Carnivals

Chances are that you and your family members have been to a traveling carnival near your home, especially in the summer months when these carnivals are popular. Carnivals are different from amusement parks and other events with rides and games in a few ways. Understanding what a carnival is and how it differs from similar attractions is important in the event of an injury. If you or one of your family members were injured at a carnival, you might want to seek compensation for the injury. If this is the case, you need to know who is at-fault and how to proceed with your case. Here, you can learn more about what a carnival is and how to protect yourself against injury at a carnival.

What is a Carnival?

A carnival is most commonly considered a traveling type of fair. Carnivals are commonly made up of attractions such as:

• Games of skill
• Games of chance
• Merchandise vendors
• Thrill acts
• Food vendors
• Moveable amusement rides
• Animal acts

Not all carnivals will contain all of these attractions, but will likely contain some of them. Traveling carnivals are also characterized by the fact that they are not set up in a permanent location. They travel from town to town or state to state and set up for short periods of time.

Unlike fairs and festivals, carnivals are generally not tied to a community event or a religious event. Instead, they are put on by companies that travel from place to place. However, a traveling carnival might be hired by a fair or festival to provide amusement rides at their event. Traveling carnivals oftentimes have contracts with local governments so that they can participate in large fairs, such as county or state fairs, as well as smaller events, such as church festivals or school festivals.

Common Rides

Common rides at traveling carnivals need to be small enough to put up and take down regularly over the course of the carnival season. Oftentimes, traveling carnivals bring rides such as carousels, mini railways, bounce houses, mini roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and tilting rides with them. Some thrill rides are also included in traveling carnivals, such as roller coasters and rides with big drops.

Responsibility for Injury

At fairs, festivals, or independent carnivals, injuries that occur on rides are the fault of the carnival company. The carnival is responsible for the rides. It is their job to make sure that the rides are set up properly, maintained well, and operated properly. Therefore, if an injury occurs related to a ride, you should contact the ride operators or carnival owner for compensation.

Getting Help

If you are not sure who is responsible for your loved one’s injury at a carnival, you can contact my office. I am happy to review your situation with you and answer any questions that you have. I can help you determine how to proceed with your case given the circumstances that your family is in. For more information, you can contact my office today.