Theme parks are a popular vacation destination for many hardworking Americans throughout the year. Individuals and families alike enjoy visiting amusement parks for thrills, entertainment, and delicious food--and the last thing a park-goer expects is to be injured during what is supposed to be a day of fun. Still, amusement park injuries do occur, and in many cases, the parks themselves are the ones at fault. If you plan on visiting a theme park any time soon, it's important that you understand your rights.

Avoiding Park Injuries

First of all, understand that you have some responsibility as a theme park guest to act appropriately and keep yourself safe. This means staying out of restricted or fenced-off areas around rides, making sure you stay properly hydrated throughout the day, and obeying all posted safety requirements at each ride. Furthermore, you should always trust your gut instincts at an amusement park. If something doesn't look or feel right, bring it to the attention of a theme park employee. Ask to be let off a ride if you have a bad feeling about it; if the ride hasn't started yet, the attendant may be able to let you off.

What to Do if Injured

In the event that you are injured at an amusement park, assess the extent of your injuries. If they're not severe, go to the park's first aid center for medical attention and to file a report with a park manager. This incident report will be important later on should you decide to take legal action. You may also want to snap photos of the area where the incident took place and get statements from witnesses.

If you are seriously injured, call for help and wait for assistance to arrive; do not try to move unless you believe you're in a life-threatening situation.

Finding a Qualified Attorney

Once you've received necessary medical attention, it's time to speak with a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney--preferably one that has experience in handling theme park injury cases. He or she will be able to assist you throughout the complicated legal process, which may involve bringing a lawsuit against the park's owners, a particular ride manufacturer, or even a vendor. Understand that the theme park will likely already have their own team of experienced lawyers on their side, so you won't want to waste any time finding the right lawyer for your needs.