The short answer is: Yes, you may be able to sue if your child was hurt at a waterpark, especially if unsafe conditions, poor maintenance, or a lack of proper supervision caused the injury. Like any place open to the public, waterparks are responsible for keeping their premises safe. When they fail to do that, and a child gets hurt, legal action can help families seek justice and support for what they’ve been through.
How Waterpark Injuries Happen
Injuries at waterparks aren’t just “accidents.” While wet surfaces are expected, that doesn’t mean waterparks are off the hook when someone gets hurt. The truth is, many waterpark injuries are preventable. Common causes of injuries at these types of parks include:
- Slippery walkways without proper grip or non-slip flooring
- Puddles or pooling water that aren’t cleaned up quickly
- Inadequate signage warning of dangerous areas
- Worn-down or broken materials
- Running water from nearby attractions that spills into the walkways
- Negligent supervision or overcrowded conditions
Children are especially vulnerable to serious injuries like broken bones, head injuries, or spinal trauma. Even something that seems “minor” at first can turn into a long, painful recovery or require expensive medical treatment. That’s why taking action quickly is so important if your child is hurt.
What Legal Options Do Parents Have?
If your child was injured at a waterpark, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. These claims help families recover damages for:
- Medical bills (including ER visits, surgeries, rehab, etc.)
- Ongoing care or therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Missed work while caring for your child
- Future medical needs related to the injury
In some cases, your family could also seek punitive damages if the waterpark’s conduct was especially reckless, like ignoring past warnings about a dangerous area or failing to repair known hazards.
Who Could Be Held Responsible?
Every situation is different, but depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following may be held responsible:
- The waterpark itself (for poor maintenance, lack of safety protocols, or understaffing)
- A third-party contractor (like a cleaning crew or repair service that failed to do their job properly)
- Product manufacturers (if a defective surface or material contributed to the injury)
Figuring out liability often requires an investigation. At The Button Law Firm, we work to gather evidence like security footage, maintenance records, witness statements, and expert evaluations to understand exactly what went wrong and who should be held accountable.
What Should I Do After an Injury at a Waterpark?
If your child was hurt, here are some immediate steps to take:
- Get medical attention right away – Even if it seems minor, documentation matters.
- Report the incident to the waterpark manager or staff. Ask for a copy of the report.
- Take photos of the area where the injury happened, including any warning signs, or lack thereof.
- Write down what happened while it’s still fresh in your memory.
- Talk to a lawyer before signing anything or speaking to the insurance company.
Waterparks often have insurance teams working to protect their own interests. They may try to downplay the incident or even shift the blame onto your child. That’s why it’s so important to have someone on your side who knows how to navigate these cases and protect your family’s rights.
How The Button Law Firm Helps Families After a Waterpark Injury
We’ve worked with families across Texas after life-changing injuries involving children, and we know how overwhelming it can feel when you're trying to figure out what to do next.
Our team is committed to helping families get the support they need and holding businesses accountable when their negligence puts children at risk. You can give us a call at (214) 699-4409 or email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com.