Roller rinks are popular attractions for people looking for a fun time. However, roller skating is not without risks, and injuries sometimes occur. Depending on the nature of your accident, you might be able to sue the roller rink for damages. However, this might be challenging, as roller rinks sometimes have customers sign waivers. On top of that, there might be an assumption of certain risks on the part of customers.
Whether or not you signed a waiver, the roller rink owes you and all other customers a certain duty of safety and care. The premises and equipment at the rink must be safe. The roller rink might be liable if your accident happened because of hazardous conditions on the premises. If you signed a waiver, have your lawyer review it to determine if it is legally enforceable. If not, we can fight the waiver and sue the roller rink for your injuries.
Call The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797 and ask our Dallas personal injury attorneys for a free review of your claims.
Why You Might Sue a Roller Rink for Injuries in Texas
People do not often associate roller rinks with danger, but risks of injury are always present. In some cases, injuries are not the responsibility of the roller rink. Patrons may be reasonably expected to assume certain risks when they slip into a pair of roller skates. For example, slipping and falling because you lost your balance on your skates is probably not the roller rink’s fault. However, accidents related to the condition of the rink itself might be cause for legal action.
You might be able to sue for your injuries if they were caused by hazardous conditions on the roller rink’s property. For example, if the rink flooring is uneven, damaged, or otherwise unsafe, the business behind the roller rink might be held liable. Because the business owns the rink, they have a duty to remove or repair hazards and make reasonable inspections for hazards. Failure to do this might lead to accidents and injuries.
We should also consider suing for injuries caused by unsafe equipment. For example, if you rented your skates from the rink that were damaged, you might trip and fall. The rink must make sure all its equipment is safe for customers.
Some accidents result from a lack of staff. Employees are needed to ensure that the premises and all the equipment are clean and safe. If the rink is dangerously understaffed, accidents might be more likely because nobody is around to prevent them. If our Houston personal injury attorneys know of any other ways the roller rink cut corners on safety, we can bring it up in court.
What Makes Suing a Roller Rink in Texas for Injuries Challenging?
Suing a business like a roller rink can be difficult because the service provided to customers is inherently risky. Roller skates can be fun, but it is easy to find yourself unbalanced, and falling accidents are practically expected. As such, when a person is injured at a roller rink, the business is likely to argue that the injured person assumed the risks.
When people assume certain risks, they knowingly engage in a risky course of action. As mentioned, falling while skating is so common that it might be reasonable to say that roller rink customers assume this kind of risk.
Another factor that makes suing a roller rink challenging is if another skater inflicts your injuries. Roller rinks welcome advanced skaters and beginners, and there is no telling who might be on the rink. It is not uncommon for inexperienced skaters to crash into other people or run them over. The roller rink is not likely liable for injuries sustained because skaters were going too fast or not watching where they were going.
In short, using a roller rink might be difficult if your injuries occur because of dangerous yet normal and expected aspects of roller skating. The roller rink is probably not liable for your clumsiness or someone else’s.
Suing a Texas Roller Rink for Injuries After Signing a Waiver
Waivers are designed to shield businesses from liability under certain circumstances. While a waiver might make bringing a lawsuit against a negligent roller rink more difficult, they do not make it completely impossible. Even if you signed a waiver, discuss your case with an attorney and have them review the waiver.
Waivers do not wipe out all liability for roller rinks. These businesses still owe their patrons a duty of safety. The rink and surrounding facilities must be in a safe condition for patrons. A waiver might not cover injuries from hazards on the premises or defective equipment or gear because customers are not normally responsible for these things. Exactly what is covered by a waiver varies from case to case, and you should have your lawyer look at any waiver you signed before you were hurt.
Even if you signed a waiver, it might not be enforceable and cannot shield the roller rink from liability. Waivers must contain clear and concise language that specifically explains what is covered. Waivers that are too vague or use too many catch-all terms might not be enforceable.
Waivers might also be unenforceable if you were not aware you signed one. For example, maybe when you rented a pair of roller skates, the roller rink had you sign a form stating you would return the skates when you finished. They cannot slip in a waiver in the fine print. Waivers must be signed willingly and knowingly.
Roller rinks are popular among young people, and people younger than 18 might want to enjoy time at the rink. If a minor signs a waiver without a parent or guardian, the waiver may be voidable. This means the waiver is valid unless the minor or their parents choose to cancel it.
Contact Our Texas Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Now
Call The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797 and ask our Irving personal injury attorneys for a free review of your claims.