As the days grow colder and nights become longer, the feeling of fall is finally in the air. As such, you may want to get into the Halloween spirit with a few fun scares. Like many Pennsylvanians, a haunted house attraction may seem like the best way to get your adrenaline pumping. However, the last thing you may expect is to suffer an injury while in this location. Unfortunately, many are unsure how to seek compensation given the unique circumstances of these cases. Luckily, personal injury attorneys in Pennsylvania can help you recover compensation for the damages you’ve endured while in a haunted house.
How do injuries in a haunted house happen?
Though they may not seem common, injuries in a haunted house can happen. There are many factors that can lead to a guest sustaining injuries due to the negligence of the staff and owner of the attraction. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Slips and falls: Haunted houses pose the risk of slips and falls for a number of reasons. Unfortunately, due to the darkness, it can be challenging for guests to see hazards like loose wires, fallen props, or wet spots on the ground. Additionally, even in well-lit areas, guests may be too concerned with running from a scare actor to pay attention to the ground ahead.
- Being struck by objects: Many attractions rely heavily on props to help create a scary ambiance for guests. However, when these props are not properly installed, they can fall, hitting guests along the way. Additionally, poorly installed technology, like lighting or speakers, can also strike guests moving through the house.
- Protrusions: If there are exposed nails or objects sticking out from walls, they can jab and injure guests.
- Trampling: Attraction staff and owners are expected to adhere to the occupancy limit determined for their house. In the event this is disregarded, the presence of too many people inside the building can increase the risk that guests become trampled when the group is startled. As such, it’s necessary to track how many guests enter, and space out admission.
Is it possible to pursue legal action?
You may be worried about your ability to seek legal action following an injury in a haunted house. In many instances, you likely signed a waiver before entering, where you relinquish your right to pursue compensation for injuries sustained in the attraction. However, if your injury is the result of gross negligence on behalf of the owner and their staff, you could still file a claim. It’s in your best interest to retain a copy of the waiver and consult an attorney to discuss your options.
When you need assistance if you’ve been injured, Friedman Schuman is ready to assist. Our dedicated legal team is committed to helping you fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand how devastating these injuries can be, which is why we will do everything possible to assist you during these times.
