While on vacation in Utah, a Texas man and his son suffered serious burns on an alpine slide on the premises of Olympic Legacy Park. Their injuries resulted in months of recovery and amassed a staggering amount in hospital bills.
Third-Degree Burns Suffered While at Amusement Park
The Edwards family, from Texas, took a family vacation to the Park City, Utah area over the July 4th holiday weekend. The trip included scenic tours of the area most well known for hosting the Sundance Film Festival, but also for its ski slopes that the U.S. Ski Team calls home.
Among the stops on the vacation was the Alpine Slide in Park City. The slide is a metal luge-like track that runs down the side of one of the many hills in the area. More than 3,000 feet long, the slide is one of the longest in the world and is enjoyed by countless tourists who come through the area. Tourists can ride down the track while sitting on sleds that reach considerable speeds, all while providing a pristine view of the surrounding mountains.
During the Edwards’ family visit, the sun beat down on the metallic tracks for hours, and the weather hovered in the low 80s. Mr. Edwards rode tandem with his 4-year-old son on one of the sleds but the sled tipped over during the ride, leaving them stranded in the middle of the mountain. Additionally, the spill made both riders come into contact with the track, which was hot enough to burn both of their backsides. In an attempt to get moving before another rider ran into them, Mr. Edwards righted the sled and grabbed the sides of the track to try getting enough momentum to start up again. It was only after this did not work that Mr. Edwards noticed that his hands and backside were severely burned and that his son had burns on his back, as well.
While his 4-year-old son was treated by emergency personnel that responded to the scene, Mr. Edwards required an extensive hospital stay, a skin graft, and multiple months of recovery time that prevented him from working.
Premises Liability Laws Should Discourage this from Happening
Property owners, like the person or company that runs the Alpine Slide, in Utah, are legally responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe for those who pay to use it. People who pay to enjoy something, like a slide, should not have to worry about whether the attraction is unsafe, or that they could get seriously hurt for doing something completely reasonable.
Find Helpful Hints and Guides for a Safe Vacation
Of course, it is impossible to anticipate every danger that we may face as we embark on a vacation. But, there are a few steps we can take to minimize the risk of injury to ourselves and our families.
Start by planning ahead. For example, a trip to South Florida will require sunscreen (make sure it has not expired) and bug spray. A snow skiing trip will also require sunscreen, properly fitting ski gear, and lessons for novice skiers.
Perhaps you are more adventurous and are planning an RV adventure in the Alps. If so, you can find plenty of recreational and safety tips in The Ultimate Guide to an RV Adventure in the Alps.
Ultimately, the best we can do is plan ahead for safety. Once we take as many safety precautions as possible, we have to rely on hotels, parks, and other establishments to do their due diligence in making their property is safe for our arrival.
Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, Premises Liability Attorneys in the State of Georgia
Dangerous conditions like the ones that the Edwards family confronted while on their Utah vacation happen all the time, causing serious injuries to innocent and unsuspecting individuals. When something similar happens in the State of Georgia, it is important to hire a personal injury attorney like Joel Williams or Chase Elleby who understand how Georgia premises liability law works. Learn more about Williams Elleby Howard & Easter at www.gatrialattorney.com.
You can also call 833-LEGALGA (833-534-2542) to schedule a free consultation with a member of the Williams Elleby Howard & Easter legal team.
