Behind the Magic: Accidents at Disney World

If you or someone you love was injured while entering or exiting a ride or attraction at Walt Disney World, the theme park could bear financial liability. When negligence plays a role in your accident, a local attorney can investigate your case and outline the steps involved in preparing an injury case and obtaining compensation.

A glimpse behind the magic will reveal the complex process of financial recovery after an accident at Disney World. A Orlando personal injury lawyer can help you navigate each step of the financial recovery process. Many will review your case at no cost or obligation and represent you from start to finish.

Walt Disney World Has a History of Accidents and Personal Injury Lawsuits

Disney has previous allegations of injury or untimely demise occurring in its theme park, including the wrongful death of a toddler. A recent Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) report cites the following accidents and injuries:

• August 2023: A guest sustained back and neck injuries while onboard a ride
• June 2023: A guest slipped and fell while exiting a ride, resulting in an elbow fracture
• March 2023: A guest slipped and fell while entering a ride, resulting in a leg fracture
• November 2022: A guest slipped and fell in a theater, resulting in a leg injury
• November 2022: A guest slipped and fell while stepping onto a ride, resulting in leg and arm injuries

This list represents only a few of the attraction-related incidents and injuries guests have suffered. If you or a family member was injured while visiting the theme park, you do not have to build your case on your own. A Walt Disney World slip and fall accident lawyer can take on the potentially daunting task of pursuing the park and their insurance company for you.

How do You Prove the Theme Park’s Negligence Led to Your Accident?

To prove Disney World’s financial liability for an accidental injury or death, your legal team will prove it was caused by negligence. Negligence can occur in myriad ways, meaning a comprehensive investigation should be a key part of your injury claim.

The law firm handling your case will collect evidence that establishes the legal elements of negligence—duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Causes of accidents that could entitle you to compensation include:

• Faulty ride vehicles 
• Ride operator negligence, such as not paying attention or ignoring safety rules  
• An employee failing to inform you of ride safety instructions 
• Ride malfunctions 
• Incidents in resort pools 
• Water park incidents

Your Walt Disney accident lawyer will help you determine the cause of your accident in any Disney Park, including Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom Park, and more.

What Type of Evidence do You Need to Build a Strong Case for Compensation Against Walt Disney World?

Because theme parks are usually packed with people taking photos and videos of their outing, your Disney World attorney will search for bystander imagery that may have captured any aspect of the accident before and after it occurred. They will also collect:

• Any available theme park footage
• Medical records and bills
• Proof of income
• Witness statements
• First responder reports
• Expert testimonials
• Ride maintenance records

The evidence your legal team accumulates does more than prove the negligence that led to your accident. It also documents its immediate and ongoing costs and can help your attorney fight for a settlement versus a potentially lengthy court case.

What Damages Can You Recover After an Accident at a Disney Park?

Personal injury compensation can include three types of damages. Economic (tangible) damages include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Past and future income loss
• Loss of future earning ability
• Personal property damage
• Total loss of personal property

Non-economic (intangible) damages include:

• Disability or disfigurement
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life

Wrongful death damages, where applicable, include the costs of making your loved one’s final arrangements. It also includes your loss of their financial and household support and loss of consortium, guidance, and companionship.

How Long do You Have to File a Lawsuit Against Disney World?

According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. If your lawsuit is filed too late, it could be refused by the court or dismissed out of hand.

This strict filing deadline makes it important to seek legal guidance and support as soon after the accident as possible, since failing to meet the statute of limitations could put your right to compensation at risk.

Can a Disney World Lawsuit Be Resolved Without Hiring a Lawyer?

While you can pursue personal injury or wrongful death damages after an accident without a lawyer, having one to represent you has many advantages. Your lawyer can:

• Protect your rights as the injured party
• Clarify the at-fault party’s responsibilities
• Accurately assess your recoverable damages
• Handle all case-related communication
• Speak to lay and expert accident witnesses
• Canvass the park for photos and video
• Fight for you during settlement negotiations

An added benefit of letting a lawyer represent you is the peace of mind that comes with knowing all the legal parameters of your case are being met. In addition, it allows you to focus on getting better or on helping a loved one through their recovery.

How Much does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

It could cost you nothing out of your own pocket to get the legal support and representation you need and deserve. Many personal injury law firms will accept your case on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay the attorney’s fee upfront.

The law firm will cover all the costs of building your case and their fee is typically a percentage of your financial award, and you will owe nothing at all if you do not obtain one.

Contact Our Consultation Team for a Free Review of Your Case

If you or a loved one was recently injured at the popular theme park, you do not have to go behind the magic or deal with the legal aftermath of an accident at Disney World. Our law firm will handle all the details of your case, including taking on the insurance company and building a solid injury claim.

Contact our consultation team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today to find out how hard we go to bat for you.