How Accurate Are Safety Records on NJ Carnival Ride Accidents?

A number of recent amusement park accidents in other states have gotten significant media coverage, prompting concerns among many who own and operate carnivals and fairs in New Jersey. That’s because slip & fall accidents and other types of accidents at NJ carnivals are extremely common, especially during the summer when New Jersey residents flock to fairgrounds for a little bit of fun.
NJ state officials with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs conduct ride inspections and keep detailed records of carnival ride accidents. However, there still remain questions about just how strictly carnival operators follow NJ safety regulations and how forthcoming ride operators are about actually reporting every accident that occurs on carnival grounds.
Serious Injuries Suffered in Accidents at New Jersey Carnivals and Amusement Parks
Rick Reithoffer, the co-owner of Reithoffer Shows, which operated the New Jersey State Fair, said that NJ safety inspectors frequently check in on the carnival to make sure that the equipment is in “top-notch shape” and that there are no safety issues for site visitors.
Despite the best efforts of state officials, the reality is that carnival attendees do occasionally fall victim to possible negligence by the site operators and suffer significant physical injuries. For instance, a small child lost parts of two fingers in 2015 after being involved in a “freak accident” at a New Jersey amusement park funhouse. The site operator subsequently took steps to prevent a similar accident in the future by installing a rubber guard on the ride.
Any accidents on an amusement park ride in New Jersey need to be documented and reported to the NJ Department of Community Affairs. The standard for determining whether an accident must be reported is that the accident resulted in the administration of first aid to the victim. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always ensure that carnival operators will ultimately report every accident that occurs on one of their rides.
For more information, see the NJNews12.com article, “Kane in Your Corner: How Safe Are Traveling Carnivals That Come to New Jersey?”
If you were seriously injured while attending a carnival or a fair in New Jersey, you need to talk to a qualified personal injury attorney. The experienced, knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi can help you get the compensation you need, want, and deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Edison, Brick or Freehold, NJ.