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Jury’s Decision on Liability and Compensation
A jury has ruled that Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is liable for a significant accident involving a 12-year-old boy during the park’s Halloween event in 2022. The family of the injured child received a verdict awarding them $8,154,350.75 in damages. The jury determined that Busch Gardens was 65 percent responsible for the incident, which involved the child falling from a trampoline located in the Stanleyville Theater while contributing 35 percent of the liability to the child’s actions.
Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
This decision reflects the park’s negligence, specifically regarding an unlocked door that allowed the child access to an area restricted from unsupervised guests. As a consequence of the shared liability, the family will receive a reduced compensation amount of $5,300,328. This ruling highlights the legal and financial repercussions for Busch Gardens following this tragic incident.
Child’s Injuries and Long-Term Impact
The child sustained severe injuries, including blunt force trauma and damage to vital organs, notably the kidney, liver, and chin. Legal representatives for the family reported that the child’s right kidney had ceased functioning due to the trauma, resulting in ongoing medical interventions and complications.
Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
The attorneys emphasized that the child would face a lifetime of adjustments, including dietary restrictions and frequent medical treatments. John Morgan, founder of the law firm Morgan & Morgan, articulated the profound implications of the injuries for the child’s future, stating that he will have to endure renal protective measures that will restrict his lifestyle significantly.
Busch Gardens’ Safety Record and Concerns
The accident at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is indicative of a broader pattern of safety concerns at the park. Recent months have seen multiple incidents of violence, including a widely publicized brawl during a purported “takeover” of the facility. Such events have raised alarm among visitors regarding the safety measures in place during busy nights, especially during high-profile events like Halloween.
Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
In response to these incidents, Busch Gardens has implemented new security measures. The park is collaborating closely with local law enforcement to enhance safety protocols, including revising entry processes and eliminating barriers that allow patrons to bring prohibited items into the park. These efforts aim to restore public confidence and ensure visitor safety during high-attendance periods.
Financial Implications for Busch Gardens
The ramifications of the jury’s decision could pose significant challenges for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and its parent company, United Parks and Resorts. The park has been experiencing mixed attendance trends, with a decline noted in the previous year’s fourth quarter. Despite a reported three percent increase in attendance in the second quarter of 2024, the financial impact of both the accident and the associated legal case is yet to be fully realized.
Credit: Densky Simon, Unsplash
With ongoing safety concerns and the recent verdict, Busch Gardens is pressured to improve its safety measures to restore guest confidence. The financial implications stemming from the jury’s decision will be crucial as the company navigates public perception and aims to reassure visitors that their safety is a priority. Improved safety standards are essential for compliance and maintaining guest trust in the wake of negative publicity surrounding the accident and other safety-related incidents in the park.
