Jacob Gordon · Former Insurance Defense Attorney Florida Theme Park Injury Lawyer

I used to defend attractions, carnivals, and entertainment venues.Now I represent the guests who get hurt.

Theme parks, water parks, carnivals, and attractions are built for fun, and they have serious legal teams behind them. When a guest gets hurt, the investigation starts right away.

I know what that investigation looks like from the inside.

Florida personal injury attorney Jacob Gordon

What people say about Jake

AV Preeminent · Martindale    Rising Star · Super Lawyers    Top 40 Under 40 · The National Trial Lawyers    Member · Florida Justice Association

Quick answers.

The things people ask first.

Deadline

2 years

Most Florida negligence claims must be filed within 2 years. Fla. Stat. § 95.11

Fault

The 50% rule

You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share. Fla. Stat. § 768.81

Cost

$0 upfront

No fees or costs unless we win. Your consultation is free.

Florida theme park law in plain English.

Florida law

Parks must keep guests reasonably safe

That covers rides, walkways, pools, food, and crowd control.

Florida law

Ride inspections vary

Florida inspects most amusement rides, but large parks with their own full time inspectors are exempt from state inspection and report serious injuries to the state instead. Traveling carnival and fair rides must pass state inspection at each setup. Fla. Stat. § 616.242

Florida law

Defective rides can mean a product claim

If a ride or restraint failed, the manufacturer may be responsible too.

Florida law

Fault is shared, but over 50% bars you

Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. Fla. Stat. § 768.81

Florida law

You have two years

Most negligence claims arising after March 24, 2023 must be filed within two years. Fla. Stat. § 95.11

How my defense experience helps you.

I know their investigation starts first. Parks have security, incident reports, and cameras everywhere. Their first goal is documenting what you did wrong. I move fast to get those records and the ride data preserved. That keeps their version from being the only one.

I know the fine print arguments. Tickets and waivers come with terms the park will point to. Those terms don’t always hold up, especially when the park was negligent. I know where they’re weak, so you aren’t scared off a valid claim.

I find every responsible party. The park or carnival operator, the ride owner, the ride manufacturer, a maintenance contractor, a vendor, or a hotel on site. Every party found is more money available to you.

I handle your case personally. Many guests are visiting from out of state. I make it simple, and you deal directly with your attorney.

20
Jury trials
500+
Litigated cases
10 yrs
Practicing in Florida since 2016
<10%
Of lawyers earn Martindale AV Preeminent

What to do.

Steps that protect your claim.

Step 1

Report the injury to

Report the injury to park staff and get the incident report number.

Step 2

Get medical care, at

Get medical care, at the park first aid station and then a doctor.

Step 3

Photograph the area, the

Photograph the area, the ride, and your injuries.

Step 4

Get names and numbers

Get names and numbers of witnesses, including other guests.

Step 5

Save your tickets, receipts,

Save your tickets, receipts, and any park app records.

Step 6

Don't sign anything or

Don’t sign anything or give a recorded statement. Call me first.

Meet with me.

My office is on North Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. You don’t have to come to me. I’ll meet you at the office, at your home, or at the hospital. Most clients handle everything by phone, text, and email.

Bring what you have: photos, the exchange form, insurance letters, medical bills. It doesn’t need to be organized. That’s my job.

Call or text me at (813) 547-4707.

What your claim can include

  • Medical bills, past and future
  • Lost wages and lost earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Travel and out of pocket costs

Contact Jacob Gordon Injury Law for a free case review

    *By submitting this form and providing your phone number, you consent to receive informational text messages from Jacob Gordon Injury Law related to your inquiry, case updates, and appointment reminders. Message frequency varies. Message & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. Reply HELP for help. View our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

    Theme park and carnival injury FAQs.

    Possibly. Waivers don’t always protect a park from its own negligence. I’ll review it.

    Yes. Your case is filed in Florida, and most of it can be handled by phone and video.

    Often the ride operator, the ride owner, and sometimes the fair or event organizer. Carnival rides move from town to town, so evidence moves too. Call me early.

    Ride injuries, slips on wet surfaces, water park injuries, falling objects, and crowd injuries.

    Nothing unless we win. My fee and case costs come out of the recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.

    Hurt at a Florida park? Get the lawyer who knows how they defend these claims.

    Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.

    Helpful resources