you have any questions regarding the time limit for theme park accident claims or the role of a litigation friend, please contact our friendly advisors.
What Evidence Helps A Theme Park Accident Claim?
It is always our aim to secure the maximum theme park accident compensation amounts for our clients. To do this, the more evidence we can gather, the better. Let’s take a look at some of the evidence that can help to boost your case:
- Report the incident right away – this creates an immediate record. Make sure it’s properly logged, and get a copy if you can
- Photographs – If you have any photographs of the accident scene or your injuries, they could help to strengthen your claim.
- Witness statements – We will aim to get statements from anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Proof of expenses – Please keep any receipts relating to the accident, as well as proof of loss of income. This enables us to claim for this as special damages.
- Medical report – Your doctor will put together a medical report that details your injuries, the extent of them, and the treatment recommended.
Why Choose Us For Your Theme Park Accident Claims Service?
We know that a lot of people don’t make a claim for compensation because they are worried about legal expenses. This is something you do not need to worry about when you choose our service. All of our theme park injury solicitors work on a No Win No Fee basis, offering you a degree of financial protection.
No Win No Fee means that you will only need to pay legal fees if your case is a success, in which case the fee will come from the compensation payout. If, for some reason, we are unable to secure compensation for you, you won’t need to pay legal fees. This eliminates the financial concern, and it also reassures you that we only take on cases that we believe have a genuine chance of success.
Call For Free Advice And To Start a Claim
If you have been injured in a theme park accident that was not your fault, all you need to do is contact our friendly and professional team on 0800 073 8804. We will happily answer any queries you have, and our legal advice comes at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
These frequently asked questions on making a theme park accident claim cover some of the inquiries most commonly put to our advisors.
Can I Claim If A Rollercoaster Or Ride Malfunctioned?
Yes, you could claim if a rollercoaster or ride malfunctioned and left you injured due to the operating theme park’s failure to implement safety measures, such as maintenance inspections or sufficient staff training.
Can I Claim If My Child Was Injured At A Theme Park?
Yes, you can claim compensation if your child was injured at a theme park because of someone else’s negligent actions, although this would require you to be named as their litigation friend.
How Long Do I Have To Claim For A Child Injured At A Theme Park?
If your child was injured at a theme park, you will have until their 18th birthday to claim on their behalf. Should you not pursue a claim, then they will have 3 years from their 18th birthday to start a claim for themselves.
What If A Ride Stopped Suddenly And Injured Me?
If a ride stopped suddenly and injured you because a theme park failed to follow legal safety standards, then you may be able to seek compensation for the harm you suffered. However, it should be noted that rides are sometimes stopped mid-operation for safety reasons, such as clearing debris from the track, evacuating riders, or allowing other cars to run ahead to avoid a collision.
Can I Claim If A Safety Harness Failed?
Yes, you can claim if a safety harness failed due to the theme park failing to properly maintain or inspect it, resulting in your injuries. Safety harnesses, restraining bars, and other features should be regularly inspected for faults, and affected seats should be taken out of use until repairs can be made.
What If The Ride Operator Made A Mistake?
If the ride operator made a mistake, such as failing to properly secure or check restraints, you could pursue compensation against the theme park for any resulting injuries. While roller coasters and other rides have built-in safety mechanisms, an operator’s mistake can have serious consequences for riders.
Can I Claim If I Was Injured Getting On Or Off A Ride?
If the ride area was unsafe due to surface defects such as potholes, broken paving, or water from a burst pipe, then yes, you could claim if you were injured while getting on or off a ride because of an unrepaired hazard you had no warning of.
What Are The Biggest Theme Parks In The UK?
The biggest theme parks in the UK are Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park, and Legoland Windsor. Other large parks include:
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
- Chessington World of Adventures.
- Flamingo Land Resort.
- Drayton Manor.
- Gulliver’s World.
- Fantasy Island.
- Pleasurewood Hills.
More detailed answers, further guidance and a free eligibility check are only a phone call away, so why not talk to a Legal Expert about seeking compensation for your injuries today?
Helpful Links
- Back Injury Claims – Find out if you can claim?
- How To Sue A Company For An Injury
- Advice on doormat slip, trip, and fall claims. Find out how to claim compensation for a slip, trip, or fall due to a doormat.
- Learn how to claim for emergency braking accidents on a bus. Get advice on claiming if you were injured by a bus’s emergency brake.
- Get advice on making a claim for a cycle accident caused by cars changing lanes through our helpful guide.
- Fairground ride accident claims – if you’ve suffered an injury while on a ride, or navigating the premises of a fairground, either as a visitor or an employee, you can learn about your legal rights here
Thank you for reading our guide about theme park accident claims.
