Florida is home to some of the most popular theme parks and attractions on the planet, and Orlando has been called the “theme park capital of the world.”
Whether you work at Disney World®, Universal Studios®, Lego land®, or another theme park, you’re just as vulnerable to injury as workers in other industries.
You also have important rights as a worker under Florida law. If you have been injured on the job while working at a theme park, don’t wait to speak to a lawyer.
Contact a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your case and explore your options.
Know Your Rights as a Worker
Although most of the large theme parks generally treat their employees well, workers at theme parks don’t always receive the consideration and protection they deserve.
Theme parks tend to attract a younger work force, with many employees taking seasonal jobs as they work their way through college. Other employees work at theme parks during the summer as part of international student exchange programs.
These young people may not always know their rights, which can put them at a disadvantage after an on-the-job injury.
Whether you’re a seasonal worker, summer employee, or working in the United States on a special visa, you are protected by Florida’s workers’ compensation statute.
Under the law, non-construction industry employers in Florida who employ four or more full-time or part-time employees must maintain workers’ compensation insurance.
Also Read: Employees’ Rights in the Workers’ Compensation Process
Causes of Theme Park Injuries
Theme parks are widely regarded as happy, magical places. People travel from all over the world to visit the Sunshine State, and one of Florida’s biggest claims to fame is our assortment of family-friendly amusement parks.
On the other hand, theme parks are still places of employment. Just because a worker does not sit in a cubicle or work on an assembly line does not mean he or she is immune from a work-related accident.
In fact, working at a theme park can be downright hazardous. Common reasons for work-related theme park injuries include:
- Weather-related injuries. Spend an hour in the Florida sun in July and you will quickly understand just how hazardous it can be to work outside in Florida. Heatstroke and related conditions can be extremely dangerous, especially if an individual has suffered a heat-related injury in the past.
- Heavy, constrictive costumes. The character costumes that delight children and charm adults are fun to behold, but they can be akin to torture to wear. Workers who are forced to wear heavy headpieces and costumes can suffer serious injuries to their head, back, and spine.
- Slips and falls. Slips and falls are the number one cause of work-related injuries across all industries. Theme park workers can slip on wet surfaces, concrete, broken pavement, stairs, or around swimming pool decks.
- Performance injuries. Many theme park workers are professional or semi-professional entertainers. Dancers and other performers can suffer injuries while performing for audiences.
The workers’ compensation system is a no-fault system, which means workers are entitled to compensation regardless of whether they were responsible for the accident that caused their injury.
Also Read: Does the Florida Worker Compensation System Work?
Were You Injured While Working at a Theme Park? Protect Your Rights
If you have been hurt on the job while working at a theme park, don’t wait to speak to a lawyer about your case.
An experienced Florida workers’ compensation attorney will explain your options and help you determine the next steps in your case.
Read more about your workers’ compensation rights in Florida: